Participating in the Bhutan Module 4 Palliative Care Training was an enriching and transformative experience. Held over five days in Thimphu, this program brought together 31 dedicated healthcare professionals and a talented team of faculty members from Singapore, India, and Japan. As a palliative care nurse educator and clinical ethicist from Japan, I had the privilege of contributing as a faculty member. Yet, it was the participants and my fellow faculty members who inspired me deeply with their “sincerity,” “compassionate dedication,” and their ability to “support others without criticism while maximizing strengths.”
Sincerity
The training combined in-depth lectures, hands-on clinical practice, and thought- provoking ethical discussions. The participants demonstrated a remarkable commitment to learning, even during the most challenging sessions. Their sincerity, shaped by Bhutan’s rich cultural values, was evident in how they approached their work and each other with heartfelt integrity and respect. This created a strong foundation for meaningful dialogue during the clinical ethics case studies, fostering a deeper understanding of person-centered care.
Compassionate Dedication
The participants excelled not only in their care for patients but also in their support for families and caregivers. Their collaborative approach, particularly between physicians and nurses, was inspiring. They actively sought innovative, non-pharmacological interventions to enhance the lives of their patients. This compassionate dedication brought comfort and gratitude to patients and their families, and a sense of fulfillment to the participants themselves.
The session led by Dr. Jamie Zhou on self-care reminded us all of the importance of balancing this compassion with compassion for ourselves. This invaluable lesson nurtured resilience and helped participants enhance their ability to cope effectively in demanding situations.
Supporting Others Without Criticism
In Bhutan, cultural values significantly influence medical decision-making. Participants showed a profound ability to respect the wishes of both patients and their families, even when these diverged from Western ethical norms of autonomy. Their ability to assess and honor the strengths of each individual without judgment exemplified a level of empathy and professionalism that deeply moved me.
This approach extended beyond patient care to their interactions with colleagues, emphasizing
collaboration and mutual respect in achieving realistic and meaningful goals. Witnessing this spirit of teamwork was a profound reminder of the power of collective effort in advancing palliative care.
Gratitude
This journey would not have been possible without the exceptional contributions of key individuals. I am deeply grateful to Dr. Shirlynn Ho for her outstanding leadership and dedication in coordinating this program. My heartfelt thanks go to Dr. Jamie Zhou, who demonstrated how one clinician can brilliantly coordinate palliative care and embody the qualities of a true role model. Sr. Hanife and Sr. Aishah delivered inspiring talks on “genuine care,” which resonated deeply with all of us.
I extend my admiration to Dr. Kinley and Sr. Yangden, who lead Bhutan’s palliative care providers with remarkable commitment and vision. I also wish to thank Dr. Kashiwagi and Kessoku for being my best colleagues from Japan. Finally, I am deeply thankful to Mr. Giam Cheong Leong for his unwavering support and guidance throughout the program.
A Treasure to Carry Forward
The spirit of collaboration and empathy I witnessed during this training has left an indelible mark on me. Rather than focusing on obstacles, the participants and faculty encouraged one another, fostering a culture of warmth and shared purpose. This experience has become a treasure that will guide my future endeavors. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to APHN, the Lien Collaborative team, and the ELNEC program for their support in making this extraordinary opportunity possible.
Written by Dr Sayaka Takenouchi (Faculty Member for the Lien Collaborative Programme in Bhutan)
This project is a Lien Collaborative for Palliative Care initiative to build capacity in developing countries in Asia. The Lien Collaborative for Palliative Care was co-developed by the Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network (APHN) and the Lien Foundation.