Cultural diversity in Australian medical education

The present study sought to explore the relevance of cultural dimensions and cultural diversity among overseas and local medical students. The main comparison among the fourth year medical students studied was between Asian origin and Anglophone background students. The measures used included cultural variation, reasons for studying medicine, learning approaches and strategies, patient interaction confidence, and medical practices anxieties. Results indicated cultural differences between the two groups, and relationships between cultural variables and, in particular, reasons for studying medicine, learning approaches and strategies, and patient interaction confidence. Results were interpreted according to Hofstede's (1980, 1986) theory of cultural dimensions as they may apply in the educational setting.