HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRIPE-VINE: OUR NEW ABNORMAL

Health and wellness were major preoccupations even before the health crisis hit us in 2020. If anything, the crisis ramped up the worry and concern we had about the health system prevailing here in the Philippines, and how it’s so often the case of who has the money and disposable income to attend to one’s medical issues and that of one’s immediate family - with the sad 2021 statistic that more than 40 percent of medical expenses are typically coming out-of-pocket (according to PhilHealth). The Universal Healthcare Act was passed into law in 2019, but the World Health Organization made the observation that it would only be in 2030 when our health system would be able to substantially support the Act, and give it true meaning for the general public. It’s not a pretty picture, but rather than raise our hands in surrender, it’s encouraging to note how institutes of learning and private corporations are “coming to bat,” and setting in motion programs and initiatives that can help improve the situation. *At the media launch of the Mapua University Health Sciences program.*
Recently, I attended an event at the Mapua University Makati, where they unveiled their Health Sciences program, a collaboration between the University and iPeople, Ayala Healthcare Holdings (AC Health) and their Healthway Medical Network (HMN), the prestigious Arizona State University and Cintana Education. The partnership aims to provide world class education for the Philippine health sector, both in clinical practice and in research. Arizona State University has been ranked No. 1 in the USA for innovation for eight consecutive years by US News and Report, the leading US universities ranking system. It’s also ranked in the Top 100 in the world for academic reputation by Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings 2021. It’s committed to access, excellence and impact, with Cintana Education the enabler for universities such as ASU to allow access to its proprietary resources. Together, they bring openness and inclusivity; as opposed to other learning institutions founded on exclusivity. Mapua University is the first Philippine university they’ll be working with. The working concept will be the global classroom. Through the global classroom, students can actively participate in classes conducted by professors from Arizona State University and the ASU-Cintana Alliance universities. Internships via international exchange programs and research projects are distinct possibilities. *Dr. Malaya Santos, dean of Mapua University’s Health Sciences program.*
The overarching vision here is that by working with professors and classmates from all over the world, the Mapua students can also develop soft skills such as communication, collaboration, cultural sensitivity and the ability to lead and manage teams worldwide. Beyond the hard technical skills and expertise, we’ve seen how these soft skills do play a role as success factors in this day and age. Mapua strongly feels that their system has reached a point where technical skills are assured, so it’s now about acquiring a global mindset, so that a competitive edge is attained. Through the partnership with the AC Health and HMN, Mapua students will have access to clinical rotations and internships. The AC Health involvement represents 12 outpatient centers, four general hospitals, and the soon to open Healthway Cancer Care Hospital at Arca South. The Mapua Health Sciences program will offer degrees in BS Biology, BS Psychology, BS Medical Technology, MA Psychology, AB Psychology - MA Psychology, BS Psychology - MA Psychology, and BS Nursing (pending CHED approval). In time, Dr. Malaya Santos, dean of the School of Health Sciences, disclosed that they’ll introduce Medicine, and other health professions. *Paolo Borromeo, president and CEO of AC Health.*
And she added that digital literacy and mastery will be a must, inclusive of “webside manners” - the virtual equivalent of bedside manners. This is in recognition of how digital technology has become all important, but requires the know how to curate and evaluate the accuracy of the information made available. In other words, even with most advanced and accurate technology, you’re only as good as the analysis and evaluation you can bring to the proverbial table. Given the provenance and prevailing equity of Mapua as a center for technology, this is right up their alley; and it should be interesting to watch this technology prowess be applied to the field of Health Sciences and Medicine Technology. With the integrated curricula and inter-professional training, the vision is to graduate practice-ready professionals, with a strong sense of community service and social responsibility. It’s all about future-proofing their students, with a benchmark of global readiness, digital mastery, and familiarity with the advanced and immersive facilities that all together, form an integral part of the Mapua Health Sciences agenda.