Definition
Cultural humility is a lifelong stance of openness, self-reflection, and willingness to learn from those different from oneself. It is distinct from cultural competence (which implies achievable mastery).
Why it matters
The shift from competence to humility reflects intellectual maturity in cross-cultural clinical work.
The Science
Tervalon and Murray-García’s influential formulation, later elaborated by Foronda and others, has become standard in health professions training.
The NSI Perspective
NSI holds cultural humility as a core clinical stance.
Clinical Implications
The humble clinician outperforms the competent-feeling clinician across cultures.
Practical Application
You will never fully know another culture. You can, always, stay open to learning.
References
- 1.Tervalon M, Murray-García J. Cultural humility versus cultural competence: a critical distinction. J Health Care Poor Underserved. 1998;9(2):117–125.