In the latest episode of Musings with Morales, I had the pleasure of speaking with Michele Josue, an Emmy Award-winning Filipino filmmaker whose impactful documentaries resonate deeply within the healthcare community. Her latest work, Nurse Unseen, highlights the often-overlooked contributions of Filipino nurses, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. As we delved into her journey, it became clear that storytelling is not just a profession for Michele; it’s a calling that aligns closely with the mission of Dialysis Education Services (DES) to improve care through education.
A Passion for Storytelling
Michele’s passion for storytelling began in childhood when she would create short plays with friends and explore the beauty of other people’s experiences. This early fascination blossomed further during her formative years at a boarding school in Switzerland, where she was immersed in European culture and art. Her love for the stage grew here, eventually leading her to film school at Emerson College. The foundation of her storytelling skills set the stage for the impactful narratives she would later craft, particularly those illuminating Filipino healthcare professionals’ experiences.
A Pivotal Moment in Storytelling
A pivotal moment in Michele’s journey as a storyteller came when her close friend, Matthew Shepard, was tragically murdered in 1998. This devastating loss compelled her to create a documentary to honor his memory—Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine. This way, Michele’s mission became clear: she wanted to tell stories that amplify voices often left unheard, especially those within the Filipino community and the healthcare sector. This theme resonates strongly with the mission of DES.
The Importance of Empathy in Healthcare
Throughout our conversation, Michele emphasized the critical role of empathy in her work. She stated, “The world needs much more empathy and listening.” This philosophy resonates deeply with the mission of Dialysis Education Services (DES). At DES, we are dedicated to educating and empowering future dialysis technicians to provide compassionate, patient-centered care. By fostering understanding and empathy, we aim to improve the quality of care for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and those undergoing dialysis. Just as Michele connects audiences to the human side of her stories, we equip healthcare providers with the skills and emotional intelligence needed to truly connect with and care for their patients.
Highlighting the Filipino Nursing Community
Delving deeper into her latest project, Nurse Unseen, Michele shines a light on the Filipino nursing community and their significant contributions, particularly during the pandemic. Michele’s connection to the subject matter is profound. Her aunt, an oncology nurse, faced complications from dialysis before passing away, which adds an emotional layer to this film. This connection underscores the need for greater awareness and appreciation of nursing, especially in specialized fields like nephrology, where Filipino nurses play a crucial role in patient care.
Educating About the Filipino Experience in Nursing
In creating Nurse Unseen, Michele explores the historical roots of why so many Filipinos enter the nursing profession, tracing it back to American colonization. She aims to educate viewers about the systemic issues leading to this phenomenon and the sacrifices made by these dedicated professionals, who often work on the front lines under challenging conditions.
This exploration parallels DES’s commitment to highlighting the contributions of Filipino healthcare providers and ensuring they receive the support and education necessary to improve patient outcomes.
Community Engagement Through Film
Michele’s grassroots approach to sharing Nurse Unseen illustrates her commitment to community engagement. By collaborating with organizations and hosting screenings, she fosters meaningful conversations about the realities faced by Filipino nurses and the broader healthcare landscape. For instance, her recent screening at the American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA) summit in Atlanta celebrated the first Filipino American president of the organization, reinforcing the importance of representation in healthcare and the vital role of Filipino professionals in the nursing workforce.
The Power of Conversations in Healthcare
The conversations that follow these screenings are just as crucial as the films themselves. Michele believes that bringing people together to share experiences fosters connection and understanding, reinforcing that storytelling can create a community of empathy. At DES, we also prioritize building a supportive community for patients, families, and healthcare professionals, emphasizing the importance of shared experiences in overcoming challenges related to kidney disease.
Overcoming Challenges in Independent Filmmaking
As an independent filmmaker, Michele faces the ongoing challenge of securing funding and support for her projects. Despite these hurdles, her passion for telling these important stories fuels her determination. She encourages others to engage with and support independent films, emphasizing that every ticket sold and donation helps amplify the voices of those who need to be heard.
This ethos also drives our work at DES, expanding our reach and enhancing our training programs.
Final Thoughts:
A Shared Mission of Empathy and Understanding
In closing, Michele Josue is a testament to the power of storytelling as a vehicle for change. Through her documentaries, she captures the intricacies of human experience and invites viewers to reflect on their own lives and the stories around them. As we concluded our conversation, Michele left me with a profound reminder: “Keep going and doing what you’re doing. Don’t quit.”
The themes of empathy, community engagement, and the importance of amplifying unheard voices resonate deeply with the mission of Dialysis Education Services (DES). Just as Michele’s work emphasizes the need for understanding and compassion, DES strives to foster these values in kidney disease and patient care. Our commitment to educating and supporting patients and Filipino healthcare professionals mirrors Michele’s passion for storytelling, which drives societal change.
Together, we can cultivate a culture of empathy and understanding, ensuring that every story—whether in film or healthcare—receives the attention and respect it deserves.
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