A new chapter in his career
Montserrat Esquerda Aresté’s professional career has been marked by his dedication to pediatrics, teaching, bioethics and commitment to Catholic Action. Now, at his professional maturity, he accepts the challenge of leading the Blanquerna Faculty of Health Sciences, an institution that seeks to integrate humanist values in the training of future healthcare professionals.
The importance of training and humanism
At the age of 55, Esquerda reflects on his responsibility to convey knowledge and experiences to new generations. His vision includes an approach to the integral training of students, who not only have to excel in technical aspects, but also have to develop a humanist and ethical awareness. “What better opportunity than to do it from a faculty that promotes Christian humanism?” affirms.
A practical approach and connected
Esquerda continues to maintain a direct connection with clinical practice in Sant Joan de Déu Terres de Lleida, a decision that he considers fundamental to keep up with current healthcare needs. “The rapid evolution of the health sector demands professionals who are in tune with reality,” he says.
Commitment to Bioethics
For ten years now, he has been running the Borja Institute of Bioethics, where he has been a pioneer in the defense of ethics in medicine. In addition, it chairs the deontology commission of the Council of Medical Colleges of Catalonia, a position that allows it to influence the regulations that guide medical practice in Catalonia.
The Blanquerna brand: a seal of excellence
Its aim is for students to carry the “Blanquerna brand” in their DNA, which involves combining advanced technology with humanist care. “Health care should not only be technical, but also compassionate and respectful of the needs of each individual,” he says.
The importance of compassion
Esquerda emphasizes the need to train professionals who are not only technically competent, but also be able to perform small acts of kindness who make the difference in difficult times. “We seek to create an environment where future doctors are able to accompany patients with compassion,” he adds.
Challenges and future of health
In recent years, they have highlighted the importance of mental health and the aging population as great social challenges. “We need professionals trained to deal with these crises and to ensure healthy aging,” he emphasizes.
Toward more human medicine
With the advancement of digitalization, Esquerda believes that medicine must regain the value of human interaction. “Complex emotional situations cannot be resolved only with technology; we need a humanist approach to accompany patients,” he reflects.
A collective vision of death
When it comes to death, Esquerda argues that it is a community process and that healthcare professionals need to be ready to deal with these situations with empathy and sensitivity. “We cannot ignore the importance of death in health training,” he warns.
A model of collaboration
The tradition of collaboration between the public and private sectors in Catalonia is an example to follow. “A strong society is built with the involvement of all agents, both public and private,” he concludes, emphasizing the importance of a diverse and inclusive healthcare model.
