In order to bridge the gap between ethnic diversity and the care of patients, doctors and hospitals have begun experimenting with cultural competency education for their staffs.

From Medill Reports:

Dr. Bechara Choucair is the medical and executive director of Heartland International Health Center, which offers services to immigrants and refugees in the Uptown area. He said his facility provides mandatory classes for staff members to learn how to work with immigrants and refugees to ensure the best possible health care.

The goal of the program is to make the patients feel comfortable and respected, according to Choucair, who recently opened another health center in Rogers Park.

Choucair said the centers also have a doula program, where women who were once midwives in their hometowns in Africa are allowed to assist during prenatal and labor programs.

Choucair, who speaks English, Spanish, French and Arabic, said he tries to choose staff members from a variety of cultural backgrounds.