Exploring opportunities for collaboration: ASMPH and the University of Toronto

The Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health (ASMPH) recently hosted Dr Andrea Duncan of the University of Toronto (UofT) in an exploratory meeting that could pave the way for a promising partnership. Dr Duncan, a renowned educator, occupational therapist and researcher specializing in professional practice, program evaluation, and international clinical education, visited ASMPH to discuss potential areas of collaboration.

Dr Raymundo Baquiran, Associate Dean of ASMPH, welcomed Dr Duncan and discussed with her the unique features of the school and the opportunities for collaboration. The meeting was also attended by Ms Karen Sunico, Director for Partnerships and Engagement of Ateneo’s Office of University Partnerships and Internationalization (UPI); Dr Jhason Cabigon of the Ateneo Health Services Office and an Occupational Medicine Specialist; Dr Ma Victoria Tangco, Faculty and subject expert for Rehabilitation Medicine of ASMPH; Dr Maria Regina Cunanan-Espinosa, ASMPH Clinical Faculty at the Philippine Orthopedic Center; Dr Merce Tumibay-Saturnino, ASMPH Module Coordinator for Rehabilitation and Rheumatology; and Dr Alejandro Luis Abando, ASMPH Alumni and resident at The Medical City. The dialogue highlighted shared goals in research, education, and community health innovation, with a focus on addressing pressing health needs in local and global contexts.

Dr Duncan presented UofT’s strengths, including its extensive research capabilities, innovative teaching methods, and robust international mobility programs. She highlighted programs like the International Visiting Graduate Students (IVGS) initiative and Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), which enable cross-border academic engagement. UofT’s expertise in occupational therapy, rehabilitation, and advanced medical research was discussed as a key resource that could complement ASMPH’s unique MD-MBA program and community-based internship model.

Ms Sunico highlighted Ateneo’s extensive network of partnerships across various university units, reflecting its dedication to internationalization and collaboration. However, she also noted the opportunity to expand these partnerships for ASMPH, particularly in creating programs tailored to medical education, research, and healthcare innovation.

The discussion also covered potential joint initiatives, such as research partnerships, faculty exchange, and student mobility programs. Dr Cabigon emphasized the importance of creating “healthy settings” that align with ASMPH’s commitment to the Universal Health Care Law in the Philippines. Dr Tangco and Dr Espinosa shared insights into local healthcare challenges, particularly in occupational health and rehabilitation medicine, where UofT’s advanced methodologies could bring valuable perspectives.

The most exciting prospect of this partnership lies in the opportunities it opens for ASMPH students and alumni to engage with international institutions. A potential collaboration with UofT would not only provide exposure to global standards of medical education and research but also elevate the recognition of ASMPH graduates on the international stage. These experiences promise to enrich their practice, particularly for those committed to addressing healthcare challenges within the Philippines.

This meeting marked the start of a dialogue that could lead to concrete opportunities, including student mobility programs, faculty exchanges, and joint research initiatives. The partnership holds the promise of advancing global perspectives while staying deeply rooted in the local context.

With both institutions sharing a passion for innovation and collaboration, this potential partnership reflects a shared commitment to nurturing future leaders in healthcare and research. As ASMPH continues to take steps toward strengthening its global ties, it sets the stage for transformative opportunities for its community.