Module 5 – Unit 2: Listening Task 
Cultural Encounters in Clinical Settings
Think About It Health care professionals in the U.S. are likely to encounter patients from many diverse ethnic backgrounds and religions. How can cultural differences affect patient care?
You will hear a conversation between a physician, Dr. Liu, and an elderly Chinese woman, Emma Wing, at a clinic in Chinatown. Mrs. Wing has been to the clinic before, but she has not seen Dr. Liu. She comes to the appointment with her husband. The conversation took place in Cantonese, but you will hear it in English.
First Listening
Listen for the main ideas and answer the questions below.
- Why is Mrs. Wing seeing a physician?
- What are Dr. Liu’s concerns about Mrs. Wing’s health?
Second Listening
Listen to the conversation again. Take notes on cultural information about the patient.
- length of time in the U.S./acculturation
- health beliefs and healing practices
- decision-making practices
Now answer the following questions.
- How are the physician’s and patient’s values different?
- Do you think the physician is being culturally sensitive to the patient? Why or why not? Give examples.
- If you were the physician, would you do anything differently? If so, what would you change?