Content area
Full Text
http://crossmark.crossref.org/dialog/?doi=10.1007/s13187-015-0878-0&domain=pdf
Web End = J Canc Educ (2016) 31:813815 DOI 10.1007/s13187-015-0878-0
http://crossmark.crossref.org/dialog/?doi=10.1007/s13187-015-0878-0&domain=pdf
Web End = BA Word can become a Seed^: A Lesson Learned about Cultural Humility
Edward Kangsuhp Kim1
Published online: 8 July 2015# American Association for Cancer Education 2015
Abstract Culturally competent cancer care approaches are necessary to effectively engage ethnic and racial minorities. This reflection shares personal insights on this subject gained throughout my journey from a young immigrant to a medical and public health student in the USA. The death of a friend prompted me to explore what I had deemed as my familys taboo subjects: discussing illness, cancer, and death in the family. However, I eventually realized that it was I who perceived it as taboo subjects. When I inquired earnestly about their health beliefs and values and asked questions in a way that respected those beliefs and values, my family was quite willing to talk about these uncomfortable topics. Subsequent encounters with minority patients and the process of synthesizing this reflection helped me recognize that the way I successfully addressed what I had erroneously assumed to be taboo subjects embodied the idea of cultural humility and can also be applied to issues with other minority patients and families. This recognition will not only make me a better physician but also allow me to become a strong advocate of cultural humility, especially in cancer care and education.
On July 10, 2001, my parents brought my younger brother and me to the USA from South Korea so that we could have a better life. Uprooting everything and moving to the USA was a tremendous undertaking, but my familys placing the well-being of the younger generation above all made it possible. However, despite my parents best intentions, our new life in
America was unbearable. The language and cultural barriers seemed insurmountable to my 13-year-old self. Gritting my teeth, I became determined to overcome these barriers. I memorized a Korean-English dictionary, read Arthur, watched Sesame Street, and listened to NPR. I saw the result of my efforts when one day, after 6 months of studying, I tuned into NPR and actually understood the words, BFrom NPR News, this is All Things Considered.^
Over time, my knowledge of English and American culture strengthened....