Social Responsibility Key to a Successful Health Service

Q: How has the Health Leadership International Forum benefited TecSalud and its students?

A: This forum helps bring health professionals and students together to understand current trends, leadership issues and other healthcare-related topics. We train and educate health professionals focusing on quality care and healthcare security for the patient. The forum helps our students realize the challenges that exist in Mexico in terms of healthcare coverage and social security services. It also exposes students to a prestigious R&D institution, giving them the opportunity to interact with experts.

Q: How are TecSalud’s students creating better opportunities for people who need it most?

A: One of the main characteristics of the school is social accountability. We have alliances with local health authorities that allow us to reach around 2 million people and create an interaction between the nonprofit private sector and the public sector. This reinforces students’ involvement in social issues and makes them more aware. Through these agreements, we contribute to providing care to the disadvantaged population with top-notch attention and equipment.

Q: How are TecSalud’s innovation initiatives promoting projects in the industry?

A: Our education models are innovative and disruptive, which is why our courses are different from traditional schools. From the start, students develop in an innovative environment and have the opportunity to participate in responsible research and innovative projects. We are the private medical school with the most researchers, which helps innovation projects to take off, from treatments and medical devices, to teaching processes. Students are willing participants in these projects, which is one of their main strengths as graduates.

The new education model we are implementing this year is based on challenges and puts students in contact with innovation from their first half-year, when they are required to make an innovative proposal. We create an innovative ecosystem where our students can live and develop. 

Q: How can incentives for doctors and health personnel improve coverage in rural zones?

A: One of the biggest challenges in Mexico is coverage and we must help by providing health services with health teams formed by doctors and nurses. Economic incentives do help to make this process easier. Right now, one of the biggest obstacles for doctors to work in rural areas is the lack of proper infrastructure to provide primary care. Doctors need to have the basic tools to provide dignified care, including equipment, facilities and communication channels to give and receive a consultation. Economic remuneration should also be enough to allow health professionals to have a good quality of life and the possibility to start a family.

Q: TecSalud hospitals are ranked among the best in Mexico. What are your plans for the institution in the next few years?
A: We do not have a traditional board at our hospitals. We are a nonprofit academic medical center, which means we remain loyal to our vision to contribute to the health system. However, we are presenting a new 2030 plan focused on well-being, prevention and longevity rooted in three elements: attention, education and R&D.

In terms of our academic programs, we have several specializations, such as psychology, nutrition and odontology. We also offer postgraduate studies, with 16 specialty training programs and 25 high specialization, plus two Ph.D.s. At the same time, we do R&D in line with our strategic plan and supported by around 70 members of the National Researcher System. This has helped us create an ecosystem that provides attention for simple and complex health issues.

Sistema de Salud del Tecnológico de Monterrey (TecSalud) is a growing academic medical center that integrates teaching, research and clinical services. It has two teaching hospitals in the city of Monterrey and three medical schools