UP College of Medicine and Harvard Medical School Hold Discussions on Primary Care, Implementation Science, and Public Health Systems Strengthening

May 14, 2026

Text and Photo by: UP College of Medicine

The delegation from Harvard Medical School, led by Dean David Golan (6th from left) ended their meeting with the officials of UP College of Medicine on May 5, 2026, with a group photo. Also in the photo are Dean Charlotte Chiong (7th from right) and Associate Dean Ricardo Quintos (12th from left).

Senior representatives from the University of the Philippines College of Medicine (UPCM) and Harvard Medical School (HMS) met on May 5, 2026, to discuss areas of common interest in primary care delivery, medical education, implementation science, and public health systems strengthening.

The HMS delegation was led by Dr. David Golan, Dean for Research Initiatives and Global Programs, and included Dr. David Duong, Director of Global Primary Health Care; Dr. Todd Pollack, Director of Infectious Diseases and Global Health Security; and Dr. Bethany Holt, Director of Health Systems Transformation and Partnerships.

UPCM was represented by Dean Charlotte Chiong, Associate Dean for Research Ricardo Quintos, and Associate Professor Janus Ong, including UP Manila Community Health Development Program Director Anthony Cordero.

The discussions touched on opportunities for collaboration in primary care systems, workforce development, digital and remote learning, implementation science, and integrated chronic disease management. Representatives from both institutions drew on evidence from ongoing implementation work in the Philippines.

Both sides expressed appreciation for the exchange and noted areas of shared interest in people-centered, evidence-informed approaches to public health and primary care.