More than six million people in California speak English with limited proficiency. Residents of this state speak more than 200 languages and bring a wealth of ethnic and cultural diversity to medical encounters. To provide quality care, physicians and other providers must know how to deliver culturally proficient care.
With the ultimate goal of eliminating health disparities based on race and ethnicity, California health care leaders meet together as the Medical Leadership Council on Cultural Proficiency to dismantle barriers to providing excellent patient care. Council members include the elected physician presidents and staff executives of California’s medical specialty societies and county medical associations, as well as health plan and health system leaders.
Focusing on the best ways to provide interpreter and translation services, effective ways to become more culturally proficient, and innovative ways to increase the diversity of California’s health care work force, Council members work to ensure that health care delivery keeps pace with the state’s evolving population.
Every patient deserves to be heard — and understood. In the 21st century, excellent health outcomes depend in large part on culturally proficient care.
