Home » ETNAtalks » It is not about us, it is about them.

ETNAtalks

episode

11

It is not about us, it is about them.

Published: 13 April 2026

Listen now to episode 11

Featuring Beth Chiatti

In this insightful episode of ETNAtalks, host Dr Juan Manuel Leyva Moral is joined by Dr Beth Chiatti, Professor at Drexel University and Fellow of the European Transcultural Nursing Association. With a unique background spanning both anthropology and neuroscience, Dr Chiatti brings a powerful dual perspective to healthcare—one that bridges clinical science with the cultural realities that shape every patient’s experience.

At the heart of the conversation is a simple but profound principle: truly effective care begins when we shift our focus from ourselves to the people we serve. Drawing on her extensive research with Ethiopian immigrant communities, Dr Chiatti explores how cultural beliefs, family structures, and faith intersect with healthcare practices. She challenges common assumptions, revealing that many patients value Western medical technologies while still maintaining deeply rooted cultural traditions—highlighting the importance of listening rather than presuming.

The episode also delves into the critical role of trust, showing how meaningful engagement with communities takes time, humility, and genuine presence. Dr Chiatti reflects on the importance of therapeutic communication, the need for culturally responsive care, and the impact of nurses as partners in the patient journey. Bringing her expertise in genetics and genomics into the discussion, she further examines how healthcare professionals can navigate sensitive conversations around risk, faith, and decision-making—without dismissing cultural beliefs. Her message is clear: education, empathy, and cultural awareness are essential in building equitable and inclusive healthcare systems. The episode concludes with a call to action for nurses and leaders alike—to support one another, embrace lifelong learning, and recognise the profound impact they have on patients, families, and communities worldwide. 🎧 A compelling reminder that transcultural care is not just about understanding difference—it’s about understanding people.
ETNAtalks
ETNAtalks
It is not about us, it is about them.
Loading
/

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Professor

Beth Chiatti

PhD, MS, RN, BA, FFNMRCSI, FTNSS, FETNA

Clinical Professor, Drexel University

Dr Beth Chiatti is a Professor, nurse, educator, researcher, and global mentor whose work has had a lasting impact on transcultural nursing and culturally competent healthcare. With academic foundations in both Anthropology (BA) and Nursing (BSN, MSN, PhD), she brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective that bridges the science of healthcare with a deep understanding of culture, identity, and the human experience. Her clinical and academic focus spans reproductive health, paediatrics, and genetics/genomics, with a strong emphasis on delivering holistic, patient-centred care grounded in respect for cultural beliefs, human dignity, and social justice. Dr Chiatti’s research has contributed significantly to improving health outcomes for diverse and underserved populations, including her pioneering ethno-nursing study of Ethiopian immigrant communities in the United States—an influential body of work that continues to inform policy and practice globally. As an educator, Dr Chiatti is deeply committed to shaping the next generation of nurses. She has led numerous international study programmes, helping students develop a broader, more culturally aware approach to care. Her teaching integrates key principles of cultural competence, ethical practice, and equity in healthcare, reflecting her belief that education should extend beyond the classroom and into real-world impact. Dr Chiatti is also an experienced mentor, supporting nurses and academics across the globe. Since 2017, she has mentored professionals from diverse cultural and geographical backgrounds, fostering meaningful cross-cultural exchange and learning—an experience she describes as one of the most rewarding aspects of her career. Her contributions to nursing have been recognised through prestigious fellowships, including the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and the Transcultural Nursing Society. A dedicated member of both the Transcultural Nursing Society and the European Transcultural Nursing Association (ETNA), Dr Chiatti continues to champion equitable, culturally responsive healthcare for all.