PHILOSOPHY OF HEALTH EDUCATION
“The greatest medicine of all is teaching people how not to need it.” – Hippocrates.
This meaningful quote by Hippocrates, who is widely considered to be the father of medicine, exemplifies the power of health education. The field of health education and promotion involves conducting research and developing programs geared toward decreasing preventable risky behaviors and injuries. My personal philosophy and goals as a future health educator have grown exponentially since realizing the vast responsibilities within this role. I gained knowledge related to proper ways to research populations, analyze data, implement programs, and evaluate outcomes. On its surface, health education appears to easily intertwine with other career paths; however in-depth background work is necessary to be successful as a professional health educator.
For me, that means a patient- and client-centered focus to health education and behavior. This involves a holistic approach emphasizing clear communication and cultural sensitivity in teaching patients how to engage in preventative behaviors.
A basis of health education involves ensuring resources provided match the literacy levels of patients. As a health educator, I will analyze various advanced sources such that I can synthesize clear and coherent documents for my patients. The idea of communication also relates to dialogue between educator and patient. Maintaining a continued flow of honest and mutually respectful conversation is important. Mutual respect encourages patients to be open about their health-related goals and the progress being made to achieve them. Open communication from the onset of education efforts helps patients remain engaged throughout, which reinforces preventative learning.
Coming from a family of immigrants, I was raised in a culturally sensitive manner. In college, courses in Minority Health and Patient Health Education increased my knowledge of cultural competency and confidence in adjusting to patients’ personal learning styles. As a health educator, I will act in a culturally competent manner by researching and addressing specific traditions and values that my target audience may hold. My biggest priority will be to ensure clients feel respected and heard, as this should help them fully engage in the learning process.
In sum, as a health educator I will strive for preventative teaching and sustainable change. Following Hippocrates’ ideals, I hope to teach my patients how to access quality healthcare and understand the process.