Reconnecting Healthcare to Wellbeing. | Dr. Mariam Ketait | TEDxAmityUniversityDubai

Summary

Dr. Miriam, born in Dubai, reflects on the intersection of healthcare, well-being, and the future of medicine. Sharing her experience from working in the historic Al Maktoum Hospital, she highlights how personal and societal responsibility in healthcare needs to evolve. She stresses the importance of empowering patients, connecting well-being with healthcare systems, and creating holistic support environments. With advancements in AI and technologies, she envisions a future where healthcare is not just about treatment but about education, empowerment, and collective societal responsibility to enhance patient outcomes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Miriam was born in Dubai in 1982 at Al Maktoum Hospital, one of the oldest hospitals in the UAE, which is now being converted into a museum to connect people with healthcare heritage.
• 😀 Miriam’s journey into healthcare began with her internship, where she first assisted in an amputation surgery, leading her to reflect on the challenges patients face, especially those with diabetes.
• 😀 In 2002, Miriam assisted in an amputation surgery for a diabetic patient, which deeply affected her and led her to question how healthcare could better address the holistic needs of patients.
• 😀 A critical lesson Miriam learned early in her career was the failure of healthcare systems to fully support patients beyond just the medical procedures, particularly when it comes to chronic illnesses like diabetes.
• 😀 Globally, statistics show that a diabetic amputation happens every 30 seconds, highlighting the ongoing issue of insufficient care for patients with chronic conditions.
• 😀 Miriam emphasizes the need for the future of healthcare to focus not just on medical technology but also on empowering patients with knowledge and tools to take control of their health.
• 😀 The future of healthcare will move beyond traditional hospitals to create social support networks, where facilities are welcoming and doctors act as health advisors.
• 😀 The healthcare experience must be holistic, integrating not just medical treatment but also emotional, social, financial, and educational support for patients.
• 😀 The success of future healthcare systems will depend on creating ecosystems where all elements—medical, social, financial, and educational—work together to support well-being.
• 😀 Miriam advocates for a society where patients are empowered to make healthier choices and have an equal relationship with healthcare providers, using AI, blockchain, and other technologies to facilitate better care and well-being.

Q & A

What is the significance of Al Maktoum Hospital in Miriam's story?

Al Maktoum Hospital holds significant personal meaning for Miriam as it was the place where she was born and later worked during her internship and residency. It is one of the oldest hospitals in Dubai and the UAE, and Miriam ties it to her understanding of healthcare and its evolution.

What role does infrastructure play in human well-being, according to Miriam?

Miriam believes that the design of healthcare spaces and facilities greatly impacts human well-being. She emphasizes that spaces should be welcoming and supportive, helping patients reconnect with themselves and improving their overall experience.

Why does Miriam emphasize the importance of looking at the past when planning for the future of healthcare?

Miriam cites the famous quote by His Highness Sheikh Zayed, which stresses the importance of learning from the past in order to create the future we desire. She believes that understanding past healthcare challenges can help shape a more effective and holistic healthcare system moving forward.

What was Miriam's emotional reaction when she assisted in her first amputation operation?

Miriam felt a mix of excitement and fear. She was proud to be trusted with such an important task but was also deeply affected by the situation. She recalled her thoughts about the patient, who had been struggling with diabetes and was ultimately facing amputation due to complications.

What lesson did Miriam learn from the patient who had to undergo amputation?

Miriam learned that healthcare often fails to address the underlying needs of patients. In this case, the patient lacked proper support and education about his condition, which contributed to his worsening health. Miriam reflects on how more holistic care might have prevented the situation.

How does Miriam view the role of technology in the future of healthcare?

Miriam acknowledges the role of technology like AI, telemedicine, and genetic advancements in the future of healthcare. However, she stresses that technology should not replace human connection and involvement; it should complement a holistic approach to care.

What does Miriam mean by healthcare facilities evolving into 'social support networks'?

Miriam envisions healthcare facilities becoming more than just treatment centers. They should evolve into spaces where patients receive not only medical care but also emotional and social support, creating a sense of community and well-being.

What is Miriam's vision for the relationship between patients and doctors in the future?

Miriam sees a future where doctors are not just providers of treatment but health advisors who empower patients. Patients will be more actively involved in their own care, making informed decisions with the help of accessible tools and knowledge.

How does Miriam suggest healthcare should be integrated with other sectors?

Miriam advocates for a holistic approach to healthcare that integrates not just medical treatment but also education, finance, social support, and community involvement. She believes these sectors must work together to improve the overall well-being of individuals.

What does Miriam think about the current state of diabetes-related amputations globally?

Miriam highlights that despite technological advancements in healthcare, diabetes-related amputations are still occurring worldwide, with one happening every 30 seconds. She calls for more awareness, education, and holistic care to prevent such outcomes.