Olympus Partners with Southern Philippines Medical Center to Establish Training Center for Digestive Endoscopy and Minimally Invasive Surgery
February 24, 2025
DAVAO CITY, Philippines, Feb. 24, 2025 – Olympus Singapore, a leader in medical technologies, has partnered with Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) to establish a state-of-the-art Training Center for Digestive Endoscopy and Minimally Invasive Surgery in the island of Mindanao. This partnership aims to address the growing need of GI endoscopists and minimally invasive surgeons in the region.
The training center will serve as a hub for developing highly qualified gastroenterologists, surgeons, and allied healthcare professionals. Focused on comprehensive professional development, the center will offer specialised programs in digestive endoscopy and minimally invasive surgical techniques, providing healthcare professionals with structured medical education, simulation, and actual demonstration that is at par with other top centers in Southeast Asia.
Dr. Ricardo B. Audan, Medical Center Chief II, Southern Philippines Medical Center, expressed the significance of the initiative, stating, “This training center is a transformative step for both SPMC and the Southern Mindanao region. Through this partnership with Olympus, we are creating an environment where healthcare professionals can acquire world-class training, ultimately improving patient care and increasing the number of skilled endoscopists in the region. This initiative will have a lasting impact on the healthcare community and the population we serve.”
SPMC, as the apex hospital in the Mindanao region and the largest Department of Health-retained hospital in the Philippines, has long been a cornerstone of healthcare in the island of Mindanao. With its well-established reputation for providing quality medical services and its leadership in healthcare innovation, SPMC is uniquely positioned to take the lead in transforming the training and development of medical professionals in Davao and the southern Philippines. Through this partnership, Olympus and SPMC are committed to nurturing a new generation of highly skilled healthcare professionals who will elevate the standard of care across the region.
The Memorandum of Understanding signing event ceremony
E Thel Loh, Division Manager, Medical Systems Business Division, Olympus Singapore, commented, “We are honoured to collaborate with the Southern Philippines Medical Center in this important endeavour. Our shared commitment to advancing medical education will contribute to the growth of a highly skilled workforce capable of providing exceptional care. By focusing on training programs that emphasise practical, hands-on experience and cutting-edge techniques, we are confident that this partnership will raise the standard of care in the region and support the overall development of the healthcare system in the Philippines.”
The partnership will provide healthcare professionals in the Davao region with unprecedented opportunities for training, including procedural workshops, expert-led courses, and mentorship programs. By increasing the number of trained GI endoscopists and surgeons, the collaboration will help to alleviate the growing demand for specialised care, particularly in the underserved areas of Mindanao.
Dr. Josil Cruz, Head, Surgical Endoscopy Unit, Southern Philippines Medical Center, emphasised the importance of the program, saying, “This training center will help us bridge the gap in specialised GI training, ensuring that more healthcare professionals are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to provide high-quality care. It’s not just about training doctors; it’s about raising the standard of care across the region and ensuring that patients benefit from the best possible treatment options.”
As part of the broader vision to strengthen the healthcare system in the region, the training center will also contribute to the development of a sustainable training ecosystem. This will allow SPMC to continuously nurture a growing pool of certified healthcare professionals, all while raising awareness of the importance of digestive health and minimally invasive surgical procedures.
Dr. Fitzgerald Arancel, MD, Chief Medical Professional Services, Southern Philippines Medical Center, stated, “Olympus’ contribution to the training center will greatly help in shaping the training of our residents/fellows and specialists. This initiative not only supports the development of endoscopists and surgeons but also reinforces SPMC’s role as a leader in healthcare innovation and education.”
A group photo featuring SPMC and Olympus staff moments after the MoU signing
Together, Olympus and SPMC aim to elevate the region's healthcare capabilities by offering comprehensive educational programs that meet international standards. By increasing the availability of trained endoscopists, surgeons, and allied healthcare professionals, this partnership will ensure that the healthcare system is better equipped to serve the needs of a growing and aging population, and is an important step towards creating a more resilient, efficient, and patient-centered healthcare system in the Davao region and throughout the Philippines.
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