J Natl Med Assoc
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To determine whether any associations exist between cultural (racial/ethnic, spiritual/religious) competence and end-of-life treatment decisions in hospitalized patients and the potential impact of those associations on hospitalists' provision of care. ⋯ End-of-life care may present unique challenges and opportunities in culturally discordant hospitalist-patient relationships. Culturally competent health care in an increasingly diverse population requires awareness of the importance of culture, particularly spirituality/religion and race/ethnicity, in the care of hospitalized patients at the end of life.
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Parental concern and negative attitudes toward drug use may prevent youth from being involved in drug use. However, few studies have addressed parental concern about children's drug use and its possible variation by race/ethnicity. In this study, we explored the potential racial/ethnic differences in parental concern about their children's drug use with a nationally representative sample. ⋯ The level of parental concern about adolescent drug use was different across race/ethnicity groups. The results may have implications for parental participation in school-based adolescent prevention programs.
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Substantial changes in not only access to care, cost, and quality of care, but also health professions education are needed to ensure effective national healthcare reform. Since the actionable determinants of health such as personal beliefs and behaviors, socioeconomic factors, and the environment disproportionately affect the poor (and often racial/ethnic minorities), many have suggested that focusing efforts on this population will both directly and indirectly improve the overall health of the nation. ⋯ Substantial changes in health education policy and funding are needed to ensure HBMSs as well as other minority-serving medical and health professional schools can continue to produce the diverse, high-quality health professional workforce necessary to maintain the health of an increasingly diverse nation. We explore several model initiatives including focused partnerships with legislative and business leaders that are urgently needed to ensure the ability of HBMSs to maintain their legacy of providing compassionate, quality care to the communities in greatest need.
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The brief CV review session: one component of a mosaic of mentorship for women in academic medicine.
In the current climate of increasing demands on a disproportionately small number of senior female faculty, we implemented a brief curriculum vitae (CV) review session as an opportunity to expand the professional network of junior women faculty and provide them with additional formal career advice. ⋯ Brief interventions, such as a CV review session, can provide additional counsel to junior faculty, helping them assess their career progress as part of a mosaic of mentorship.