Prof. Dr. Deniz Demiryürek MD,PhD / Turkey

Prof. Dr. Deniz Demiryürek MD,PhD

Dean of the Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine/ Professor of Anatomy/ Head of Complementary Medicine Unit of Hacettepe University Hospitals / Head of Anatomy Department Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine

“It is very urgent for medical curricula to prioritize communication skills alongside clinical training since one of the lacking issue. Unless you don’t understand your patient, you’ll be not able to help.”, says Prof. Dr. Deniz Demiryürek MD,PhD.

In an enlightening interview, Prof. Dr. Deniz Demiryürek, Dean of the Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, a distinguished Professor of Anatomy and the Head of the Complementary Medicine Unit at Hacettepe University Hospitals, emphasizes the critical importance of empathy and communication skills in medical education and practice:

  • How has your experience as a Dean and Physician shaped your views on the role of empathy and communication in healthcare?

As a 30-year veteran in medicine, serving in various positions from corporate identity coordinator to dean, I believe the role of empathy in the field of health sciences and services is a main necessity, and a must. Complementary, communication skills in health care are very important for achieving the goals of your right treatment in collaboration with your patient.

  •  In your opinion, how urgent is it for medical curricula to prioritize these skills alongside clinical training?

 It is very urgent. Unless you can reach your patient, including understanding the illness and planning the examination and treatment pathway together with them, you will not be able to help. Medical curricula must prioritize these skills alongside clinical training.

  • Can you share a particular instance where effective communication or empathy significantly impacted patient care?

Yes, I recall a troubling case of a friend’s father. He was suffering from a serious cough and weight loss, but the doctor spent less than 5 minutes with him, ordered some tests, and dismissed him when he tried to ask more questions. This led the patient to avoid seeking further care for an entire year, until his condition had significantly worsened and he was diagnosed with lung cancer. One year of potential treatment was lost due to poor communication.

  • How do you think integrating these skills early in medical education could influence the future of healthcare?

Due to our increasingly busy and self-oriented lifestyles, the way we communicate, even in professional settings, has changed dramatically. But remember, no one seeks healthcare for pleasure – it is always a need. When someone is in need, they expect to be served with care and empathy.

 

Integrating communication and empathy skills into medical education will impact healthcare immediately, not just the future. Even after graduation, lifelong learning is crucial for improving these essential abilities. If we are in the field of healthcare, we must be aware of this vital issue to provide better services and results.

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