Charmaine A. Lingdas

Associate Professor Maria Elizabeth M. Grageda, the newly appointed dean of the National Teacher Training Center for the Health Professions (NTTCHP), shares her vision and long-term goals, with a focus on expanding the center’s influence and ensuring the excellence of health professional education. Her initiative is anchored on three core principles: Collaboration, Continuous Improvement, and Commitment-Building.

Vision for NTTCHP

Dean Grageda envisions NTTCHP as a “leading institution in the health profession education (HPEd) in the country,” while stressing that the Center’s mandate is the development and upskilling of health human resources through the provision of training health profession teachers.

Touting NTTCHP’s recognition for its role in training, the new dean expressed her hope to expand its reach in curricular development. “I hope that HPEd is not just about developing individual teachers and leaders, but [will also have] an impact on people,” she said.

She also articulated her vision for NTTCHP to be a “leader in terms of being the source of evidence for the practice of health professional education, including practice guidelines for artificial intelligence in education and the integration of the [Universal Healthcare Law] UHC. We should contribute to policy formulation in health education.”

Driving Collaboration Within and Outside NTTCHP

Dean Grageda’s flagship program underscores the importance of collaboration to uphold and enhance the quality of HPEd. She emphasized her commitment to being a collaborative leader and her vision of interprofessional collaboration. 

In pursuing this program, Dean Grageda plans to enhance relationships with local and international institutions through academic programs, training, research, and community service. She envisions more collaborations with organizations such as the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), the Department of Health (DOH), professional societies, international organizations, and the World Health Organization (WHO).

The new dean revealed that there are state universities and colleges that currently are in and are planning to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with NTTCHP, such as Palawan State University. “We’re in the process of finalizing MOAs with Samar State University and Batangas State University. We are helping them develop their curricula and train their faculty to ensure they are well-prepared,” she explained.

“We are also in the process of negotiating and creating possible joint programs with Griffith University in Australia. They have a similar program where students can exchange ideas and experiences. We are exploring this opportunity to see how it can be implemented,” she added.

Dean Grageda aims to intensify connections with alumni through focused support and a sustainable tracking system to monitor their contributions to HPEd, thereby strengthening the network and fostering further collaboration. She bared plans to strengthen their alumni association and to establish a nationwide organization for health professions education in the Philippines, noting that several institutions are currently offering, or will soon offer, the HPED program, and that many movers and decision-makers of these institutions are fruits of NTTCHP: former graduates and former faculty members.

“We need to come together to collaborate and set the direction para mas maging stronger at para lumaki pa,” she asserted, revealing that there are currently about nine (9) institutions with 13 programs across the country. 

Commitment to Continuous Improvement

To ensure the relevance and excellence of its programs, NTTCHP will focus on efficient documentation of processes and promoting creativity during planning and evaluation. Regular curriculum reviews and the creation of new elective courses are intended to meet the evolving needs of health professional education. “The way forward is to ensure our curriculum is always up-to-date and addresses current issues,” said Dean Grageda. 

She delved into the Doctor of Health Professions Education (DrHPED) program, which was started in 2020 and currently has about 47 students with six (6) incoming students and a third batch of applicants. The program focuses on leadership and research, aimed at experienced educators in key positions such as department chairs, deans, and vice presidents, to influence their institutions effectively.

The new dean gave a preview on upcoming projects that will be spearheaded by NTTCHP. “We have a project with [UP Manila] Chancellor Tee on developing micro-credential courses and simulation-based education.”

Enhancing Interprofessional Education 

“We want to be relevant and able to work with others. Actually, hindi mahirap iyon dahil ang HPEd talaga ay interprofessional. Even in our courses, we expose graduates to other professions to provide a broader perspective.”

Dean Grageda explained that NTTCHP has a rich history, originating from the WHO. “We were established by WHO, which set up National Teacher Training Centers (NTTCs) around the world. Now, we are the only ones remaining, alongside the NTTC in Seoul, which focuses on medical education. Ours is unique because it encompasses all health professions.”

“Our students come from various disciplines—veterinary medicine, psychology, nutrition, pharmacy, nursing, medicine, radiologic technology, medical technology, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. This diversity makes interprofessional education (IPE) natural for us because of the varied specialties of our students.

“We integrate our courses both horizontally and vertically to ensure continuous learning. Unlike other institutions in the Philippines, where interprofessional collaboration is rare except during community rotations at the end of the program, we aim to start this integration from the beginning. I suggested to the Chancellor the creation of an IPE community at the university level, to be integrated into the curriculum from the first year onward. This project will help solidify our approach to interprofessional education and improve collaboration across all health professions.”

Fostering Commitment

Building dedication in students, faculty, and staff is crucial for sustaining NTTCHP’s initiatives. Dean Grageda’s plans to focus on strengthening student advising to ensure timely completion and translating student projects into tangible contributions to HPEd. Her program also emphasizes continuous professional and personal development for faculty and staff, and fostering policies that boost morale and holistic health. A dynamic research agenda aligned with current HPEd issues and trends will support the generation of new knowledge. 

She stated that “a significant challenge is faculty turnover. To address this, NTTCHP will maximize the use of substitutes, affiliates, and visiting professors and strengthen the faculty mentoring program to support new faculty members.”

A Brave Leader

“You need courage to try out new things because nowadays, change is inevitable, so we need to be willing to try and not be afraid to be the first one.”

The new dean ascended the ranks in the NTTCHP through her leadership and dedication. She holds a BS in Physical Therapy, an MHPEd from NTTCHP, and a PhD in Educational Research and Evaluation. Recognized with the One UP Faculty Grant for Teaching and Public Service, she creates innovative learning materials and maintains excellent teaching ratings. 

Dean Grageda is an active member of the CHED Technical Committee for Physical Therapy Education which made significant contributions to policy-making that impacts the direction of PT education in the country. She chairs the NTTCHP Office of Intellectual Property and Data Management, where she increased awareness and spearheaded policies. 

Dean Grageda is also the NTTCHP Alumni Relations Officer, coordinating alumni activities and enhancing communication. She has previously served as Coordinator, Office of International Linkages, and as Chair of the Comprehensive Examination Committee for the MHPEd and DrHPEd programs. 

Her appointment as Dean was approved by the Board of Regents during its 1390th BOR meeting held on 31 May 2024 and is effective from 31 May 2024 until 30 May 2027.