TMU Advances Global Medical Resilience and Disaster Response through International Conference

Source: Center for Management and Development

Published on 2025-01-20

On November 30, 2024, Taipei Medical University (TMU) hosted the International Conference for Healthcare Strategic Preparedness and Response, uniting global experts to strengthen medical resilience and disaster response capabilities.


The conference focused on four key areas: emergency response preparedness in medical institutions, first-aid systems, community readiness, and individual self-protection during crises.

Experts from Japan, Poland, United States, and Taiwan shared insights from significant disaster responses, including Hurricane Katrina (2005), the Tohoku Earthquake (2011), and Taiwan’s 921 Earthquake (1999). Discussions highlighted strategies for maintaining uninterrupted healthcare services through robust emergency plans and resilient facilities, with Japan’s Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) offering guidelines for managing potential large-scale earthquakes in the Nankai Trough region.

The conference also addressed out-of-hospital first aid systems, medical referrals, and the complexities of cross-border medical collaboration during crises, drawing lessons from European and Ukrainian emergency responses. Experts emphasized psychological preparedness and community training as vital components of effective disaster response.

Prominent speakers included Leo Bosner (Emergency Management Specialist, Washington, DC, USA), Associate Professor Ray H. Chang (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, USA), Prof. Hideo Harigae (Executive Vice President for Medical Care and Co-creation Strategy of Tohoku University, Japan), Dr. Yoshiki Toyokuni (NDMAT Bureau, Japan), and Dr. Wojtek Wilk (CEO of Polish Center for International Aid, Poland).

This conference provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, fostering collaboration across medical systems, communities, and individuals to enhance global disaster preparedness. It underscored TMU’s role as a leader in advancing healthcare resilience and building sustainable global partnerships in disaster response.