TUFH Social Accountability Fellowship Culminates in Policy Brief Presentation at Ubuntu 2024: Advancing Social Accountability in Philippine Medical Education
by Jake Bryan S. Cortez, MD; Athena Bernadette De Padua-Tan, MD, MPM-HSD
On September 10, 2024, Dr. Athena Bernadette De Padua-Tan from the Mapúa School of Medicine presented their team’s policy brief titled Advocating for the Effective Integration of Social Accountability in Philippine Medical Education: A Multi-Strategy and Bottom-Up Approach at the Ubuntu 2024: Uniting TUFH 2024 and Rural Wonca 2024 Conference. This presentation was the culmination of their participation in the TUFH Social Accountability Fellowship and underscores Mapúa’s dedication to advancing socially accountable medical education.
The policy brief addresses key challenges to integrating social accountability into basic medical education in the Philippines, such as curriculum disparities, urban-centric and clinical-focused practices, and limited faculty engagement. It proposes a multi-strategy, bottom-up approach that includes policy reinforcement, capacity building, the formation of communities of practice (CoP), and mandatory accreditation or self-assessment for medical institutions. These strategies aim to prepare medical professionals to effectively address health inequities, particularly in underserved areas.
The conference concluded with the Ubuntu 2024 Declaration Cape Town Consensus, which emphasizes equity, community engagement, and socially responsive health policies. Rooted in the Ubuntu philosophy of interconnectedness, the declaration advocates for health systems that prioritize rural health, community-driven policies, and environmental determinants of health. The policy brief aligns with these principles by promoting collaboration among medical schools, local governments, and healthcare organizations to strengthen both health education and service delivery.
Beyond the conference, the policy brief’s focus on social accountability is also in line with the Philippine Universal Health Care Act, which mandates the reorientation of health professional education toward primary health care. By advocating for a socially accountable curriculum, the policy brief supports the UHC Law’s goal of delivering equitable healthcare to all Filipinos. These proposed strategies are essential in preparing future physicians to address both individual and systemic health challenges, particularly in marginalized communities.
Moreover, the principles of the policy brief are echoed in Mapúa’s Doctor of Medicine program, which aims to produce competent, compassionate, and practice-ready physicians. Through its DISCOVER curriculum, Mapúa emphasizes social accountability, sustainability, community engagement, and primary care. These core elements align with the policy brief’s focus on addressing both clinical and broader social and ecological determinants of health. Mapúa’s emphasis on service learning and community-based education further supports the brief’s call for faculty development and CoP formation, ensuring that medical graduates are equipped to serve both individuals and communities.
The presentation of this policy brief at the Ubuntu 2024 Conference represents a significant step toward transforming medical education in the Philippines. The policy brief provides a comprehensive framework for cultivating a socially accountable, community-engaged healthcare workforce, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and sustainable healthcare system for all Filipinos.
For more information, visit the Mapúa School of Medicine website.
