New book empowers health students to provide inclusive care

Associate Professor Tinashe Dune, an award-winning health sociology and public health academic from Western Sydney University's School of Health Sciences, Translational Health Research Institute and Diabetes Obesity and Metabolism Translation Research Unit, has edited a new book titled "Culture, Diversity and Health in Australia."

Published by Routledge, the book is a first-of-a-kind guide for health students and practitioners to better understand, engage with and address issues of inequity in ways that support growth and development within individuals and across diverse populations and communities.

Associate Professor Dune, together with co-editors Dr. Kim McLeod from the University of Tasmania and Dr. Robyn Williams from Charles Darwin University, identified a pressing need for a new teaching aid to better prepare health students interacting with Australia's multicultural and diverse society.

"Students need comprehensive training to introduce and explain important aspects of Australia's social and cultural diversity—and the related impact on work practice and health outcomes," said Associate Professor Dune.

"The book is an important step towards providing this crucial information and will play an important role in supporting the next generation of health practitioners to provide inclusive and positive care.

"With many migrants making Greater Western Sydney their home, this book is one demonstration of the University's commitment to its community, and represents our diversity, expertise and resilience."

A clinical psychologist, researcher and lecturer, cultural understanding and education is a topic close to the heart of Associate Professor Dune.

"As a Black African woman with Indigenous children, cultural safety, or the lack thereof, is something we experience every day," said Associate Professor Dune.

"I'm passionate about educating the health care practitioners of the future because it ensures that they are ready to support improved health outcomes in a nation that is constantly changing and diversifying.

"It's my dream that Australians receive the best quality healthcare regardless of race, ethnicity, heritage or religion."