“Traveler, there is no path; the path is made by walking.”
This well-known line by Antonio Machado served as the starting point for an event that was not a farewell, but a moment of recognition and momentum: the 1st Conference on Healthcare Social Work: Let’s Talk, held on June 10 at Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC) and co-organised with Àltima.
Throughout the morning, seven discussion panels took place, featuring prominent professionals from some of the country’s leading hospitals —including Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Hospital del Mar, and Hospital Clínic— who shared experiences, practical cases, and proposals for addressing the challenges faced by the sector.
One of the most notable moments of the day was the intervention by Dr. Cristina Monforte, co-director of the UIC WeCare Chair, during the panel on teaching, training, and research. Dr. Monforte delivered an inspiring talk entitled “How to Stop Fearing Research”, in which she highlighted the essential role of healthcare social work in academic and research settings. She encouraged professionals to embrace research as a path to continuous growth and improvement, and stressed the importance of integrating scientific evidence into daily practice.
Other key topics addressed during the event included the impact of social vulnerability on illness processes, team cohesion, innovation in mental health, and the use of new technologies. The day concluded with a talk on ethics and bioethics by Dr. Silvina Inés Sánchez, who emphasised the internal and external responsibilities of the profession.
As a gesture of appreciation, a commemorative diploma was presented to all professionals who participated as speakers, in recognition of their valuable contributions and dedication to person-centred care.
