Attending the ISQua Conference as a scholarship recipient was a transformative experience for John Byabagambi, offering him the opportunity to connect with global leaders in quality and safety, deepen his knowledge, and gain new perspectives that will shape his future work. In his reflection, John shares how the conference not only expanded his professional horizons but also inspired him to continue advancing meaningful change within his community and the broader healthcare system.
From Hong Kong to São Paulo: ISQua Journey of Knowledge, Networks, and Action
A Journey of Rediscovery
Attending the 41st International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua) Conference in São Paulo, Brazil felt like coming home to a community that has shaped my professional identity for over a decade. My ISQua story began in 2011 in Hong Kong, followed by unforgettable experiences in Edinburgh and Tokyo. Then, after nine years away, a scholarship from ISQua brought me back — this time to South America. It was a return filled with curiosity, gratitude, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Knowledge – Learning, Unlearning, and Relearning
Even before the sessions began, I could sense the evolution of ISQua, from the seamless conference app to a registration process that took less than a minute (for over 1,500 delegates!). Truly, ISQua is quality in action. Among dozens of exciting concurrent sessions, one stood out: Climate and Health, led by Professor Jeffrey Braithwaite, ISQua’s immediate past president. Having recently completed the WHO course on Climate and Health, I thought I knew the terrain. I was wrong, in the best possible way. The discussion reframed how I see the intersection of climate change and health systems, revealing how environmental shifts threaten patient safety and what healthcare leaders can do to respond. It was a reminder that continuous learning is not optional — it’s the heartbeat of quality improvement.
Network – Connecting Minds and Hearts
ISQua’s magic lies not only in its sessions but in its people. Walking into the conference hall felt like stepping into a global family reunion — familiar faces from years past alongside new colleagues from across continents. Every handshake, every coffee-break chat carried one shared goal: to make healthcare safer, fairer, and better for all. These connections transcend geography, building bridges between clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and advocates united by purpose.
Voice – Stories that Stir the Soul
One session that left a lasting mark was the story of Francisco Lima and his wife, who courageously shared how they lost their daughter Julia Lima due to medical error. Their story transformed abstract statistics into a deeply human reality. It reminded us that behind every data point is a life — and that patient safety is not a technical metric but a moral commitment. Behind the figures we present, there are lives lost — lives we must protect. Through voices like theirs, ISQua keeps compassion at the center of quality.
Action – Turning Insight into Impact
The São Paulo experience reignited my determination to translate learning into leadership. The conversations, insights, and collaborations I carried home are not just memories — they are a call to action.
I return committed to embedding climate resilience into health-system planning, strengthening quality-improvement systems across programs, and amplifying patient voices in policy and practice.
For any health professional seeking to grow, ISQua’s ecosystem — the Fellowship, the conferences, the community — offers unmatched opportunities to learn, connect, and lead.
Closing Reflection
From Hong Kong to São Paulo, my ISQua journey has reaffirmed a timeless truth: Quality is not a destination; it is a continuous, collective journey of care.
In ISQua’s spirit, let’s keep learning, connecting, and acting — for better quality, safer care, everywhere, for everyone.
