When people arrive at hospital, they are often facing one of the most challenging times in their lives.
For Logan Hospital’s Multicultural Hospital Liaison Officer Michael Tawadros, creating a sense of connection, understanding and belonging can make all the difference.
Every day, Michael supports patients and families from multicultural backgrounds by providing cultural and psychosocial support, helping bridge communication with healthcare teams, and ensuring care is respectful, responsive and centred on each person's needs.
"What I value most about this work is being able to support people at a time when they may feel scared, overwhelmed or far from what is familiar," Michael said.
"Sometimes even a small moment of understanding can make a big difference."
As a proud Coptic Egyptian, Michael knows firsthand the importance of culture and identity. Copts are Egypt's native Christian community, one of the oldest Christian traditions in the world, and a minority within Egypt itself.
"Growing up with that identity gave me a strong understanding of what it means to hold onto culture, faith and belonging," he said.
"It also taught me how important it is to feel recognised and respected for who you are."
Arabic is Michael's first language, and he says speaking with patients in their own language can help ease anxiety and build trust during vulnerable moments.
"I know from my own life how powerful it can be to hear your own language in a moment of stress, or to feel that someone understands where you are coming from without you having to explain every detail," he said.
"In hospital, people are often frightened, unwell or trying to make sense of a system that feels unfamiliar. Being able to connect through language and cultural understanding helps people feel safer and more supported."
Michael says cultural understanding also helps clinicians appreciate the important role family, faith, values and identity play in a person's healthcare journey.
As Metro South Health celebrates Multicultural Queensland Month, Michael hopes it encourages people to reflect on the role diversity plays in delivering safe, compassionate care.
"Culture is not just part of someone's background," he said.
"It shapes how they understand illness, how they ask for help, how they make decisions and what helps them feel safe.
"When we truly make space for people's identities and experiences, we don't just create a more inclusive workplace – we create better care, stronger relationships and a greater sense of humanity."
Supporting inclusion extends beyond patient care, and as secretary of the Multicultural Staff Connect@MSH network, Michael is also passionate about helping colleagues feel connected and valued.
"The Metro South Health Diversity and Inclusion Staff Networks create a real sense of belonging," he said.
"They give staff a space where their experiences, perspectives and identities are valued.
“That matters, because when people feel seen and included, they're more able to bring their whole selves to work, and that's something that benefits everyone."
For Michael, being part of the staff network is an opportunity to celebrate lived experience and recognise the strengths that a diverse workforce brings to the organisation.
"Our languages, cultures and stories are not separate from our professional lives," he said.
"They are part of what helps us care, connect and lead with empathy."
Multicultural Queensland Month is a chance to shine a spotlight on the rich diversity of Metro South Health's workforce and community, and Michael hopes its message resonates well beyond the month itself.
"I truly believe diversity is one of the greatest strengths we have in healthcare," he said.
"Every day we meet people whose lives, beliefs, languages and experiences may be very different from our own, and that invites us to listen more deeply, care more thoughtfully, and respond with more compassion.
"To me, multiculturalism is not only about celebration – it is also about dignity, respect and making sure people feel that they belong. That's something worth recognising every day."