This statement outlines the attitudes, knowledge and skills expected of doctors in their dealings with all patients. The Council has developed a complementary Statement on best practices when providing care to Mäori patients and their whänau which deals with the standard expected of doctors when dealing with Mäori patients. A resource booklet entitled Best health outcomes for Mäori: Practice implications has also been developed which addresses the disparity between mainstream and Mäori health outcomes, discusses cultural concepts and provides advice for doctors. These resources should be read in conjunction with this statement. The Council also aims to develop additional resources to help doctors when treating patients from other cultural groups.