Introduction
The Student Movement for the Culture of Peace (SMCP) hosted an event “Medicine and the Culture of Peace” on March 28, 2024, at Soka University of America. We were honored to host Dr. Senem Salar-Gomceli, an ophthalmologist, and Dr. Umut Gomceli, a cardiologist. Both doctors have worked in Iskenderun Hatay near the Turkish-Syrian border, where they witnessed the Syrian refugee crisis unfold. Additionally, they have served on the front lines of the COVID-19 response in New York during the initial waves of the outbreak. During the event, we engaged in discussions with the doctors about how peace can be fostered and utilized in the medical field. The event explored various aspects of peace within medicine, including how Soka values can contribute to peace across different career disciplines and the current needs of the medical field in today’s world.
Q & A
During our Q&A session, we asked several questions to Dr. Senem Salar-Gomceli and Dr. Umut Gomceli. Two questions were: “As a doctor, what is the importance of peace to you, and how do you use your expertise to promote peace in your career?” and “Medicine is the most social science field, considering humanism, how do you make it practical? How do you think your medicine can teach to solve conflict and create peace after conflict?”
Dr. Senem Salar-Gomceli emphasized the human connection inherent in healthcare and the significance of treating each patient as a unique individual, regardless of cultural background. From her experience at a rural hospital with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds, she emphasized that all people share a common humanity and how daily interactions aim to bridge cultural gaps and foster peace. Dr. Sara Goncelli noted that saving lives often leads to mutual understanding and appreciation between patients.
Similarly, Dr. Umut Goncheri shared his journey from historian to physician, motivated by a desire to directly impact people’s lives. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the social dimension of medicine and breaking down barriers between healthcare providers and patients. Dr. Goncelli emphasized the need for effective communication and empathy to establish trust and understanding in order to promote peace in the medical field. While recognizing the challenges of addressing disparities and meeting basic needs, Dr. Goncelli emphasized the transformative potential of compassionate care in fostering peace within the community.
Conclusion
Both doctors emphasized the transformative role of medicine in promoting peace and understanding. Their insights underscored the importance of empathy, communication, and recognition of our common humanity in overcoming cultural barriers and fostering a more peaceful society. We are truly grateful for Dr. Senem Salar-Gomceli and Dr. Umut Gomceli, and their experiences have left a lasting impact on our understanding of peace in the medical field.