TNMU Faculty Trained in Teaching Effective Communication Skills to Students

From November 5 to 14, 2024, Ternopil National Medical University hosted a professional development course How to Teach Students to Communicate with Humanity and Empathy.” The university’s Center for the Advancement of Pedagogical and Professional Excellence organized and conducted the course.

Course Details:

• Curators: Nataliia Haliiash, Iryna Borovyk, and Sofiia Husak
• Program Volume: 1 ECTS credit (30 hours)
• Format: A blended and interactive format including in-person classes, online meetings, self-study, group work, case-based learning, and the use of digital tools (e.g., Menti, Google Slides, Google Forms), as well as video, audio materials, and podcasts.

This approach fostered horizontal learning and hands-on practice, allowing educators to share experiences, raise questions, and collaboratively address challenges.

Key Topics Covered:

Communicating with “difficult” patients

Competency-based education

Communication competence

Providing effective feedback: techniques and strategies

Empathy-driven communication

Models of medical consultation

Setting professional boundaries in healthcare

Delivering bad news

Outcomes:

More than 60 educators from theoretical and clinical departments participated in the course, engaging with practical tools and methods to enhance their ability to teach students effective and compassionate communication in healthcare.

This initiative reflects TNMU’s commitment to fostering professionalism and empathy in the next generation of healthcare providers.