A World First: The Skill of Being Human in the Face of Artificial Intelligence Becomes a Lesson in Healthcare

This course, which aims to impart social-emotional competencies—one of the most valuable skills of being human in the age of artificial intelligence—to healthcare professionals, is a pioneering model in its field.

In a world where technology knows no bounds and artificial intelligence is rapidly integrating into every field, the future of the workforce is now shaped not only by technical skills but also by human competencies. At a time when artificial intelligence threatens many professions, from customer representatives to lawyers, healthcare personnel to educators, the common truth that stands out is this: “Those who do not want to be replaced by artificial intelligence will be those who manage to remain human.”

According to data from the World Economic Forum, 85 million jobs are expected to be lost by 2025 due to artificial intelligence and automation, while the importance of individuals with social and emotional skills such as empathy, communication, teamwork, and leadership is increasing day by day. This picture is a vital warning, especially for healthcare workers who communicate directly with people.

It is precisely at this point that Prof. Dr. Buket Aksu, a lecturer at Altınbaş University's Faculty of Pharmacy and a senior trainer on social and emotional skills in national and international platforms, has made a first in Türkiye and the world. She introduced the course “Social and Emotional Skills in Healthcare” into the curriculum with the aim of strengthening healthcare workers' skills in empathy, self-management, leadership, decision-making, and social awareness. 

“This gap in the sector was also a need.” 

Prof. Dr. Buket Aksu stated that they took this step to address the need for such training, saying, "There are institutes working on social-emotional skills in many countries around the world. However, none of them offer structured training specifically for healthcare professionals. Recognizing this gap, I launched this course at Altınbaş University. Before making this decision, I directly observed during workshops with students and professional groups in the health field that they felt a serious lack of social-emotional skills. The need was evident."

“Competence in healthcare is not limited to medical knowledge.” 

Explaining that this innovative course aims not only at individual development but also at strengthening the human aspect of the healthcare system, Aksu conveyed what the course will add to young healthcare professionals with the following words:

"Competence in healthcare is not limited to medical knowledge. Being able to connect with patients, empathize, make the right decisions in a crisis, and lead within a team are just as important as professional knowledge. Students who take this course will graduate as individuals who are stronger in communication, able to cope with stress, and prioritize patient safety. This will take them to a different level, not only professionally but also humanely." 

The first step in a transformation focused on people in healthcare education in Türkiye 

Aksu concluded by saying, "In the age of artificial intelligence, perhaps the most powerful tool healthcare professionals have at their disposal is the ability to remain human. The ‘Social and Emotional Skills in Healthcare’ course that will begin at our university is not just a course; it is the first step in a transformation focused on people in healthcare education in Türkiye. This step will touch not only the lives of students but also the lives of thousands of patients they will encounter in the future."

About Prof. Dr. Buket Aksu: 

Prof. Dr. Buket Aksu continues her academic career at Altınbaş University Faculty of Pharmacy and is recognized as a senior trainer on social and emotional skills in national and international platforms. As a Lions Education Captain, Aksu has organized seminars and training programs on topics such as leadership, self-awareness, self-management, and teamwork in dozens of institutions to date. Adapting global leadership models such as the “SLII® Situational Leadership Training” to Türkiye, Aksu emphasizes that social-emotional skills are not only essential for individual development but also indispensable for organizational success.