Empowering healthcare educators through continuing medical education and collaboration
On October 19, 2025, faculty members from the University of the Cordilleras College of Nursing (UC CON)participated in the 2nd Postgraduate Course organized by the Saint Louis University–Sacred Heart Medical Center (SLU-SHMC) Department of Pediatrics at the Newtown Convention Center.
With the theme “CODE RED: Rapid and Evidence-Based Decision-Making in Pediatric Emergencies,” the conference served as a vital platform for professional growth and interprofessional collaboration among pediatricians, medical practitioners, and nursing educators. It aimed to enhance participants’ competence in managing time-critical pediatric emergencies through evidence-based approaches, clinical case discussions, and expert-led symposia.
A Day of Learning and Collaboration
The event opened with messages of support from distinguished leaders, including Dr. Amelen Palanca, President of the Philippine Pediatric Society Northern Luzon Chapter; Dr. Jay Moore Suyan, President of SLU-SHMC; and Dr. Paul Adlai Quitiquit, SLU-SHMC Medical Center Chief.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Joselito B. Domingo, Chair of the SLU-SHMC Department of Pediatrics, emphasized the importance of equipping healthcare professionals with rapid decision-making skills to ensure child safety and improve outcomes in emergency settings.
Throughout the day, experts delivered evidence-based lectures addressing a range of pediatric concerns—from asthma exacerbations and shock management to diabetic ketoacidosis, poisoning, and arrhythmias. Luncheon symposia highlighted updated perspectives on immunization, probiotics for antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and the immunomodulatory benefits of beta-glucans in managing respiratory tract infections and allergies.
The program concluded with Dr. Pearl Joy Solimen, Training Officer of the SLU-SHMC Department of Pediatrics, expressing gratitude to all speakers, moderators, and participants for their commitment to pediatric health education.
UC CON’s Ongoing Pursuit of Excellence
The active participation of UC CON faculty in “CODE RED” reflects the College’s dedication to lifelong learning and evidence-based education—core elements of its academic and service mission. Through participation in interinstitutional programs such as this, UC CON educators reinforce their clinical expertise and bring updated, research-informed practices into the classroom and community settings.
This engagement not only strengthens professional competence but also aligns with global goals for health, education, and partnership toward sustainable development.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Alignment
SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being
- Target 3.2: End preventable deaths of newborns and children under five.
The program strengthens emergency response and acute care management, ensuring timely interventions for life-threatening pediatric conditions. - Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases.
Sessions on asthma, DKA, and cardiac arrhythmia support improved outcomes for pediatric NCDs. - Target 3.8: Achieve universal access to quality essential healthcare services.
Evidence-based training ensures quality and accessibility of pediatric emergency services. - Target 3.C: Increase health workforce capacity through training and education.
The postgraduate course enhances healthcare providers’ competencies, particularly in rapid decision-making during emergencies.
SDG 4 – Quality Education
- Target 4.3: Ensure equal access to affordable and quality tertiary and continuing education.
UC CON’s participation in accessible postgraduate learning fosters equitable access to professional development. - Target 4.4: Increase the number of youth and adults with relevant skills for employment and lifelong learning.
The program builds practical and analytical skills in pediatric emergency care—key competencies for healthcare educators.
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
- Target 17.16: Strengthen multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge.
The collaboration between SLU-SHMC, PPS Northern Luzon, and UC CON exemplifies institutional cooperation for advancing health education. - Target 17.17: Promote effective public, private, and civil society partnerships.
Industry-supported symposia and exhibits demonstrate productive cross-sector collaboration in healthcare and education.
