Flying the UNP banner on the international stage, the University of Northern Philippines College of Medicine – Asian Medical Students’ Association of the Philippines–UNP (UNP CMED AMSA-UNP) made a strong mark at the Asia-Pacific Medical Students’ Symposium (APMSS) 2026, held from January 26 to 31, 2026, at the National Taiwan University College of Medicine in Taiwan—showcasing the institution’s growing presence in global medical education and student leadership.
Anchored on the theme “Redefining Medicine: Resilience, Innovation, and Global Impact,” APMSS 2026 delivered a dynamic and immersive program that brought together keynote lectures from international experts, hands-on clinical skills training, hospital immersion visits, and enriching cultural exchange activities—collectively spotlighting the rapidly evolving frontiers of medicine and global health.
The participation of eleven delegates from the University of Northern Philippines as part of the official delegation of AMSA-Philippines marked a historic turning point for AMSA-UNP, with APMSS 2026 standing as the organization’s first international undertaking. Beyond a week-long engagement of academic immersion, professional discourse, and cross-cultural exchange, the milestone highlighted AMSA-UNP’s steady rise on the global medical stage. This achievement not only broadened the delegates’ perspectives and networks but also emphasized the organization’s enduring commitment to nurture globally competent, socially responsive, and forward-thinking future physicians equipped to thrive in an increasingly interconnected healthcare landscape.
The Asia-Pacific Medical Students’ Symposium stands as a premier international gathering of future medical professionals from across the region, jointly hosted by the College of Medicine of National Taiwan University and the Federation of Medical Students in Taiwan (FMS-TW). More than an academic event, the symposium is a vibrant hub for intellectual exchange, cross-cultural engagement, and global collaboration—bringing together aspiring physicians to share insights, spark innovation, and forge enduring partnerships that transcend geographical boundaries.
Guided by the 2026 theme, “Redefining Medicine: Resilience, Innovation, and Global Impact,” delegates were challenged to critically examine the evolving landscape of medicine and the pressing global issues shaping healthcare today and in the future. The symposium explored this vision through four transformative subthemes: Precision Medicine, highlighting personalized and data-driven care; Regenerative Medicine, showcasing advances in stem cells and tissue engineering; Biomedical Engineering, emphasizing innovations in medical devices and digital health; and Healthcare Carbon Footprint, underscoring the responsibility of medicine toward sustainable and environmentally conscious practice.
Throughout the week, AMSA-UNP delegates actively engaged in a rich and multidimensional program that included keynote lectures by internationally recognized experts—Dr. Guo Hung-Chih on Regenerative Medicine, Professor Hyo-Soo Kim on Bioengineering, Professor Kyung-Hun Lee on Precision Medicine, and Professor Eugenie Kayak on Medical Carbon Footprint. The program was further enriched by clinical skills training such as OSCE simulations, interactive workshops, WHO simulations, exclusive visits to National Taiwan University Hospital, and immersive cultural exchange activities celebrating Taiwan’s heritage and community spirit. As AMSA-UNP takes this historic step onto the international stage, this milestone affirms the organization’s vision of fostering excellence in medicine through global engagement, interdisciplinary learning, and service beyond borders. The participation in APMSS 2026 is not only a testament to the dedication and capability of its members but also a proud declaration that AMSA-UNP is ready to think globally, act locally, and contribute meaningfully to the future of medicine.
