Commentary on Iraqi health and culture

Respect for the inherent dignity of each human is one of the most fundamental requirements for the delivery of culturally competent health care (National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties, 2006). The inclusion of the worldviews, historical events, and differing belief systems of others is a characteristic of cultural competence. The following interview conducted with Colonel John P. McGuinness, MD, an Army medical officer who served in Iraq from April, 2003-April 2004 and December 2005-March 2006, gives insight to the Iraqi culture.