Mapúa University Launches School of Medicine to Foster Globally Competitive Healthcare Professionals

Inauguration of the Mapúa-Arizona State University Human Health Learning and Innovation Center

MANILA, Philippines – Mapúa University bolsters its commitment to innovation within the education sector by launching its School of Medicine in collaboration with Arizona State University (ASU). The program is designed to provide cutting-edge education that equips future medical professionals with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to improve health outcomes, positively impact society, and excel in the rapidly evolving 21^st century healthcare landscape.

Healthcare systems worldwide have been disrupted post-pandemic, with rapid adaptation and innovation charting the way forward.  Technological advancements are impacting the field with the emergence of telehealth, artificial intelligence (AI), augmented/virtual reality, robotics, and other developments, making healthcare delivery more efficient, personalized, and accessible. However, local healthcare systems continue to face challenges. Due to the archipelagic geography of the Philippines, hospitals and equipment may be out of reach, especially for those residing in far-flung areas. Hugely disproportionate physician-to-patient ratios also exist – indicating a severe shortage of doctors in the country. 

As these shifts continue to define the present state of local healthcare, the new generation of industry professionals must possess the leadership skills and technical ability needed to drive positive change within organizations, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and champion solutions to complex health challenges.

Recognizing these gaps, Mapúa University aims to implement AI and other advanced technologies to develop resilient healthcare solutions and to promote international partnerships that improve medical training and facilities among its students. Upholding its status as one of the country’s premier technological universities with a renowned track record in engineering and information technology, Mapúa leverages its technical expertise to enhance medical education through immersive learning experiences that include virtual patients, augmented reality, and practical simulations.

These efforts uphold the university’s commitment to continuously innovate and adapt to the growing demand within the healthcare industry to address the challenges faced by Filipino students who want to explore the medical field. Introducing the Mapúa University School of Medicine is a significant step in realizing the university’s vision of fostering sustainable socio-economic growth through innovation, digital transformation, and lifelong education.

 “We are empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals to lead with innovation. Our collaboration with Arizona State University enables us to provide students with interprofessional training, global exposure, and access to cutting-edge technology like AI and advanced immersive facilities, revolutionizing medical education to prepare them for the diverse challenges of modern healthcare,” shared Dr. Malaya Santos, Dean of Mapúa University School of Medicine.

Molding the next generation of healthcare professionals through innovative institutional collaboration 

The Mapúa University School of Medicine is committed to producing well-rounded, globally competent, and digitally proficient medical professionals who can collaborate across disciplines and address both clinical aspects and the social determinants of healthcare.

Shaping the student experience is Mapúa University’s groundbreaking collaboration with ASU – the #1 school in the United States for innovation for the ninth straight year ranked by U.S. News and World Report 2016-2024. Through the collaboration, Mapúa University School of Medicine students can enjoy enhanced opportunities for interprofessional training and global exposure. Mapúa students will be able to engage with faculty and peers from ASU and ASU-Cintana Alliance affiliated universities, as well as internships, exchange programs, and international collaborative research projects.

These initiatives instill in students a forward-thinking, global mindset and equip them with a quality education at par with world standards – a solid foundation for a global career.   

The Medicine Program is grounded on five features:

• Global Mastery through a curriculum aligned with international standards, international exchange and internship opportunities, and collaborations with foreign universities and institutions.
• Digital Readiness by the integration of advanced digital technologies in education.
• Inter-professional Training through interdisciplinary courses, projects, and joint training across healthcare disciplines.
• Clinical Simulation with state-of-the-art digital simulation labs that recreate various healthcare scenarios to improve clinical competencies at the hospital, emergency, outpatient, or community health level.
• Social Accountability through community-based projects, public health initiatives, and partnerships with local health organizations.

Alongside ASU, key partnerships across the local healthcare landscape help shape the Mapúa University School of Medicine’s student experience. De Los Santos Medical Center (DLSMC) in Quezon City serves as the university’s official base hospital. It provides essential clinical training, state-of-the-art facilities, mentorship, and research. AC Health – the healthcare-focused subsidiary of the Ayala Corporation – gives students access to collaborative learning opportunities through its integrated network of healthcare services. 

“The introduction of the Mapúa University School of Medicine, through our collaboration with Arizona State University, is a significant milestone for the university as the school helps improve

access to world-class healthcare education,” says Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo, President and CEO, Mapúa University.  “As healthcare continues to evolve post-pandemic, these efforts are symbolic of our mission to mold globally competitive learners who utilize innovation to respond to the challenges against local healthcare and capable of positively impacting communities both here and abroad,” he concluded.

Admissions for A.Y. 2024 – 2025 are now open. Interested applicants can sign up now at http://admissions.mapúa.edu.ph