Cultural Preference
One more week before I start classes! Hope everyone had a great new year! While on my internship, I realized just how important the last thing that I want to talk about is: cultural preference. Though it doesn't apply to everyone and this is just based off of my own observation, I have noticed that some people are more comfortable when they are working with people who share their same cultural background.
I initially noticed this when I first volunteered at the hospital I currently work at. No one was ever rude toward their therapist, but certain comments were made insinuating that they would prefer if they worked with someone of their same cultural background.
The same thing more or less occurred while I was on my internship. Though the patients enjoyed every therapist they worked with, they would comment that it was nice working with X because she is X and also speaks X.
Though certain patients may have their preferences, I never took offense, and I do not feel as though anyone should. We all choose our friends, etc., based on certain shared commonalities and as physical therapists we spend so much time together with our patients that we often times develop somewhat of a friendship with our patients. For many, when initially meeting someone, a shared cultural background initiates that commonality.
Overall I guess my message is that no one should become upset or offended if their patient expresses a cultural preference. I wouldn't imagine that someone would express this preference rudely, but even if they do, remember that you are the professional.