Physician-Patient Communication from an Intercultural Perspective: An Exploratory Study in the United Arab Emirates

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Published: Dec 31, 2025
Keywords:
patient communication; physician communication; intercultural communication; culture; UAE.

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Serra
University of Sharjah
Burcu
Hilda

Abstract

The objective of the study is to explore physician-patient communication in an intercultural context —the United Arab Emirates —through the experiences of physicians. The United Arab Emirates is among the most diverse populations globally. Intercultural communication competence is highly valued in diverse environments, and it is particularly significant in professions such as health care. The study aims to assess the intercultural competence skills of physicians through their encounters. To explore this, semi-structured interviews with physicians living and working in the United Arab Emirates are carried out. The findings of the qualitative study conclude that language is seen as either an obstacle or a facilitator. The importance of nonverbal language, the role of interpreters, and Google Translate have been highlighted in overcoming the language barrier.  Language is considered a barrier because it blocks the passing of emotions.  Experience in the medical field has been mentioned as an advantage for overcoming communication barriers. Knowledge about the cultural background is one of the dimensions that guides physicians in how to communicate.  Other dimensions are the personality of the patient, age, and education. The physicians mentioned that they are aware of the sensitive issues and can easily modify their communication. Trust plays a crucial role in physician–patient communication. Physicians generally perceive themselves as good communicators, a quality considered particularly important in the UAE. Key aspects emphasized include listening, providing follow-up, and being accessible, with language identified as one of the most essential communication skills.

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How to Cite
Gorpe, T. . S., Oksuz, B., & Allam, H. (2025). Physician-Patient Communication from an Intercultural Perspective: An Exploratory Study in the United Arab Emirates. Journal of Contemporary Issues in Media & Communication (JCIMC), 5(2), 24-44. https://ejournal.usm.my/jcimc/article/view/5470
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Vol. 5 No. 2 (2025): Vol. 5 No. 2 (2025) December
Section
Articles
Author Biographies

Serra, University of Sharjah

Tevhide Serra Gorpe is a Professor of Communication at the University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. She holds a Ph.D. in Public Relations and Advertising from Istanbul University, an M.A. in Public Relations from Boston University, and an M.A. in Social Psychology from Boğaziçi University, Türkiye.  Currently she is pursuing a master's degree in leadership in higher education. Before joining the University of Sharjah, she served as Professor at Istanbul University (2000–2016) and held visiting, full-time, and adjunct positions at several international institutions, including the University of Texas at Austin, Zayed University, and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. Her research focuses on public relations, crisis communication, international communication, CSR/ sustainability, and health and science communication. At Sharjah, she established and coordinates the Health and Science Communication Research Group, which is developing an interdisciplinary doctoral program and conducting projects supported by internal grants. Prof. Gorpe has extensive teaching experience across undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs. She has taught courses in communication theory, intercultural communication, research methods, media ethics, international communication, and public relations courses. She is an active member of professional and academic associations, including the International Public Relations Association (IPRA), the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, and the International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR) She combines academic leadership with industry experience, bridging theory and practice in communication.

Burcu

Burcu Oksuz is a Professor of Public Relations in the department of Media and Communication at İzmir Kâtip Çelebi University (Türkiye). She received her Ph.D. in Public Relations and Publicity from Ege University. She completed an M.A. in the Department of Human Resources at Dokuz Eylul University. She received a B.A. in the Faculty of Communication, Department of Public Relations and Publicity at Ege University. She served as Head of the Media and Communication Department from 2016 to 2019 and is currently working as the chair of the Public Relations and Advertising division at İzmir Kâtip Çelebi University. Her research interests are reputation management, corporate communication, employer brand, and crisis communication.

Hilda

Hilda Allam is a Lecturer and Clinical Coordinator in the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences at the University of Sharjah, where she also serves as Chair of the Clinical Training Committee. Ms. Allam holds an MSc in Physiology from Cairo University and is currently pursuing a PhD in Biochemistry. In recognition of her contributions to education and community engagement, she received the University of Sharjah’s Community Service Award in 2023. Her career spans both academic and clinical settings, including key positions at the National Cancer Institute (Cairo), Ibn Sina Hospital, and the Dubai Health Authority. She contributed to major quality and accreditation initiatives and was recognized for her role in the Dubai Government Excellence Award for “Optimum Blood Utilization” in 2009. Ms. Allam’s career reflects a sustained dedication to clinical training, quality improvement, and the advancement of medical laboratory science education.

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