National Workshop: Harmony in Healing
In collaboration with Nanakaly Hospital for Hematology and Oncology, the Medical Analysis Department, Faculty of Applied Sciences at Tishk International University (TIU) organized a national workshop titled: Healing in Harmony. The workshop discussed the critical role of mental health in battling cancer, and was attended by distinguished guests including Prof. Dr. Idris Hadi Salih, the Head of the Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. Sultan Abu-Orabi, the President, Assist. Prof. Dr. Nashwan Karkhi, the Vice Dean of the College of Medicine HMU, Dean of Faculty of Applied Science, Prof. Faiq Hussain.
The event provided a platform for survivors, experts, and patients to share their experiences, concerns, and insights. The workshop speakers included Dr. Mohammed Qadir, Vice President of the Kurdistan Psychiatric Association, spokesperson and former director of the Ministry of Health, bachelor’s degree in medicine, and General Surgery, Erbil, 2015; and Master in Mental Health, London, 2022, spoke about the importance of mental health in fighting cancer. He emphasised the need for a positive mindset and how it can be critical to overcoming the disease. Dr. Mohammed also highlighted how the lack of mental health attention can lead to complications in treatment.
Dr. Hardee J. Sabir, Master degree in Immunology and stem cells at the University of Southern Denmark, Ph.D. degree in Clinical Immunology in 2013, and clinical hematologist and the director of Nanakali Hospital for Blood Disease and Cancer in Erbil, spoke about the hospital’s efforts to provide comprehensive treatment plans that include mental and emotional support for cancer patients. He also presented the Kurdistan region’s cancer statistics. Dr. Hardy acknowledged the unique challenges patients face during their cancer journey and the need to provide treatment options that support their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Ms. Ahang Kawany, BSc in the English Langauge from Salahaddin University of Erbil, 2017, and MSc in Management. She is a cancer survivor who shared her experience and discussed how she overcame the disease with the help of positive thinking, treatment, and support from family and friends. She urged patients to stay optimistic and never give up in their fight against cancer.
The workshop was a great success, with participants expressing their appreciation for the event’s excellent organisation and informative sessions. The national workshop held reminds us of the essential role of mental health in cancer recovery and the importance of staying positive during these challenging times.
