The Ateneo de Zamboanga University School of Medicine (AdZU-SOM), in partnership with the Social Development Office (SDO), recently hosted a two-day leadership workshop for its Level IV students. Entitled “Bridging Leadership: Empowering Medical Practitioners for Social Transformation,” the workshop took place on October 29-30, 2024, at the SHS Physics Laboratory, FWS Building, Salvador Campus, La Purisima.
This initiative underscores AdZU-SOM’s dedication to cultivating a new generation of medical professionals who are not only proficient clinicians but also effective leaders in addressing the pressing health challenges faced by communities in Western Mindanao and beyond. The core of the training rests on the “Bridging Leadership” program, which emphasizes a progressive approach to leadership, prioritizing ownership, co-ownership, and co-creation.
Through a blend of theoretical instruction and practical exercises, the workshop aimed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of healthcare delivery and effectively address health inequities. The first phase of the training focused on the “Ownership Process,” delving into crucial topics such as the Universal Health Care Act of 2019, where students examined the principles of equitable access to healthcare.
The workshop also facilitated introspection through “My Current Health Reality,” prompting students to explore the specific health challenges facing their communities. Building upon this understanding, students then engaged in “My Preferred Health Reality,” an exercise aimed at fostering shared visions for sustainable community health improvements. Furthermore, the training delved into the Bridging Leadership Framework, providing students with a deeper understanding of empathetic and socially responsible leadership.
Finally, the workshop reinforced the importance of Ignatian Spirituality, encouraging students to embrace their roles as “men and women for others” – future doctors dedicated to serving not only individual patients but also the broader well-being of their communities. This emphasis on Ignatian values serves as a guiding principle for the entire program, inspiring students to become compassionate and socially conscious medical professionals who are committed to improving the health and well-being of their communities.
