A Novel Curricular Thread on Native and Indigenous Health: Fostering Cultural Competency in Preclerkship Medical Students

Native patients face persistent health disparities and barriers to care, yet medical education has historically lacked content addressing these issues. To bridge this gap, the Duke University School of Medicine integrated a Native health thread into its first-year medical curriculum. Developed by medical students and faculty, the thread aimed to enhance students' understanding of Native health disparities, cultural competency, and the lived experiences of Native patients and physicians. The thread included lectures, experience-sharing sessions, and a self-directed learning activity. Pre- and post-thread surveys assessed students' awareness, attitudes, and behaviors. Students entered the thread highly motivated to learn and engage with Native communities. Following the intervention, they reported increased knowledge and greater comfort discussing Native health issues. This mandatory curricular thread effectively improved cultural competency, knowledge, and satisfaction among medical students. Future efforts will evaluate the thread's long-term impact on clinical practice and expand opportunities for direct patient engagement.