Exploring the theoretical framework of cultural competency training.

Cultural competency has become an important component of physician assistant education. How to implement the cultural competency training is still daunting to many PA educators. Theoretical frameworks of cultural competency training emphasize moving from exposure to diversity and fostering cultural awareness, to obtaining cultural knowledge and cultural skills, and then applying the knowledge and skills to actual diverse patient populations. Only by moving through the phases of the theoretical frameworks will students sincerely understand culture and the importance of cultural competency training in decreasing health care disparity.