ASMPH Faculty and Staff Conference 2024: Advancing Global Medical Education Practices

The Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health (ASMPH) recently concluded its Faculty and Staff Conference, which held in Taipei, Taiwan. The participants visited the Taipei Medical University (TMU) on 27 June 2024 which completes the final leg in the ASMPH's journey to integrate global best practices into its educational framework, fostering knowledge exchange, strengthening international collaborations, and introducing innovative medical education techniques, within the context of the universal health care (UHC) systems implementation. 

A Journey of Continuous Improvement

Building on the foundations laid by previous conferences, the 2024 event was part of a series aimed at enhancing the quality of medical education at ASMPH. The 2022 conference in Singapore introduced faculty to innovative teaching methods such as the use of anatomage, plastinated models, and simulation in medical education. Emphasis was placed on Team-Based Learning (TBL), which promotes student preparation and application of knowledge in a structured, small-group format. This allowed the faculty and staff to deepen their understanding of how to implement teaching-learning approaches (TLA) that focused on the interactive- constructive aspects of TLAs, guided by the ICAP framework. 

In 2023, the conference in Thailand provided insights into their UHC system. The ASMPH delegation engaged with the Ministry of Public Health, exploring how increased public funding and a greater number of public hospitals could improve healthcare delivery.

Taipei Conference Highlights

The 2024 conference in Taiwan focused on the similarities and differences between the Taiwanese and Philippine healthcare systems. The Taiwanese system, while publicly funded, features a higher proportion of private institutions, offering a model more akin to the Philippines. This year’s Academic Program Workshop provided an in-depth understanding of advanced medical education, healthcare management, national insurance systems, and biomedical engineering.

Participants received exclusive insights from TMU professionals, expanding their knowledge of current trends and future directions in medical education. Networking opportunities allowed attendees to connect with experts, faculty members, and peers, fostering collaborations and expanding their professional networks. Discussions on enhancing student exchange and research opportunities aimed to enrich educational experiences through greater international collaboration.

Detailed Program Itinerary

The conference opened with remarks by Prof Nai-Wen Kuo, Dean of the TMU College of Management, and Dr Cenon “Dodie” Alfonso, Dean of ASMPH. Executive Director Tzay-Jinn Chen of Taipei Municipal Wanfang Hospital shared insights on Taiwan’s National Health Insurance System. A tour of the Center for Education in Medical Simulation, led by Deputy Director Wen-Cheng Huang, showcased cutting-edge simulation techniques.

Ms Andrea Liu, Chief of the Global Partnerships Section, introduced TMU’s short-term programs, while Prof Chien-Chih Wu, Associate Dean, provided an overview of the medical elective program and Taiwan’s undergraduate medical education. Prof Wing P Chan discussed clinical medical education, focusing on teaching, evaluation, and community outreach. Assistant Prof Po-Chih Chen shared insights on international medical services, covering clinical training, patient referrals, and research cooperation.

Prof Chi-Long Chen and Director Tu-Hsueh Yeh discussed advanced studies and degree programs for international medical personnel. TMU likewise invited a Filipino student, Mr John Oliver Sayseng, currently taking up International Masters Program in Medicine to share his experiences at TMU and Taiwan’s healthcare system. 

Prof Chyi-Huey Bai, Vice Dean of the College of Public Health, highlighted the impact of epidemic prevention policies on acute and chronic conditions. Finally, Prof Nai-Wen Kuo addressed the challenges and perspectives of hospital management in Taiwan, and Prof Jen-Chang Yang, Vice Dean of the College of Biomedical Engineering, discussed the social impacts of guided biomedical engineering.

Looking Forward

The progression of ASMPH's Faculty and Staff Conference over the past three years underscores the institution's commitment to aligning with global best practices. These exposure and learning trips follow the CERAE (Context, Experience, Reflection, Action and Evaluation) cycle aimed at helping the ASMPH Faculty and Staff to experience and reflect on how to improve the school’s current program and develop new programs to improve medical education and the Philippine health care system. 

Each conference has built upon the previous one, continuously enhancing faculty development, expanding international collaborations, and ensuring that ASMPH remains at the forefront of medical education. By adopting innovative teaching methods and learning from global healthcare systems, ASMPH is poised to offer more to its students and produce future physician-leaders equipped with the knowledge and skills to make a significant impact in the medical field.