College Connection | Summer 2024
Fostering meaningful cross-cultural interactions
College Connection | Summer 2024
CULTURAL HUMILITY
Fostering meaningful cross-cultural interactions
In an increasingly interconnected world , understanding and respecting cultural diversity is paramount . Cultural humility invites individuals to adopt a mindset of continuous learning and self-reflection in their interactions with diverse cultures , which helps to foster meaningful cross-cultural interactions . For veterinarians , the ability to provide effective care relies not only on medical expertise , but also on understanding and respecting the cultural backgrounds of those they serve .
Since 2020 , the College has been developing its inclusion , diversity , equity , and accessibility ( IDEA ) action plan and strengthening its policies and practices using an equity and inclusion lens . The Quality Assurance Committee has had an active role in this initiative and has provided an approved definition of cultural humility :
A lifelong process of self-reflection and self-critique to understand personal and systemic biases and to develop and maintain respectful processes and relationships based on mutual trust . Cultural humility involves humbly acknowledging oneself as a learner when it comes to understanding another ’ s experience .
Adapted from Creating a Climate for Change : Cultural Safety and Humility in Health Services and Delivery for First Nations and Aboriginal Peoples in British Columbia
Cultural humility acknowledges the limitations of one ’ s own cultural perspective while valuing and respecting the diverse backgrounds of others ; it ’ s an ongoing process of self-reflection , learning , and openness to different perspectives . For veterinarians , cultivating cultural humility is especially important when working with clients and veterinary teams from diverse backgrounds .
In veterinary practice , cultural humility is demonstrated in several ways , starting with acknowledging the unique cultural beliefs and practices that influence how clients perceive and approach animal care . For example , attitudes toward pet ownership , treatment preferences , and even communication styles can vary widely among different cultural groups . By approaching each client encounter with an open mind and a willingness to learn , veterinarians can better understand and respect these cultural nuances , ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided .
Cultural humility fosters trust between veterinarians and their clients , particularly those from marginalized or underserved communities .
When clients feel understood and respected in their cultural context , they are more likely to engage with veterinary services , follow treatment recommendations , and advocate for their pets ’ wellbeing . This trust is invaluable in building long-term relationships and promoting positive health outcomes for animals .
Cultural humility also enhances communication and collaboration within veterinary teams , which are often made up of individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds . By creating an environment where all team members feel valued and respected , cultural humility fosters teamwork and innovation , benefiting both the practice and its clientele .
The College is continuing its work on the IDEA action plan , and you can look forward to hearing more about the progress , as well as future articles and podcasts to help veterinarians grasp this important topic .
Starting your cultural humility journey can be as easy as asking yourself a few simple questions and practising self-reflection in your daily life . One place to start is with the AVMA Cultural Competence Self- Assessment Checklist . This checklist can help you explore your cultural competence awareness , knowledge , and skills . By embracing cultural humility , veterinarians can enhance the quality of care they provide , build trust with clients , and foster collaboration within their teams .
References
Cultural competence and cultural humility in veterinary medicine . American Veterinary Medical Association . ( n . d .). https :// www . avma . org / resources-tools / diversityand-inclusion-veterinary-medicine / cultural-competence-and-humility
Constantinou , Costas . ( 2023 ). Need for Widely Applicable Cultural Competencies in the Healthcare of Humans and Animals . Encyclopedia . 3 . 956-963 . 10.3390 / encyclopedia3030068 .
Culturally connected . Culturally Connected . ( n . d .). https :// www . culturallyconnected . ca /
Public confidence in veterinary regulation cvo . org 7