Abstract
In healthcare, there is an undeniable need for cultural competence in order to address the health needs of our growing, pluralistic families, eliminate existing health disparities, mend a fragmented system of care where some receive better services than others, and meet the required standards of accreditation bodies within health training programs. This review addresses the foundation, history, and complexity of cultural competency in healthcare and medicine. There is a description of current training in and evaluation of cultural competency, models of cultural competence, and future directions in research and training in the area of cultural competency.