Health conversations are inevitable. Whether they are with loved ones, colleagues, patients or community members, these discussions can complex and sensitive, often clouded with misinformation. They can lead to frustration, strain relationships, erode trust, and significantly influence health outcomes. Instead of avoiding, what does it take to hold space for meaningful health conversations?
In Debunk with Empathy, Wan Naszeerah invites us into a world where empathy and science meet. Drawing from her personal stories and extensive experience as a Yale- and UC Berkeley-trained public health leader, she offers a heartfelt and evidence-based guide to approaching health conversations with hati and rasa, two concepts from her Nusantara culture. This book is for anyone ready to transform their health conversations with people that matter. Debunk with Empathy isn't just a book. It's a call to reshape health communication... one empathetic conversation at a time. Preorder now and be part of the change.
In Debunk with Empathy, Wan Naszeerah invites us into a world where empathy and science meet. Drawing from her personal stories and extensive experience as a Yale- and UC Berkeley-trained public health leader, she offers a heartfelt and evidence-based guide to approaching health conversations with hati and rasa, two concepts from her Nusantara culture. This book is for anyone ready to transform their health conversations with people that matter. Debunk with Empathy isn't just a book. It's a call to reshape health communication... one empathetic conversation at a time. Preorder now and be part of the change.
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About Wan Naszeerah
I usually get asked, "Are you Malay or Bruneian?" To clear the air, I am both and so much more. I was born stateless but have lived in a rich cultural context that can't be labeled as simply "Malay" or "Bruneian." Hence, I find it easier to introduce myself as a Nusantara woman.
A typical conversation in my traditional Nusantara community may include proverbs, references to folklore and spiritual entities, and unquestionable superstitions. Often, my scientific viewpoints contradict with their health beliefs. As a public health practitioner, I am grateful to have been in this challenging position. It pushed me to carve out space for difficult health conversations and write Debunk with Empathy. I'm seeking support to launch this book and if you can, please preorder a copy and spread the words.
I strive to lead with empathy in everything I do and my hope is that my book will guide you on your own path to empathy. I bring empathy into my public health practice and research by utilizing human-centered design principles and community-based participatory approaches. I also bring empathy into my teaching by implementing the Universal Design for Learning principles. If you are interested in working with me, contact me here.
If you wish to read a more formal bio, click here.
* Nusantara is a blanket term used to describe a region in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, and parts of the Philippines. Despite current geopolitical boundaries and ethnic diversity, the historical connections among these areas have fostered shared cultural practices, languages, and traditions.
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