The first course in Medical Communications was successfully completed, with 28 specialists and lecturers from MU–Varna and UMHAT “St. Marina" receiving certification. The intensive course, entitled “Improving Communication with Patients and Learners", was held from 13 to 15 March 2026, at the Clinic of Psychiatry at UMHAT “St. Marina" – Varna. The training, attended by physicians, healthcare professionals, and lecturers, was organized by the Centre for Medical Pedagogy and Communications at Medical University–Varna.
The course was led by Prof. Dr. Igor Koutsenok from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), with co-leader Prof. Dr. Hristo Kozhuharov, Head of the Psychiatry Division. Prof. Koutsenok has extensive experience in training medical professionals in the field of communications and mental health both in the USA and worldwide.
Course participants had the opportunity to learn and practise how to apply internationally recognised models for effective communication in their daily work with patients and students, including techniques for active listening, empathy, and building trust. Numerous interactive exercises, role-playing scenarios, and case studies simulating real-life situations were used, requiring participants to apply appropriate communication strategies. All exercises and training sessions were conducted under the supervision of the course leaders, with continuous feedback provided to participants.
The course also covered strategies for more effective teaching in both preclinical and clinical settings, how to conduct difficult conversations with patients, and how to avoid conflict situations, low motivation for treatment, stigma, and challenges related to family dynamics.
At the end of the training, all participants in the first group of the Medical Communications course expressed not only their gratitude to the organisers and lecturers but also their high level of satisfaction with what they had learned. They emphasised the strong practical applicability of the newly acquired knowledge and skills and unanimously recommended that such training be offered more frequently to specialists and introduced into the curriculum for all students at MU–Varna.
All participants received a certificate from Prof. Igor Koutsenok, confirming their competencies upon completion of the course. Those interested in future training opportunities can follow announcements for upcoming courses at the Centre for Medical Pedagogy and Communications at Medical University–Varna here.
Velina Markovska
