LIMECONNECTIONV - LIME Network

Paper PresentationsDay Two - Paper PresentationsImplementing an Evidence Led Curriculum10.45am-11.45amChair: David PaulCultural immersion: what impact does it have in an undergraduate medical program?Authors:Dr Shannon Springer, Assistant ProfessorDr Brad Murphy, Associate Professor, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, Discipline LeadFaculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond UniversityAbstract:All health professionals require an understanding of different cultures to be able to work effectively and safelywith their patients and other team members. In 2011, Bond University in Australia renewed its undergraduatemedical program to include significant cultural awareness and Indigenous health education. In 2012, Bondestablished an Indigenous Health Unit and an Indigenous Health Working Party to implement its curriculum.In November 2012, Bond took 92 first year students into a compulsory two-day cultural immersion process toincrease their understanding of other cultures, particularly Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanderculture. This paper presents the findings from the evaluation of the cultural immersion, as well as the initialfindings of a longitudinal study to determine the impact of cultural awareness programs. This information mayassist others in the design and development of similar programs or policies.Presenters:Shannon SpringerBond UniversityDr Shannon Springer is Assistant Professor (Aboriginal and Torres Strait IslanderHealth), Clinical Lead, at the Faculty of Health Science and Medicine, Bond University.Shannon also works as a GP in Mackay in tropical north Queensland, to work in theAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service. He resides there withhis Iranian-born wife, Farnaz, and their two young daughters, Sophia five years andMisha, three. Shannon loves sport and was a promising young rugby league player withthe Brisbane Broncos.Brad MurphyBond University44Dr Brad Murphy is Associate Professor and Discipline Lead in Aboriginal and TorresStrait Islander Health, at Bond University, Managing Director/Practice Principal atAshfield Country Practice in Bundaberg and is the chairman of the Royal AustralianCollege of General Practitioners National Faculty of Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander Health.