Fostering compassion and communication: The significance of palliative care exposure in SEGi University’s MBBS programme

In the realm of medical education, the value of exposure to a diverse range of cases cannot be overstated. Among these, palliative care cases hold a unique significance. SEGi University’s MBBS programme, in collaboration with the Palliative Care Association Sibu, recognises the pivotal role of palliative care in shaping future healthcare professionals. This collaboration not only strengthens students’ communication skills but also moulds them into more empathetic and proficient doctors.

Palliative care is a specialised form of medical care that focuses on relieving the symptoms and suffering associated with serious illnesses, particularly those with life-limiting implications. It encompasses physical, emotional, and psychological support, aiming to improve the quality of life for patients and their families facing complex medical conditions.

The encounter with palliative care cases offers students a unique opportunity to develop and refine their communication skills, particularly when empathetic and compassionate interactions are paramount. Unlike many other medical disciplines, palliative care demands a profound level of sensitivity and understanding. SEGi University’s MBBS programme, in collaboration with the Palliative Care Association Sibu, recognises this need and actively exposes students to these crucial learning experiences.

Enhanced Communication Skills: Palliative care necessitates open and honest conversations about the realities of a patient’s condition. SEGi students, through their exposure to palliative care cases, learn to navigate these delicate discussions with finesse, fostering trust and understanding between themselves and their patients.

Developing Empathy: Witnessing the challenges patients and their families face in palliative care situations cultivates a deeper sense of empathy. This invaluable quality is carried forward in their medical practice, enriching their patient-centred approach.

Cultivating Active Listening: Effective communication in palliative care relies heavily on active listening. SEGi students learn to attune themselves to patients’ emotional and psychological needs, ensuring a more comprehensive and holistic approach to care.

Navigating Ethical Dilemmas: Palliative care often involves complex ethical considerations. Exposure to such cases equips SEGi students with the skills to navigate these dilemmas sensitively, ensuring the best possible care for their patients.

Building Trusting Relationships: Establishing trust between doctors and patients is vital in palliative care. SEGi students learn to foster these relationships, creating a supportive and comforting environment for patients and their families.

The collaboration between SEGi University’s MBBS programme and the Palliative Care Association Sibu underscores the institution’s commitment to producing doctors with exceptional patient-doctor communication skills. Through this partnership, students are exposed to the technical aspects of medicine and the profound human element that underlies every interaction in the healthcare field.

Exposure to palliative care cases is a cornerstone of SEGi University’s MBBS programme, providing students with invaluable experiences that shape them into better doctors. The emphasis on effective communication, empathy, and compassionate care equips SEGi graduates with the skills necessary to excel in their medical practice and make a lasting positive impact on the lives of their patients. This collaborative approach sets SEGi University apart, ensuring its graduates are prepared to face the challenges and responsibilities of the medical profession with unwavering competence and compassion.5

In essence, SEGi University is revolutionising medical education by integrating palliative care, and in doing so, they are not only enhancing their students’ abilities but also shaping the future of healthcare professionals. Their commitment to excellence and emphasis on nurturing empathetic, patient-focused healthcare practitioners sets a new standard for medical education and firmly establishes SEGi University as a beacon of innovation and dedication in the field.