Cultural lessons might aid doctors

ALBANY - When a Muslim woman told Dr. Toni McLaurin of her concerns about being treated by men, the orthopedic surgeon immediately set her at ease.

“Everyone involved in her care (during surgery) was female, and also was careful to keep her covered and be appropriate with her in terms of her modesty,” McLaurin said.

As minority populations grow and more immigrants arrive, such cultural sensitivity is gaining greater attention in an effort to improve health care by improving communication.