Ethomed

About Ethomed

EthoMed is a web-based resource that acts as a cultural bridge, providing medical and cultural information to healthcare providers who work with immigrant, refugee, and migrant communities. The organization's goal is to enhance the quality of care by offering resources that address the specific needs of these diverse populations.

The initiative began in 1994, evolving from the Community House Calls program at Harborview Medical Center, which was designed to overcome cultural and language barriers in medical settings. Drs. Tao Kwan-Gett, Elinor Graham, and Carey Jackson, along with librarian Ellen Howard and Ann Marchand, were key figures in the website's creation. EthoMed offers educational materials for healthcare providers on relevant clinical and cultural topics to improve patient care. It also provides patients with health resources tailored to their cultural and linguistic backgrounds. The platform's content covers various cultures, including Cambodian, Chinese, Eritrean, Ethiopian, Somali, and Ukrainian, among others. Materials include information on topics like Tuberculosis (TB), with cultural profiles developed in partnership with public health entities.

EthoMed is a non-profit entity that appears to be supported by grants and institutional funding through its affiliation with the University of Washington and Harborview Medical Center. The organization focuses on community engagement, education, and outreach throughout Seattle and King County. It collaborates with government partners, community organizations, and faith-based institutions to connect underserved populations with necessary health services. Additionally, EthoMed facilitates opportunities for students and medical residents to gain experience working with diverse patient groups.