UCalgary celebrates launch of thought provoking book

Posted June 2, 2011 

by Kathryn Sloniowski

The book launch for the book co-edited by Dr. Rod Crutcher was recently celebratedIt has taken more than five years but on June 1, 2011, the University of Calgary celebrated the book launch of At the Interface of Culture and Medicine.  Co-edited by the University of Calgary, Faculty of Medicine’s Dr. Rod Crutcher, the book explores a multiplicity of sensitive issues faced when integrating culture and health care.

Crutcher said the topic was first introduced to him as a medical student, however, once in practice, he realized he, along with his colleagues were lacking in their understanding of a topic with such complexity. 

“I felt there was a need for something both broader and deeper in scope,” he said.

Crutcher added that writing the book which included collaborations from UCalgary Faculties of Medicine, Education, Nursing and the Department of Geography, was an exercise in humility.  He said it prompted the realization that he, along with his colleagues, were still learning how to best provide care and that cultural adaptation and understanding are multi faceted and a gradual process that cannot be rushed.

Dreaming of a book that would be both scholarly and engaging for a wide demographic, Crutcher said chapters of the book could be read selectively.  He hoped it would be a helpful resource to both understand and celebrate differences.

University of Calgary’s Dr. Heather Armson contributed to the book, co-authoring a chapter dedicated to exploring the experience of internationally educated medical graduates in Alberta.  As one of 13 UCalgary contributors, she said she hopes her contribution will serve as a catalyst to further explore this area which could potentially lead to enhancement of health for Canadians, by helping meet the complex needs of Canada’s increasingly multicultural population.

Emphasizing the ‘crucial importance’ of international medical graduates to the Canadian health care system, Armson also hoped to highlight their role and acknowledge challenges as they are integrated into the healthcare environment.”

Dr. Marianna Hofmeister, also a contributor from the University of Calgary, added that while approximately 25 different ethnic groups represent the patient population in Alberta, “it only makes sense that roughly the equivalent numbers of ethnic groups are represented in our physician population to better serve this patient population’s needs.”

Hofmeister added that roles of physicians and doctors are socially constructed, saying “it’s important for Albertans in general to appreciate the uniqueness of this context and the challenges and demands faced by others struggling to become a part of the socio-cultural environment.”