Christos Tsagkaris, Technical Advisory Group Member at WHO Regional Office for Europe, shared on LinkedIn:
“A few days ago, I had the pleasure of returning, virtually, to the School of Medicine/University of Crete, where I studied medicine, to join a Clinical Bioethics class and discuss ethical dilemmas in public and population health, particularly how they shape our communication with patients and the wider public.
Among other things, I shared a personal experience that reminded me that promoting lifestyle change may begin not with giving advice, but with building trust
As healthcare professionals, we are guided by ethical principles, but putting them into practice is often more complex, sometimes requiring us to go out of our way, even at a personal cost, to build trust and a sense of safety.
The same applies beyond healthcare facilities, where meaningful communication about health and lifestyle choices requires not only sound scientific advice, but also understanding and rapport.
During my studies I was lucky to learn that we are not there to judge people’s choices or simply tell them how to live.
We often face the same challenges and struggles as those we care for, and if we are to take a position, it should be alongside them.
Together with patients, communities and other stakeholders, we can better understand the circumstances that shape our health, identify what compromises our safety and well-being, and work towards meaningful change.
After all, improving health is not something we do for others, but something we pursue together.
It was particularly meaningful to return to a classroom where I had once been a student and try to give this lesson back.
My sincere thanks to Professors Miliaraki and Christos Tsitsipanis for the kind invitation, and congratulations on their excellent work in encouraging students to reflect on biopsychosocial medical practice.”
Other articles from Christos Tsagkaris on OncoDaily.