By: Asst. Prof. John Michael B. Medina

In its continuing pursuit of global academic collaboration, the De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute (DLSMHSI) welcomed delegates from the National Tainan Junior College of Nursing (NTIN), Taiwan, last August 12, 2025 for an initial meeting on potential partnerships in internationalization, student exchange, and nursing education.

The meeting, held under the initiative of Academic Partnerships and External Relations (APER). The visit was led by Asst. Prof. John Michael B. Medina, Chair for Affiliations, Networks, and Linkages, together with Ms. Jenny Mae Elmedulan (Administrative Assistant, APER), Ms. Miriam Gallardo (Registrar’s Representative), and Ms. Ma. Annalyn Ferma (Student Life and Engagement Representative).NTIN’s delegation was composed of Dr. Mei-Chih Huang, President; Dr. Fen-Zhi Yao, Director for Student Affairs; Dr. Ching-Chuan Liu, Professor Emeritus; and Dr. Ming-Hao Liu, Consultant.

The dialogue focused on the creation of a Cultural and Language Immersion Program for NTIN students from the Departments of Nursing and Senior Citizen Services. The proposed immersion—targeted for August to September 2026—will accommodate 30 students and feature rotations in Emergency Care, Intensive Care, Geriatrics, Palliative Care, and Psychiatry. The visit served as the foundation for the development of a Cultural and Language Immersion Program, designed for NTIN’s Nursing and Senior Citizen Services students. The proposed program—may take place in August to September 2026—will involve NTIN students who will be immersed in DLSMHSI’s clinical and community learning environments.

After the meeting, the delegates from the NTIN were given an informative and immersive guided tour of the facilities of De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute (DLSMHSI). The tour highlighted the Institute’s state-of-the-art hospital, advanced simulation laboratories, and innovative learning environments, all of which reflect its commitment to excellence in medical and health sciences education. The delegates were welcomed and accommodated by Dr. Conrado P. Crisostomo, Vice Chancellor for Hospital Operations, along with distinguished faculty members from the College of Nursing. 

This partnership reflects DLSMHSI’s identity as a world-class, Catholic institution, founded on the charism of St. John Baptist de La Salle, committed to the global Lasallian Mission. By opening its doors to international institutions like NTIN, DLSMHSI continues to uphold its vision-mission to be the preferred institution and employer for medical and health education, patient care, and research.