This book introduces and defines Al-Hakeem Theory for Cultural Competence, which describes how this theory is conceived, its evolution, goal, assumptions, hypotheses, orientational definitions, constructs and implementation framework. This theory quoted heavily and drew copiously from the studies that have been carried out in the last fifty years in Sudan. Though some pedagogic considerations have been identified in support of this theory, the book's discussion used the jargon of pedagogy and epistemology sparingly. These have been considered the prerogative of professional educationists and academicians and should be relegated to them.This theory aims to enable bio-medical students and future healthcare providers to be culturally and socially competent. Its approach is to help them understand the best in all worlds of evidence-based medicine, and at the same time appreciate the riches of the Sudanese health heritage and understand all health delivery systems, old and new. Consequently, understanding the scope of cultural competence in early students' life is crucial if we are to make a difference in healthcare providers' future lives and if they are to grow up confident of their abilities and themselves.Al-Hakeem Theory for Cultural Competence provides a prima facie for a novel, innovative approach to medical education that is contextually Sudanese in meaning, content and structure. The theory also underpins a curriculum that offers a Sudanese understanding of medicine, health, illness, and disease. It proposes a model in which we speak in a Sudanese language and give Sudanese case studies without losing sight of new scientific developments or undermining international trends. Al-Hakeem Theory defines cultural competence and related terms. It specifies the required competencies and how to acquire and implement them. It does not criticise the wisdom behind the current educational system. Instead, it refines and improves the content, approaches, and methods of delivering the existing curricula and correct its deficiencies.The theory proposed in this book enhances knowledge, skills, and values in practice and policy development in healthcare education. It also articulates specific standards to guide learning and training in cultural competence. The theory establishes indicators so that healthcare providers in all areas of practice can monitor and evaluate the set standards. It also establishes specific ethical guidelines for culturally competent healthcare delivery practice in all healthcare facilities and programmes. The chapters of this book inform healthcare educators, learners and providers about what they should know about Western bio-medicine in Sudan, and reviews in full the Sudanese health culture hitherto uncovered as it should in the medical curricula.Al-Hakeem Theory launches an educational framework that embodies all domains of culture in all aspects of healthcare delivery. It adds the discipline of cultural competence to the university curriculum, enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the patient-physician interaction, and ensures that students have the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to work effectively with culturally diverse patients, families and communities inland and abroad.This theory does not provide a detailed description of everything students will learn; neither provide all the educators need to design a curriculum. However, it includes material that makes life easy. It provides almost all the help that makes healthcare providers more conscious of their environment and more familiar with the different cultures in their lives and work. It also gives them new insights that open horizons through which they contemplate their heritage's richness and how knowledge of this heritage benefits them in treating their patients.