Cultivating cultural awareness and humility is critical among dietetic professionals. Research demonstrates the need to develop cultural competence in our profession to improve practitioner-patient relations and reduce health care disparities.

Integrating cultural inclusivity and sensitivity topics and research into coursework prepares dietetic students to develop a true desire for cultural understanding. Two different courses will be presented: global foods and counseling/communications.

The presenters of this session share how they have refined ways to foster cultural empathy and respect within their students. The current Strategic Plan for the Academy highlights a focus area of Diversity and Inclusion with a goal of cultivating organizational and professional values of equity, respect, civility and anti-discrimination.

This session presents the lens of cultural awareness and humility that supports this goal and helps advance our profession within this diverse, global, and ever-changing world.