This work is created in collaboration
with International Futures Forum and financed by a grant of the Johnson & Johnson Foundation.
In 2015, Carlos left Venezuela, a nation grappling with economic and political turmoil that was causing the healthcare system to unravel. Seeking refuge, he found solace in Ecuador, where he spent five years. This period offered him a window into the challenges healthcare professionals face when serving diverse populations, a scenario that was becoming increasingly relevant globally.
By 2020, Carlos had moved to Spain, where he embarked on an interdisciplinary Master's program in International Migration. This educational journey was more than academic; it provided him with real-world insights into the complex interplay between societal factors and health outcomes. This experience equipped him with the knowledge and drive to participate in reshaping healthcare systems.
Belgium presented itself as the next chapter in Carlos' journey, with its unique complexities and challenges. He joined "Infirmiers de Rue," an organization dedicated to addressing the psychosocial needs of the homeless. For Carlos, this wasn't just a job; it was an opportunity to effect real change. The organization was divided into three teams, each serving as a catalyst for systemic change within the healthcare landscape.
Working with the "Rue" team, Carlos learned the significance of direct engagement and saw firsthand how social determinants profoundly impact health. This experience highlighted that effective healthcare transformation requires understanding and addressing these underlying social factors.
Transitioning to the "Logement" team, Carlos gained insights into the broader definition of health. He learned that being healthy transcends merely being free from illness; it's about managing life amidst challenging social and environmental circumstances. Through therapeutic listening, he began to uncover the root causes of the issues faced by those he served, paving the way for more sustainable solutions.
In Belgium, Carlos' role expanded beyond the conventional boundaries of healthcare. He found himself in the midst of a gritty battle for systemic change, confronting head-on the multifaceted factors that affect health. His journey-from the struggles in Venezuela to the resilience he witnessed in Ecuador, and the proactive interventions in Belgium-paints a vivid picture of healthcare transformation. Carlos' story is a testament to the global nature of healthcare challenges and the need for innovative, empathetic approaches to address them.