In early 2026, physicians, educators, and health care leaders gathered in the Philippines for Loma Linda University’s Inaugural International Congress on Clinical Medicine and Hospital Leadership, an event centered on Lifestyle Medicine and global collaboration. Hosted by LLU’s Department of Medicine in partnership with Adventist Medical Center Manila and Adventist University of the Philippines, the congress created a shared space for learning, reflection, and connection across institutions and regions.
The program brought together participants from diverse clinical and leadership backgrounds, offering sessions that addressed both the science of lifestyle-centered care and the realities of leading health systems in varied contexts. Topics emphasized prevention, whole-person care, and the role of leadership in shaping sustainable, patient-focused institutions. Rather than focusing solely on clinical content, the congress encouraged dialogue around how values, mission, and culture influence care delivery.
Beyond the sessions themselves, the gathering highlighted the importance of relationship-building in global health work. Informal conversations, shared meals, and time spent together outside the classroom reinforced the idea that meaningful collaboration often grows through personal connection. Participants reflected on common challenges and opportunities, learning from one another’s experiences across different health systems.
The congress also underscored the role of global partnerships in advancing education and leadership development. By bringing together institutions and individuals committed to mission-driven care, the event reflected a broader vision of collaboration, one that extends beyond a single conference and into ongoing engagement, learning, and service.
As the week came to a close, participants left with more than new ideas or frameworks. They left with relationships formed through shared conversation, hospitality, and time spent together. These connections will continue to shape how learning and leadership take place long after the conference ended.