Karen Ghattas, Pharmacist and Researcher


Tell us about yourself:

Working as a pharmacist has provided me with the opportunity to engage with diverse communities and understand the unique health needs of patients, whether through physical treatments or educational consultations. 

Building on these experiences, I have enrolled in a Master's in Art Psychotherapy at Sheffield Hallam University. This programme explores alternative approaches to mental health through guided art sessions. These sessions are not about creating visually appealing art but rather using evidence-based techniques to delve deeper into the mind, helping patients understand and address behaviours affecting their daily lives.

My goal is to work with people from different backgrounds and ages, learning to tailor approaches to each group and making future services inclusive and accessible.
 

Tell us why being a Haref Ally is important for you:

While significant advancements have been made in mental health research, there remains a critical gap in understanding and addressing mental health in ethnically marginalised communities. I aim to focus my research on further understanding and incorporate my findings into consultations and future sessions.

Haref's inspiring approach of asking "why" questions aligns with my philosophy. Understanding patients' needs, particularly the cultural or religious factors influencing their health, is fundamental to providing meaningful care. Being a Haref Ally offers an excellent opportunity to work directly within communities, delivering tailored and empathetic care to ethnically marginalised groups.
 

Tell us about anything that you have done to improve how you work with ethnically marginalised communities:

During my time at university, my research primarily focused on mental health in ethnically marginalised communities. This gave me valuable insight into the stigma that often prevents individuals from seeking help. Additionally, volunteering at a Hindu temple to provide cardiovascular health education broadened my perspective, helping me refine how I deliver healthcare information. 

I look forward to collating my research and experiences to shape my commitment to culturally sensitive and impactful healthcare services.
 

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