Executive Profile — Board of Trustees

Professional Summary

For over 14 years, Dr. Katherine Ann Reyes have been contributing for positive change in public health, particularly in low- and middle-income settings. She had been devoting her practice in bridging the gap between research and policy, collaborating with governments, funders, and stakeholders to implement impactful programs and strategies. She had conceived, implemented, and managed over 40 projects and research grants. These projects directly influenced policy decisions in crucial areas like maternal & child health, health financing, and healthcare access. Furthermore, she had provided vital technical expertise and advocacy materials, shaping health policy positions presented to decision-makers. She is a strong proponent of evidence-based solutions, actively promoting the use of research for prioritizing healthcare needs, designing policies, and building frameworks that ensure equitable access to healthcare. Her dedication extends beyond research and policy. She is passionate about mentoring and empowering the next generation of public health professionals. This is evident in my teaching experience in graduate programs and my co-founding of a non-profit organization (aiho.org.ph) that supports young professionals. She is also actively involved in building strong communities within the Philippine Society of Public Health Physicians and Women in Global Health Philippines. Her leadership skills have been recognized through appointments to prestigious roles. She served as a public health expert in the inaugural cohort of the Philippine Health Technology Assessment Council (2019-2021), the DOH Technical Advisory Group for COVID-19 (2020), and Health Systems Global (2018-2022). These appointments showcase her expertise and dedication to public health advancement. Her achievements are further acknowledged by the Harvard LEAD Fellowship (2023) and the Gawad Lagablab for Social Upliftment from the Philippine Science High School National Alumni Association (2021).

Strategic Plan of Action

1. Building a Collaborative Network
   • Over the next three years, PSPHP will prioritize strengthening its national network of public health professionals. By fostering collaboration, we can collectively address regional public health issues and amplify the impact of our work.
   • One key strategy involves identifying regional champions. These dedicated professionals will work to establish regional hubs that facilitate information exchange, networking events, and collaborative efforts on local public health challenges. A robust member community platform will further strengthen this network, fostering continuous dialogue, knowledge sharing, and mentorship opportunities.
2. Elevating the Role of Public Health Professionals
   PSPHP is committed to elevating the professional standing of public health physicians in the Philippines. This will be achieved through several initiatives:
   • Professionalization: We will advocate for the formalization of core competencies in public health practice, ensuring these competencies are integrated into training programs.
   • Advocacy: Competitive salaries and benefits are essential for attracting and retaining talented professionals. PSPHP will advocate for improved compensation across all sectors employing public health professionals.
   • Recognition: The Public Health Recognition Program will acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding achievements of public health professionals, showcasing their valuable contributions to public health advancements.
3. Championing Public Health Advocacy and Policy Engagement.
   • To ensure public health voices are heard in critical policy discussions, PSPHP will strengthen its technical and policy team. This team will monitor key health legislation, develop evidence-based position papers, and mobilize members for advocacy efforts. Additionally, the ""Public Health Champions"" program will identify and train public health professionals for effective media engagement, allowing them to articulate public health perspectives in the public sphere.
4. Ensuring Financial Sustainability
   • Financial stability is crucial for PSPHP's continued work in empowering public health professionals. We will develop a diversified fundraising strategy that includes individual and corporate giving, grant proposals, and membership development initiatives.