Assertive communication, key in bioethical practice

Patricia Hernández gave a lecture before the Bioethics Commission of the State of Mexico, highlighting ethical communication and Anáhuac University Mexico's commitment to health dialogue and clinical deliberation.

On June 17, 2025, Martha Patricia Hernández Valdez, coordinator of the online Master's Degree in Bioethics Studies offered by Anáhuac University Mexico, gave a lecture entitled "Bioethics and Assertive Communication," addressed to members of the Bioethics Commission of the State of Mexico.

This activity was developed as part of an academic conference aimed at strengthening the technical and human capacities of professionals participating in institutional bioethical discussion forums.

During her presentation, Ms. Hernández Valdez emphasized the importance of incorporating assertive communication skills into bioethical practice, especially in clinical, hospital, and community settings, where decision-making involves multiple factors and can have significant consequences for people's lives, health, and dignity.

She also explained that ethical communication is not limited to transmitting information, but rather involves establishing bonds of respect, empathy, and clarity between participants in a moral deliberation or discussion.

Additionally, she addressed key concepts related to assertiveness, active listening, emotional management, and nonviolent language, all within the context of real-life situations faced by bioethics committees in hospitals, healthcare centers, academic institutions, and public agencies. She emphasized that the quality of dialogue in these spaces not only fosters more transparent and collaborative processes but also generates greater trust in the recommendations and resolutions issued by these committees.

She also highlighted that training in assertive communication is a cross-cutting skill that can be promoted both in academic bioethics programs and in the continuing education processes of those who serve on institutional committees, teachers, researchers, and healthcare professionals: "Good ethical deliberation requires not only technical knowledge, but also the ability to communicate clearly, understand others, and build consensus based on human dignity," added Ms. Hernández Valdez.

It is worth mentioning that the session was enriched by case studies, reflection exercises, and a space for dialogue with attendees, who emphasized the high practical value of the content. Several members of the committee emphasized that this type of training is essential to strengthening the ethical role in an increasingly complex context, where bioethical challenges require comprehensive preparation.

Without a doubt, this academic meeting reaffirms the commitment of the School of Bioethics at Anáhuac University Mexico to the professionalization and ongoing development of those dedicated to the study and application of bioethics. It also strengthens the ties of institutional collaboration between academia and public organizations that promote a culture of ethics in the country.