Mastering your path: Insights on further studies and career Growth in public health from RGL Hub’s brown bag session

Early to mid-career public health professionals gathered for an engaging exchange of insights and experiences at the Dr Rosita G Leong Primary Healthcare Hub’s latest Brown Bag Session, “Master Plan: When, Why, and How to Pursue Further Studies.” In collaboration with the Philippine Society of Public Health Physicians (PSPHP) and the Alliance for Improving Health Outcomes (AIHO), the event offered participants an opportunity to reflect on their professional journeys and explore the role of further studies in shaping their public health careers. Held at the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public health (ASMPH) in Pasig City, the session continued the momentum of the previous discussion, “OccuPHation: Career Planning in Public Health,” with conversations on academic decision-making, career timing, and purpose-driven growth. 

In his talk, Dr Alberto “JR” Ong explored the many paths and motivations behind pursuing postgraduate education in medicine and public health. He shared that there is no single right reason to continue studying—whether one seeks career advancement, personal growth, global exposure, or simply the joy of learning. The timing, he added, also varies for each individual; some choose to proceed right after earning their degree, while others find greater value in returning to school after gaining professional experience. Drawing from his own journey, Dr Ong reminded the audience that postgraduate studies are not only for top-performing students but also for those who stay committed, adapt, and keep refining their goals. 

He further discussed popular international destinations such as Belgium, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, the United States, and Japan, where numerous scholarships make advanced education more accessible. At the same time, he encouraged a realistic mindset—acknowledging that studying abroad comes with financial, personal, and family considerations. More importantly, he emphasized that success does not depend solely on obtaining a prestigious degree, but on how individuals build networks, apply their skills, and take the initiative to create their own opportunities. 

Dr Patricia Moran, a Digital Health Consultant and MS Data Science student at the Asian Institute of Management, shared her experience of pursuing further studies in the Philippines. Drawing from her time as a former Doctor-to-the-Barrio, she underscored the importance of finding supportive mentors who can guide and open doors when opportunities arise. She acknowledged that the cost of education remains one of the biggest barriers to postgraduate study but reminded aspiring learners that it is never too late to continue their education, as people from various ages and career stages now pursue master’s degrees. To wrap up her talk, Dr Moran summarized her message with the acronym DATA - Do Ask, Accept, Tribe, Align - encouraging professionals to take initiative, seek guidance, embrace challenges, build a strong support network, and stay aligned with their goals. 

Dr Manuel Dayrit wrapped up the session by sharing his “5 Fs” as a guide for navigating one’s personal and professional journey: focus, flexibility, friends & fellows, fortitude, and faith in yourself and the people. He began with focus, encouraging the participants to reflect on what they truly want to do with their degrees as this will be the north star for one’s career. The second, flexibility, emphasizes the importance of adapting to change and not being disheartened when the ideal job does not come right away. He then spoke about friends & fellows, reminding everyone the importance of strong networks and genuine relationships. It is often people you know who will open opportunities for you, regardless of your academic credentials. The fourth, fortitude, is a reminder to have the courage and willingness to find your opportunities, make your opportunities, and dare to do new things – no matter how difficult or uncomfortable it may be. Finally, Dr Dayrit stressed the value of faith in one’s self and in navigating one’s personal career. He reminded the participants to maintain balance beyond career and academic pursuits, and finding meaning in one's personal life. 

The Brown Bag Session gave public health professionals practical insights and inspiration for advancing their careers and education. From Dr Ong’s reminders about perseverance and purposeful learning, to Dr Moran’s advice on mentorship and timing, and Dr Dayrit’s “5 Fs” for navigating personal and professional paths, attendees were encouraged to take initiative, build networks, and embrace opportunities. The session highlighted that success is shaped not just by degrees, but by curiosity, resilience, and the courage to create one’s own path in public health. 

The RGL Hub continues to support ASMPH alumni in primary healthcare and to foster collaborative opportunities. For potential partnerships, interested parties may reach out to Dr TJ Malvar via rglhub@ateneo.edu.