Cultural Competency - Testimonials
"There is great benefit to both the Pastoral Care Department and the hospital as a whole to have the Cultural Competency Division. Religious diversity and cultural diversity often overlap. I have learned a great deal from this program. The noon sessions have been very informative. I have posed specific questions to this staff regarding several patients I have had and their answers have been most helpful. A broader and wiser sense of cultural diversity has helped me give better pastoral care. Thanks. Keep up the good work."
Rev. George Lambrides
Staff Chaplain/Palliative Care Chaplain
Pastoral Care
"I was very pleased to see the information on Native American Healing Practices in the recent Bulletin-online. This information hits home, because my children are both part Native American, and many of my friends (who are also patients here occasionally) also follow various Native American Paths. Thank you for providing this information about alternative paths. If we are sensitive to the paths and preferences of our patients we can provide a more comfortable atmosphere in which to help them heal. As an employee and a person, I am always happy to acquire any knowledge that will help me understand others on a deeper level. Thank you"
Melissa Hayes
Clerk
Radiology Reception A
"The Cultural Competency Program has been very helpful to us in the development and implementation of our Socio-cultural Curriculum for Pediatric and Medicine/Pediatric residents and fellows. The Cultural Competency Program has also assisted us in faculty development efforts and patient education. This program is a key resource as we serve an increasingly diverse populations at UMHS."
Mary Bozynski, MD
Associate Chair and Professor
UMHS Dept. of Pediatric & Communicable Diseases
"Genetic counselors will often encounter patients from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Our role includes discussing with them sensitive health issues and topics that may be viewed in different ways by different cultures including what caused a disease in themselves or their family or the likelihood that the patient will develop a disease in the future. Understanding and being sensitive to their beliefs is crucial to establishing a relationship of trust and a relationship that will allow the patient to be served in their best interest. As an educator, it is my responsibility to begin teaching that type of awareness and understanding to our students in the University of Michigan Genetic Counseling Program. At first it was a task that seemed overwhelming because of the breadth of different cultures and beliefs that exist around the world. Teaming with Jacqueline Voigt and the Cultural Competency Program though has helped us to move forward toward our goal of being culturally aware. I was impressed by the amount of time Jacqueline was willing to spend with us to understand the role a genetic counselor plays and to determine how the Cultural Competency Program could best aid us. She was incredibly creative in thinking of ways to bring multiculturalism to life for our students. We have just begun our work but already I can see a difference in not only our students but also in the way I personally think about patients of different cultures. I look forward to continuing to work with the Cultural Competency Program."
Karen A. Johnson, MS, CGC
Acting Director
Genetic Counseling Program
"We're delighted to partner with the Cultural Competency Program to provide campus access to the book Culture & Nursing Care: A Pocket Guide . Having this information widely available will be very useful for educating staff and enhancing communication with patients and their families. Jacqueline's presentation to our library staff was great and our Library Diversity Committee is looking forward to having her speak at a larger event. Keep up the great work!"
Pat Redman
Head of Information Services, Librarian
Taubman Medical Library
"I appreciated the one-on-one effort in attempting to understand the legitimate needs of the Muslim patients and staff, then methodically explore what can reasonably be achieved. The benefits soon became evident: enhanced patient satisfaction and appreciation, a more efficient and a content employee, and an approach facilitated by open communication and understanding."
Nabil Khalidi, Pharm.D., BCNSP
Associate Director of Pharmacy Services
Clinical Associate Professor
"A note to thank you for doing the class for Interpreter Services. I found it very useful and I look forward to the next one."
Barbara Stahler-Sholk
Spanish Language Interpreter
Interpreter Services
"Nurses are aware of the importance of communication - between the nurse and patient and family as well as among the health care team. Thanks to Jacqueline Voigt, I've learned the term 'cultural competence' and what it means. It's not just relevant on the job, but relevant 24-7. Though personally interested in improving my own cultural competence, I'm aware that wanting to be competent isn't the same as actually being competent. Quite honestly, I worry about crossing the line between communicating effectively, respecting cultural differences, and stereotyping people. Through the collaboration and resources of the Cultural Competency Program (CCP), I've been able to learn about resources to increase effectiveness and share concerns about 'getting it wrong.' The Cultural Competency Program is new but in a short time has offered so much to staff and patients. I think it's evidence of UMHS' commitment to 'Patients and Families First.'"
Elizabeth M. Nolan, MS, RN, CS
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Cardiovascular Center
"Your note in the Bulletin about Russian patients has prompted me to respond in kind. Congratulations on putting that information in there. Very creative and very informative."
Carol Williams, MS, RN
Educational Specialist
Educational Services for Nursing
"I have enjoyed reading your little notes on various cultures [in the Bulletin ]."
Suzanne Fleming,
General Surgery
"I value your emails on various cultures [in the Bulletin ]...thanks."
Suzanne M. Bade, MPH, OTR
Clinical Specialist
University of Michigan MWorks
