Visible Voice — When Gestures Speak Louder Than Words. Communication is one of the most important aspects of medicine. But how do we ensure that healthcare remains accessible even when verbal communication is not possible?

Tbilisi Medical Academy (TMA) hosted Maia Metonidze, Vice President of the Georgian Union of the Deaf, who spoke to students about the importance of sign language in the medical field.

“I was very pleased to accept the students’ invitation to visit Tbilisi Medical Academy, as it is essential to raise awareness among young people on this topic. We discussed the benefits of learning sign language and its applications across various professions, particularly in medicine. I believe that the relationship between a doctor and a patient is rooted in communication, and that a patient’s diagnosis is reflected in a properly constructed medical history. Therefore, effective communication with persons with disabilities is a determining factor,” noted Maia Metonidze.

She shared her experiences with the audience and discussed the everyday challenges that deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals face, including access to healthcare, communication difficulties, and systemic barriers.

Particular attention was given to the role of sign language in the healthcare sector as a tool for effective and equitable communication. Maia Metonidze emphasized the importance of medical personnel being familiar with sign language, or at the very least, having access to a sign language interpreter, so that the needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing patients are not overlooked.

“As a future doctor, this event was inspiring. It reminded me once again that healthcare is not just about diagnosis and treatment; communication is the essential bridge between doctor and patient. Hearing loss should not be a barrier; communication must be accessible to everyone,” said TMA student Ana Gabrichidze, who is also the head of TMA’s Public Health Student Club and the founder and president of the Georgian Student Association of Public Health (GSAPH).

The event, held as part of the “Accessible Healthcare Conversations: The Visible Voice” series dedicated to inclusivity, was organized by TMA’s Public Health Student Club and the Georgian Student Association of Public Health (GSAPH). It aimed to explore the needs and challenges of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in the healthcare system and to promote inclusive approaches.