Participating in the EPEC Train-the-Trainer (TtT) 2026 program has been a truly unforgettable experience in my professional journey. Three years after attending the EPEC End-User training, I was grateful for the opportunity to return—not only as a learner, but as a future trainer. This step felt deeply meaningful, as it marked a transition from acquiring knowledge to being entrusted with the responsibility of sharing it.
One of the most inspiring aspects of this program was the opportunity to learn directly from highly experienced and dedicated faculty, including Dr. Stefan Friedrichsdorf, the founder of the EPEC program. Their passion and expertise created a rich and engaging learning environment that challenged me to grow beyond my previous understanding of teaching and communication.
A key takeaway from this training was the importance of delivering meaningful and impactful educational sessions. I learned that every lecture must be anchored by a clear “one thing” — the central message that learners should remember. Equally important is the “hook,” a powerful opening that captures attention and sets the tone for engagement. Beyond content delivery, the program emphasized three essential components of effective teaching: attitude, knowledge, and skills. These elements must work together to ensure that learning is not only informative but also transformative.
The interactive format of the training allowed us to practice these principles in real time. Through faculty-led sessions and peer discussions, I gained a deeper understanding of how to structure and deliver educational content effectively. The role-play sessions were particularly impactful, as they trained us to become skilled facilitators—guiding discussions, fostering reflection, and ensuring that the intended messages were meaningfully conveyed.
Beyond the classroom, this program also provided a valuable opportunity to build connections with colleagues from across the Asia-Pacific region. Sharing experiences and perspectives with peers enriched my understanding of palliative care practices in diverse settings.
With renewed enthusiasm and strengthened teaching skills, I am committed to bringing this knowledge back to my team. I hope to empower others to become effective educators, so that pediatric palliative care can be more widely understood, accepted, and integrated into clinical practice across Indonesia.
Thank you, EPEC, for this inspiring journey.
Written by Dr Lianda Tamara
Lianda Tamara is the Head of Pediatric Palliative Care and a key leader in the development of the Jang Seng Ie Life Center, Husada Hospital Jakarta- Indonesia. She is also a Fellow from Batch 2 of the Cynthia Goh Palliative Care Fellowship (CGF). The CGF is administered by the Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network (APHN) with support and direction from Lien Foundation.
Dr Tamara can be contacted at tamaralianda@gmail.com
Photos provided by the Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network
