The Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health concludes PAASCU formal visit for accreditation with optimism

The Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health (ASMPH) recently completed the 3-day Formal Visit by the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAASCU) from 12 to 14 February 2024. This marks a significant milestone in ASMPH's journey toward accreditation, which began as early as 2017. 

In 2018, ASMPH formally expressed its interest to PAASCU and conducted extensive research, including a visit to Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro to learn from the experiences of an accredited school. Subsequently in 2019, the Medical Education and Quality Assurance Unit (MEQAU) of the ASMPH was formed to focus on steering the accreditation process.

On 25 August 022, ASMPH submitted its comprehensive self-survey report to PAASCU, setting the stage for the Preliminary Visit on 7 and 8 November 2022. PAASCU then gave their feedback on how ASMPH could further improve before the upcoming Formal Visit. 

After more than a year of working towards continuous improvement, the ASMPH received the PAASCU team for its Formal Visit last 12 to 14 February 2024. The PAASCU team, headed by Dr. Susan Pelea Nagtalon, meticulously examined ASMPH's commitment to excellence. They were welcomed by key figures, including Dr. Maria Luz Vilches, Vice President for Higher Education of Ateneo de Manila University, Dean Cenon Alfonso of the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health (ASMPH), Dean Jowett Magsaysay of the Ateneo Graduate School of Business (GSB), Dr Raymundo Baquiran, Associate Dean of ASMPH and Professor Luisito Montalbo, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs of GSB. 

They were also joined by the Director of the Strategy and Quality Management Office (SQMO), Ms Rosario Banzon, Fr Raymund Benedict Hizon of the Society of Jesus and Chaplain for Higher Education. and the members of the ASMPH Dean's Council, Dr Lourdes Tanchanco, Director of the Ateneo Center for Research and Innovation (ACRI), Dr Roberto Tanchanco who serves as the Chair of the ASMPH Faculty Development Committee and Director of the MBA Program, Ms Maria Lourdes Benito, Assistant to the Dean, Ms. Rosa Quiambao, Assistant to the Associate Dean and Dr Jose Anthony Jocson, Chair of MEQAU. The other members of MEQAU who have been at the forefront of the entire accreditation process were present, Dr Blesilda Concepcion, Dr Aileen Pascual and Dr Kirk Plata. Also present to lead the community visits were Dr Limuel Abrogena, the Chair of the ASMPH Public Health Cluster. 

The evaluation during this visit covered various aspects such as teaching and learning, research, school leadership, resource management, partner hospitals and communities, quality assurance, risk management, student services and more.

The team's comprehensive evaluation culminated in discussions and deliberations during the last day of the visit. The process concluded fittingly with an Ash Wednesday mass, highlighting the commitment to academic and spiritual growth.

ASMPH extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who played a role in this accreditation process - the ASMPH staff, administration, students, faculty and alumni, our hospital and community partners, the Ateneo Graduate School of Business and Ateneo de Manila University. 

As the ASMPH community eagerly awaits the official accreditation results, the institution emphasizes its commitment to fostering a Culture of Quality. Rooted in Ignatian principles, particularly the concept of "Magis," ASMPH is dedicated to continuous improvement, not just for compliance but to be men and women for others, embodying the Ignatian principle of doing more for Christ and, consequently, doing more for others.

ASMPH also expresses deep gratitude to the PAASCU team for the opportunity to undergo this thorough review. The institution extends its thanks to Dr. Nagtalon and the entire accrediting team for providing valuable input and feedback. The guidance received during this process will inspire ASMPH to continue its pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, and service. The ultimate goal is to elevate the standards of education and fulfill the mission of educating and forming Atenean physician-leaders, individuals committed to making a positive impact on society.