I am Bilal Awad, from Palestine, husband for two children, devoted and compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) specializing in Oncology and Palliative Care, with a rich 17-year history in healthcare. My professional journey commenced in 2007 at Al-Ahli Hospital and expanded into critical care units such as ICU, NICU, and CCU at Arab Specialized Hospital in 2008. Since 2009, I have been dedicated to serving my community at the Palestinian Ministry of Health, Beit Jala Governmental Hospital-Oncology and Hematology Department, navigating challenges inherent in a low-income country with limited resources.
Driven by a thirst for knowledge and a global perspective, I acquired international experience in Glasgow, UK, and further enhanced my expertise through a Specialist Course Masterclass in Oncology Nursing in Spain. Actively participating in conferences, workshops, webinars, and courses organized by prestigious institutions in Barcelona, Madrid, and Paris, I remain committed to staying abreast of the latest advancements in Oncology and Palliative Care.
I proudly hold memberships in numerous esteemed organizations, including the European Oncology Nursing Society, European Society for Medical Oncology, International Association for Hospice & Palliative Care, European Cancer Organization, Oncology Nursing Society (USA), United Kingdom Oncology Nursing Society, European School of Oncology, European Specialist Nurses Organization, International Federation on Ageing, European Association of Urology Nurses, International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care, European Association for Palliative Care, Palestinian Nursing & Midwifery Association, International Society of Pediatric Oncology, and Al-Sadeel Society for Palliative Care.
Academically, I earned a BSc degree in High Nursing (2007), a High Diploma degree in Oncology and Palliative Care Nursing (2019), and an MSc Degree in Critical Care Nursing. My relentless pursuit of knowledge propels me towards the goal of earning a PhD academic degree, aligning with my unwavering dedication to serving humanity and my community.
Currently engaged in an intensive 8-month global fellowship in palliative care facilitated by EAPC, St. Christopher Hospice, and WHO, I am acquiring skills and knowledge to address the unique challenges faced by patients in low-income countries.
In my role as an Assistant Researcher and Clinical Teaching for Nursing Students at Hebron University, Al-Quds University, and An-Najah National University, I am dedicated to shaping the future of nursing professionals. Beyond being a nurse, I am a volunteer and advocate for cancer patients, with a special focus on improving Palliative Care Services. As an educator, I emphasize the power of knowledge in building strong nurses respected by other healthcare professionals.
In the face of late-stage cancer diagnoses and limited resources, my commitment to improving oncology and cancer care is unwavering. I recognize the urgent need for high-quality Palliative and End-of-Life services to enhance patients' quality of life. Challenges, such as a lack of support, knowledge gaps, and financial constraints, have motivated me to advocate for policy changes and education reforms. I am determined to utilize my experiences to contribute to the development of oncology and cancer care in Palestine.
Despite challenges, strategies like referring patients to external hospitals and integrating palliative care into curricula are being implemented. Remaining up-to-date and scientific builds trust among healthcare teams, and I am determined to increase knowledge in palliative care nursing, ensuring accessibility for all in Palestine.
Living in a region with limited resources, my commitment is driven by moral character and integrity. I advocate for truth, defend the weak, and fulfill every duty with enthusiasm. As I strive to elevate oncology and palliative care nursing, I envision becoming a leader in positive change, impacting the lives of those I serve.
My love for humanity extends beyond borders; I am an avid traveler exploring diverse cultures worldwide. Through these experiences, I aim to make a lasting positive impact on the field of oncology nursing and the lives of every person I encounter. In essence, my story is one of resilience, dedication, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence, with a vision to contribute to transformative change in the field of healthcare.