Culturally Competent Care: The Missing Link in
Public Health Equity by Thomas Kuriakose, MD
Published on: 06/13/2025
Achieving accurate public health equity requires more than expanding access to healthcare it demands culturally competent care This approach acknowledges that
patients’ cultural backgrounds, beliefs, languages, and values shape how they experience illness and navigate the healthcare system. Without cultural competence, even the best medical services can fall short in meeting the needs of diverse populations, as demonstrated by Thomas Kuriakose, MD
Culturally competent care means more than translation services or brochures in different languages It involves a deeper understanding of cultural norms, health practices, and historical experiences that may influence a patient’s willingness to seek care or adhere to treatment Providers must be aware of their own biases and take active steps to build trust across cultural divides.
When patients feel seen, heard, and respected, they are more likely to engage in preventive care, follow medical advice, and maintain long-term relationships with their healthcare providers. For instance, addressing mistrust rooted in past injustices, such as medical experimentation or systemic neglect, requires empathy and transparency from healthcare professionals
Strategic communication plays a vital role here Healthcare providers must learn to listen with humility, ask open-ended questions, and avoid making assumptions Training in cultural awareness, implicit bias, and patient-centered communication is crucial for fostering understanding and reducing disparities.
Data show that culturally competent care leads to better outcomes, including lower hospital readmission rates, improved patient satisfaction, and enhanced health literacy. It also supports more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans, especially when cultural factors influence how symptoms are described or understood
Public health efforts, too, benefit from this approach. Campaigns focused on vaccination, nutrition, or chronic disease management are far more effective when they align with community values and are delivered in culturally sensitive and appropriate ways
Ultimately, culturally competent care is not just a best practice it’s a public health imperative As communities grow more diverse, closing the equity gap depends on healthcare systems evolving to meet people where they are By investing in culturally competent strategies, we can move closer to a future where health equity is not an aspiration but a reality.