Traveling Scholars Program Report
Yasemin Kilc Ozturk, DR
Travel date: May 23, 2019
Name of Meeting/Event/Activity: 16th World Congress of the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC)
Origin: Izmir, Türkiye / Destination: Berlin, Germany
How was this meeting/activity helpful to you?
I am a Family Medicine trainer and it is my great happiness to work as a physician at a pioneer Palliative Care Center with the elderly and chronically ill patients who are seeking little happiness. There is no formal specialization program about PC in Turkey. By the way International congress about PC is the best way to learn about the improvements, challenges, innovations and needs of the third parties about the topic. But also such kind of events widen our perspective, give a breath during our daily routine and strengthen our networking opportunities for collaboration. Some of the unforgettable moments for me from the congress were: IAHPC cocktail reception: It was a great opportunity to meet the grantees, IAHPC staff and board members just before the congress. EUPCA meeting first pre-conference day on leadership in palliative care: As a EUPCA Leadership participant; it was amazing to meet different EUPCA generations, listen to the stories of some leaders which helped for an international networking in a friendly ambience . EAPC Primary Palliative Care Reference Group Meeting during EAPC Congress in Berlin: I was also proud to be present as a contributing country representative and executive board member, where the “Toolkit For The Development of Palliative Care In Primary Care 2019” was first launched. It was also my happiness to attend the session where The New EAPC Atlas is launched. Thanks IAHPC for this unique experience which added life to our days by supporting to grant 20 incredible PC professionals worldwide.
How will you new knowledge & acquired skills help in furthering your work in hospice and palliative care in your program/city/ or country?
I had the chance to meet EUPCA Leadership and IPPCN teams, but also find out new collaboration opportunities at the congress to make some future plans and projects to improve Palliative care facilities. Moreover I had a great offer to work in the executive board of EAPC Task Force on International Collaboration for the Development of Health Care Professional Guidelines in Palliative Care. This is an enthusiastic opportunity for me to design new educational programs in my country. I am honored to play a role at the education of nearly 75 GP trainees at our Family Medicine Clinic, many PC employees, patients, caregivers and public about PC in Izmir and many cities of Turkey. By the way I believe that using the new knowledge and acquired skills I have gained from this amazing experience at the 16th World Congress of the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC) will spread out countrywide, with the big hearts I will keep in touch. Moreover increased knowledge and skills will reach many patients and families in order to adding life to days. Better knowledge and skills lead a better palliative care for all.
How IAHPC Traveling Scholars Program be improved in order to help other future traveling scholars?
IAHPC Stand at the social/exhibition areas were like our home during the congress. Many thanks for the incredible hosting and smiling faces of Lukas Radbruch, Liliana De Lima, Julia Downing, Genevieve Napier, and Lina Rozo IAHPC coctail reception and the posters showing the grantees were the unforgettable moments in our life. Many thanks for the support of IAHPC team and especially to the donors who made this beautiful meeting come through. We really felt ourselves strong being a member of IAHPC.
Narrative summary highlighting the needs and challanges you face
I am a Family Medicine trainer in Izmir/Turkey. It is my happiness to work as a physician at a pioneer Palliative Care Center with the elderly and chronically ill patients who are seeking for little smiles.
I believe that National or International congresses are the best way to learn about the improvements, challenges, innovations and needs of the third parties about any topic. These events widen the perspective of participants, give a breath during daily routine and strengthen networking opportunities for collaboration. I am honored to play a role at the education of GP trainees, many PC employees, patients, caregivers and public about PC in the area and many cities of Turkey. By the way I believe that using the new knowledge and acquired skills I have gained from this amazing experience at the 16th World Congress of the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC) will spread out countrywide, with the big hearts I will keep in touch. Moreover increased knowledge and skills will reach many patients and families in order to adding life to days. Better knowledge and skills lead a better palliative care for all. Thanks IAHPC for this amazing support for “adding life to days” of 20 grantees by letting to join this truly unique conference, full of inspiring and innovative ideas. A greater thank you to the 5-star IAHPC team and donors who have provided the best setting to collaborate and work on the future of the Palliative Care; while at the same time, new participants got engaged with IAHPC. It's truly rewarding to be able to collaborate with PC professionals and leaders on an international level while we all strive for a common cause. It is a great pleasure to be a member of PC and the incredible IAHPC family.