How Mapúa University TEDxMakati Is Redefining Health Innovation
TEDxMakati at Mapúa University showcased how cutting-edge ideas can reshape healthcare. The event was organized in collaboration with Arizona State University to bring global expertise to local medical education. Its aim was to explore transformative strategies that integrate artificial intelligence and sustainability.
The theme “THRIVE” emphasized sustainable success across work, life, and society. Speakers focused on moving beyond hustle culture toward approaches that prioritize long-term health outcomes and equitable care. The event encouraged participants to consider how technological tools can address systemic challenges in healthcare delivery.
Medical educators and leaders gathered to highlight AI’s potential in education and patient care. They explained that AI can personalize learning, support decision-making, and improve efficiency in clinical operations. Attendees were introduced to examples of AI applications that have already begun transforming medical practice.
Sustainability and planetary health were also central topics at the event. Experts discussed the link between environmental factors and public health outcomes, underscoring the urgency of integrating ecological considerations into healthcare planning. The discussions highlighted the dual responsibility of practitioners to care for both people and the planet.
By combining AI and planetary health, TEDxMakati at Mapúa University aimed to inspire actionable change. Participants were encouraged to adopt innovative approaches in education, clinical practice, and health policy. The event set a forward-looking agenda for a healthcare system that is smarter, fairer, and more sustainable.
How Mapúa University Experts See AI Bridging Health Gaps
Dr. Malaya Santos, founding Dean of Mapúa University School of Medicine, emphasized AI’s potential to expand universal access to quality healthcare. She noted that poverty drives health inequities, leaving many Filipinos vulnerable to preventable diseases and poorer outcomes. AI can serve as a powerful tool to reduce these disparities by supporting both education and clinical care.
Santos explained that AI-powered virtual patients allow medical students to practice realistic scenarios safely. Augmented reality tools are also being used to enhance procedural training and visualization. These technologies ensure that learners gain practical experience without compromising patient safety.
Personalized learning experiences are transforming medical education by tailoring content to individual students’ strengths and needs. Predictive analytics and adaptive learning help instructors design strategies that respond to real-time performance. Students remain engaged and actively participate in their own development through these approaches.
The future of healthcare should focus on human-centric AI rather than replacing people. Santos highlighted that collaboration between healthcare workers and data scientists is essential. Co-designing AI systems ensures they meet practical needs while remaining ethical and effective.
By integrating AI tools into training and practice, Mapúa University aims to produce more competent and confident healthcare professionals. This approach balances technological efficiency with the human touch required in patient care. The objective is to strengthen health systems while maintaining empathy and individualized attention.
Students are encouraged to view AI as a partner in their learning journey, not a replacement for clinical judgment. Engaging with these tools allows them to develop skills in analysis, problem-solving, and patient management. AI also frees time for educators to focus on mentoring and hands-on guidance.
Santos stressed that adopting AI responsibly requires ongoing evaluation and oversight. Transparent models and ethical considerations ensure the technology enhances care without compromising safety. Human judgment remains central to interpreting AI insights and applying them effectively in clinical settings.
Ultimately, Mapúa University seeks to empower medical students to use AI to improve health outcomes. Equipping future professionals with these skills is a step toward reducing inequities in access and quality of care. AI, when used thoughtfully, can transform education and patient care in tandem.
How Mapúa University Experts Link Planet Health to Human Health
Dr. Jake Bryan Cortez, Head of the Medical Education Unit at Mapúa University School of Medicine, emphasized planetary health as central to modern healthcare. He explained that environmental degradation directly affects human wellbeing and contributes to preventable deaths. Flooding, heatwaves, and failing food systems are just some examples of hazards linking ecological damage to public health crises.
Nearly one out of every four deaths globally is connected to unhealthy environments, Cortez noted. Children exposed to contaminated water during floods develop diarrheal diseases, while the elderly face heatstroke during extreme heat. Air pollution exacerbates heart and lung conditions, and food system disruptions lead to widespread hunger. These impacts illustrate that planetary and human health are inseparable.
Planetary health focuses on the principle that a healthy planet supports healthy people. Cortez stressed that dengue spreading beyond traditional tropical zones and rising pollution-related illnesses are wake-up calls. Environmental issues are no longer solely ecological concerns; they have become urgent public health emergencies.
He urged healthcare practitioners to incorporate planetary health into their practice. Simple measures include prescribing clean air through active transportation and educating patients on climate-related risks. Clinics can also adopt sustainable operations, and professionals can advocate for policy reforms that promote environmental wellbeing.
Individuals also play a critical role in sustaining planetary health. Choosing local, plant-based foods, walking or biking instead of driving, and supporting renewable energy reduce personal environmental impact. Limiting single-use plastics and raising children to value nature are practical steps that everyone can take.
Cortez encouraged collaboration across sectors to create systemic change. Partnerships between healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities can amplify positive outcomes. Awareness campaigns and education programs are vital to instill sustainable habits and prevent long-term health crises.
The choices made today will determine the health of future generations. Cortez concluded that thriving in the 21st century requires healing both people and the planet simultaneously. Integrating planetary health into public health strategies ensures a sustainable and resilient healthcare system.
Why AI and Planetary Health Will Redefine Medical Care
TEDxMakati at Mapúa University showcased how artificial intelligence and planetary health can transform modern medicine. Speakers emphasized that integrating AI into healthcare is not about replacing humans but enhancing capabilities and improving outcomes. By using AI, medical professionals can provide more precise, personalized, and efficient patient care.
Dr. Malaya Santos highlighted the role of AI-powered tools such as virtual patients, predictive analytics, and adaptive learning in medical education. These tools enable students and practitioners to tailor strategies to individual patient and learner needs, improving engagement and effectiveness. Human-centric design remains key, ensuring technology supports decision-making without losing the human touch.
Dr. Jake Bryan Cortez demonstrated how planetary health initiatives protect communities by addressing environmental risks that affect public health. He encouraged practitioners and individuals to adopt sustainable practices like promoting clean air, reducing plastics, and supporting renewable energy. These efforts strengthen both personal wellbeing and the resilience of broader healthcare systems.
Combining AI and environmental stewardship offers long-term benefits for medical education, patient outcomes, and community health. Students trained with AI tools and sustainability principles will be better prepared to address complex health challenges in the future. Interdisciplinary collaboration between healthcare providers, data scientists, and policymakers is essential to create resilient and adaptive systems.
Ultimately, thriving in healthcare requires uniting technology, human expertise, and environmental awareness. By integrating AI with planetary health principles, medical professionals can advance equity, efficiency, and sustainability in care delivery. The lessons from TEDxMakati demonstrate a path toward a healthier, more responsible, and future-ready healthcare landscape.
