A paediatrician is a medical professional whose focus is on children from shortly after birth to young adulthood. They watch their progress, checking along the way for any changes that may indicate physical or emotional problems. They perform tests, provide treatment and encourage their patients to live a healthy lifestyle. Yet, what is considered acceptable by parents and patients can differ due to cultural differences. This is true for pediatricians in Salt Lake City as it is elsewhere throughout the United States.
Cultural Demands
The ethnological and cultural base of patients in Salt Lake City is changing. Today’s patients are becoming more ethnically diverse. This means it is important for paediatricians to be aware of the different ways these cultures regard children. Only though education can paediatricians understand the influence of culture on the group of patients he or she is now treating.
Only by knowing about diverse cultures and the differences they may exhibit, can a paediatrician address the needs of all his or her patients. By knowing the ethnic and racial backgrounds of new immigrants and different religious groups, he or she can make sure children and parents are on the receiving end of a culturally sensitive approach to examination, management and treatment. This is true whether the demand is for the doctors to recognize, diagnose and treat problems that include chronic illnesses such as asthma or handle such problems that may relate to their cultural composition and upbringing including genetic diseases or difficulties in school.
The Pediatrician in a Changing Community
The changing ethnic make-up of neighborhoods in Salt Lake City mimics those of other American cities and communities. For pediatricians to be able to treat their patients successfully, he must undergo cultural health training. Only by being sensitive to the cultures of others and being able to implement culturally effective health care, can a paediatrician be truly able of addressing the needs of all his or her patients.
