Durham College (DC) recently welcomed another opportunity to internationalize its campus when it hosted three delegates working on the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) School of Medicine (SOM) project in the Philippines. The delegates were visiting as part of an endeavour that will see the college share its knowledge of and expertise in the Biomedical Engineering Technology program to help the university create its own.

Estimated to last 20 years, the project will see the partnership between the two schools grow and evolve, with the potential for future mentoring exchange programs with students and faculty, incorporating continued support in both teaching protocols and technological advancements.

“The Canadian Association of Rural Physicians approached us to work on this partnership project,” said Susan Todd, dean of the School of Science & Engineering Technology (SET), DC. “We were flattered and excited but when I met the team from the Philippines I knew instantly it was a good fit. Their staff are committed to health care and developing sustainable solutions. They are innovative, passionate and their teaching philosophy is similar to ours. I am looking forward to a long relationship with the ADZU.”

As the first-ever Biomedical Engineering Technology program in the province, designed 10 years ago, DC’s program remains one of only three in the Ontario system today. As a well-recognized program serving hospitals and device manufacturers across Ontario, DC graduates are well-versed in the electronics and safety aspects of medical equipment, and understand their role as health care professionals.

“We hope to build a relationship with Durham College,” said Dr. Fortunato Cristobal, one of the visiting delegates. “We want to work together to help ADZU SOM achieve its own biomedical engineering degree program and put into place all of the best practices currently being used at the college. If we can help them build on their training and experience with the technology, it will help the school build a reputation and those students will stay in the impoverished community and provide assistance.”