Muslim women and medical students in the clinical encounter

Abstract

As many medical students will encounter Muslim patients during their training, they need to be sensitive to religious and cultural issues, particularly for personal examinations. In contexts where most patients are Muslim, alternative options (e.g. manikins, international rotations) may be required for male students. In the UAE, patient education may improve history-taking opportunities but will probably not transcend religious and cultural beliefs without intervention from religious leaders.