In the culturally rich and resilient region of Mindanao, Dr. Aslama Alauya-Lamping stands out as a beacon of dedication and leadership in medicine. Practicing in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, she has not only brought pride to her community but also highlighted the critical role of leadership in healthcare.

A Journey Rooted in Mindanao

Dr. Alauya-Lamping’s journey began at the Mindanao State University, where she completed her medical education. Her training continued at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute and the University of the Philippines. At these institutions, she honed her skills in internal medicine and pulmonary care. Despite the distance and challenges, her heart remained tethered to Mindanao, a commitment that would define her career.

In February 2024, Dr. Alauya-Lamping reached a new milestone by graduating from Harvard Medical School’s Leadership in Medicine: Southeast Asia certificate program. This achievement marked her not just a clinician, but a leader with the vision to transform healthcare in her region.

A Balancing Act of Many Roles

Beyond her clinical expertise, Dr. Alauya-Lamping juggles numerous roles with grace and determination. She is a devoted mother to twin daughters and a caretaker to her elderly parents. She is also a business owner who manages her practice in Marawi City. These responsibilities, while demanding, are a testament to her resilience and unwavering commitment to her family and community.

Her journey, however, has not been without its challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Alauya-Lamping served on the front lines at Amai Pakpak Medical Center. It was the only tertiary hospital in Marawi City. Here, she worked tirelessly in the respiratory unit where she provided critical care to patients while navigating the complexities of a healthcare system under immense pressure.

Pursuing Leadership to Make a Difference

Recognizing the need for leadership skills to complement her clinical expertise, Dr. Alauya-Lamping applied to Harvard Medical School’s Leadership in Medicine: Southeast Asia program. Her acceptance into the program was a testament to her potential as a leader in healthcare. Moreover, the flexible, hybrid format allowed her to continue her work in Marawi while pursuing advanced education.

The program, designed to equip healthcare professionals in the Pacific region with essential leadership, management, and strategic-planning skills, was a perfect fit for Dr. Alauya-Lamping. Her capstone project, which focused on implementing lean principles to improve cardiopulmonary resuscitation outcomes at Amai Pakpak Medical Center, exemplified her commitment to enhancing patient care in her community.

“The process of developing this capstone proposal made me realize the many ways in which we can improve processes in any institution,” she reflects. “Starting with a small scope, we can gradually expand until we cover a larger dimension by integrating all the smaller scopes.”

Recognition and Responsibility

Dr. Alauya-Lamping’s dedication did not go unnoticed. During the final in-person workshop and graduation ceremony in Boston, she was recognized as a top-three capstone project proposal author and received the Excellence Award for her team assignment. Her success at Harvard was a moment of pride not just for her, but for the entire Mëranaw community.

As a proud member of the Mëranaw tribe, Dr. Alauya-Lamping’s achievements have brought her the Pride of Ranaw recognition. It is an honor bestowed by the provincial government to individuals who have brought pride to their people through exceptional accomplishments. As the first Mëranaw pulmonologist in the region, this recognition was particularly meaningful.

In the months following her graduation, Dr. Alauya-Lamping took on the role of medical specialist supervisor at Station 8 of Amai Pakpak Medical Center. It is a general medicine ward that often operates beyond its capacity. Here, she has begun to implement her capstone project. She applies the leadership skills she acquired to improve efficiencies and patient outcomes.

A Legacy of Leadership in Mindanao

Dr. Aslama Alauya-Lamping’s story is one of unwavering commitment to her roots, her people, and the field of medicine. Her journey from Mindanao to Harvard and back is a testament to the potential that lies in the provinces, waiting to be nurtured and recognized. As she continues to serve her community, she embodies the spirit of leadership that Mindanao and the Philippines need. That is, one that is grounded in compassion, driven by excellence, and committed to making a difference.

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