Leading Minds in Healthcare Innovation and Policy Unite for Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference in the Philippines 2024 Keynote Session

This year's keynote panel features a distinguished roster of experts whose combined experience spans infectious disease research, health policy, and clinical epidemiology. Together, they represent a dynamic blend of scientific innovation, ethical governance, and community-centered health solutions. Their collaborative expertise highlights the theme, Bridging Gaps: Collaborative Efforts in Biomedicine and Public Health , as they bring forward impactful insights on addressing the Philippines' most pressing healthcare challenges and advancing public health through interdisciplinary partnerships.

In this keynote session, Dr. Raul V. Destura will lead the discussion as the keynote speaker, sharing his expertise in infectious disease innovation and accessible healthcare solutions. Alongside him, panelists Mr. Pio Justin V. Asuncion, a prominent figure in health policy and research ethics, and Dr. Zypher Jude G. Regencia, a leading researcher in clinical epidemiology, will provide insights into the ethical, cultural, and practical essential considerations to advancing public health in the Philippines. Topics will include the role of interdisciplinary collaboration, the ethical responsibilities in health innovation, the importance of community engagement, and future directions for public health initiatives tailored to Filipino communities.

Dr. Raul V. Destura is a highly regarded infectious disease specialist, innovator, and research professor at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), University of the Philippines Manila. Dr. Destura's academic journey spans a Bachelor's degree in Microbiology from the University of Santo Tomas, a medical degree from De La Salle University, and advanced studies in infectious diseases, including fellowships at the University of Virginia. As CEO of Manila HealthTek, Inc., he pioneered accessible health technologies, notably the Biotek-M™ Dengue Aqua Kit and the COVID-19 GenAmplify RT-PCR Kit. His commitment to translational research focuses on bridging scientific innovation with community health needs. He has earned numerous awards, including the 2024 AROHRA Award for Biomedical Research and was named one of Asia's Most Influential in Healthcare by Tatler Asia.

Mr. Pio Justin V. Asuncion is the Chief Health Program Officer at the Health Research Division of the Department of Health (DOH) in the Philippines, overseeing research management processes, including ethics and agenda setting. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Far Eastern University Manila (2012), a Master of Public Health from the University of the Philippines – Manila (2015), and a Master of Health Research Ethics from the University of Malaya, graduating with distinction in 2020.

In addition to his DOH role, he lectures at Far Eastern University and supervises a joint research ethics program with the University of Malaya and Johns Hopkins University. A Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health in the UK, he focuses on health research ethics and policy. Mr. Asuncion is the principal investigator for multi-country studies on health policy and pandemic ethics and is actively involved with various health research ethics boards in the Philippines.

Dr. Zypher Jude G. Regencia is a clinical epidemiology researcher with a PhD in Health Sciences (Epidemiology) from the University of the Philippines Manila (2024). His dissertation examined the impact of body image perception and skin lightening practices on the mental health of Filipino adults using a mixed-methods approach.

Skilled in advanced statistical techniques and tools like R and STATA, he has contributed to significant public health initiatives, including HIV self-testing guidelines. His research, published in reputable journals, integrates quantitative and qualitative methods, earning him recognition as one of the " Most Outstanding Authors" by the Journal of Public Health and Emergency in 2024. Dr. Regencia also trains others in statistical and qualitative methodologies, facilitating accessible public health insights.

We invite all attendees to join this thought-provoking keynote session at the Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference Philippines 2024. This is a unique opportunity to gain insights from some of the country's most influential leaders in biomedicine and public health. Don't miss the chance to engage in discussions that could shape the future of healthcare in the Philippines and inspire collaborative solutions for the most pressing health challenges. Join us as we work together to bridge gaps, foster innovation, and build a healthier, more equitable future for all.