The Complete List of Essential Medical School Supplies and Equipment

The following is the complete list of essentials each medical student should have:

• Stethoscope

A stethoscope is an essential piece of medical equipment for students and emergencies. A stethoscope enables a doctor to listen to the sounds of the human body as the heart beats or blood circulates. This is very useful because many conditions like infections, strong irregular beats, or wide pulse pressure can be directly picked up by the stethoscope.

• Colored pens and highlighters

To succeed in medical school, it is imperative to promote and improve your memory. But an essential study tool that facilitates learning is colored pens and highlighters. When using this type of tool, you no longer have to be concerned about the difference between the terms ‘onset of action’ and ‘time to reach maximum level’ because they look radically different. Also, it’s easier for your brain to process visual information.

• Laptop

A laptop is vital to med students ­ because it allows them to access the information they need to complete their work. Med students have a tremendous amount of work and a lack of time to access all the required information. With a laptop, they have some/all of the possible resources available at their fingertips. A laptop is also crucial for med students ­ laptops enable you to type out notes, look up references, and send e­mails without having to use up your expensive phone plan.

• Scrubs

Surgical Scrub (also known as Scrubs) became the essential part of a medical student dress, making it attractive to work in a hospital by being in Medical School. In addition, it makes one easily noticeable from others. Although many hospitals provide scrub suits to the students because of being careless and unprofessional, you have to get high-quality scrub suits to look best on yourself and gain respect for your profession.

• Comfortable Study Clothes

Being a med student is difficult because it is a tough time to learn anything, and it has numerous rules and expectations that most people don’t experience in their daily lives. With so much stress, it’s essential to be comfortable, especially when you are studying. 

• Portable Phone Charger

A portable phone charger will be a must. Students have to carry their phones everywhere- the library, the clinical sites, the classroom, etc. They might likely need to charge their phone more than once a day with continuous usage. Mobile devices run on batteries, and in today’s busy lifestyle, one can not always be near a power source to charge their devices.

• Question and Review Books

Even though books do not influence test scores or board scores, they are still a significant part of the medical school curriculum. Each book serves different purposes, and you might find that you should consult many texts if you want to know and understand everything about your specialty area.

• Comfortable Shoes

Being a medical student is hard work. If you are comfortable, you’ll be able to handle more study and do better in school. So, it’s worth it to consider your choice of shoes seriously.

• Anatomy Atlas

Anatomy Atlases is a must for every medical student. It’s an essential tool for learning about the human body and how it works. In addition, when in medical school, you will be expected to take many notes, questions, and exam questions, so investing in this atlas will pay dividends early in your career as a doctor.

• A Good Bed

A good night’s sleep is vital to medical students because they can suffer from fatigue and lack of sleep which can negatively affect their performance. Students with a good night’s sleep will have more energy to complete their tasks at hand. Medical students must maintain healthy habits like getting enough sleep, exercising, eating well, and taking time out for themselves.

What are the best things to buy for a medical student?

Many things help medical students learn faster and get higher grades. However, the best things to buy for medical students are the books and study aids that will give them the most comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date medical training. In addition, these textbooks should be written by respected experts who have made a career out of cutting-edge research and clinical experience.

Tips to Remember When Buying Things You Need for Medical School

Keep a list of the things you’ll need for school.

You should make a list of everything you’ll need for school before you go. That way, you’ll have a clear sense of what you’re getting into and what you should buy. This is even more important for first-year students than for everyone else because many first-year classes are mandatory.

Know your options before you buy anything.

If you are going to spend money on something, it’s essential to understand the alternatives. A good investor will always spend time trying different options by comparing the costs and benefits of each option before making any decision. 

Buy things early to avoid last-minute stress.

If you do things early, you avoid a lot of stress and worry. Things rarely go wrong when you have something lined up early. But if you wait until the last minute, it can be a nightmare.

Buy things that are going to last.

It’s better to buy high-quality products that will last, even if you need to spend a bit more. It makes much more sense than buying cheaper products. Saving money is essential, but so is your time, and your time is worth spending wisely.

What are the requirements for medical school?

Philippine medical schools have three general requirements for aspiring doctors. These are:

• Bachelor’s Degree

To be eligible to apply for the medical program, you must be a graduating student or have a bachelor’s degree. 

• National Medical Admission Test (NMAT)

Applicants for medical schools in the Philippines have to take the NMAT (the National Medical Admissions Test). The test is developed and administered by the Center for Educational Measurement, Inc. (CEM) as authorized by the Commission on Higher Education. Anyone who is a graduate or a graduating student of any college degree course at the time of testing can take the NMAT.

Medical schools use the NMAT to evaluate whether or not to accept an applicant. Therefore, getting good scores in the NMAT increases your chances of being accepted into a medical school.

• Applicant’s Acceptance in Medical School

After submitting all the requirements and undergoing a panel interview, accepted applicants will be notified by the medical school admission committee that they are now eligible for enrollment. 

Steps Involved in Applying for Medical Schools in the Philippines

• Prepare as early as high school.

Since the government of the Philippines has already implemented the K-12 program, more opportunities have arisen for students who wish to become doctors in the future. Therefore, choose the academic programs that suit your needs as an aspiring doctor as early as high school.

If you want to be a doctor or any medical professional in the future, the STEM Strand is your best option. It will provide you with the necessary skills to get into a career in the medical field.

• Acquire a bachelor’s degree.

A bachelor’s degree is required to get into medical schools in the Philippines, and it usually has to be in a scientific field. Almost all the students are there because they want to become physicians, so they’ll probably take sciences while at school and do well in them.

• Take a gap year (optional)

If your decision to seek medical school is only based on the monetary benefits, it’s a clear indication that you’re not ready yet. Furthermore, the fact that you’re still questioning whether or not you want to be a physician indicates that your true calling isn’t in medicine.

If you are feeling unsure of what you want and where you want to be in the future, then perhaps you should take some time to figure that out before making a big commitment. Regardless of what you choose to do, remember that you can only get into medical school once you’re fully committed to it.

• Choose the medical school you wish to apply for. 

If you’re still interested in pursuing medicine as a career, look for medical schools to help you achieve your goal. You should consider different factors when choosing a medical school, such as grade and NMAT percentile rank cut-off, tuition fee, and board exam performance, among others. 

• Do well in the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT).

You need to take and pass the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) to enroll in any medical school in the Philippines. The NMAT is an aptitude exam that measures your readiness to handle the grueling academic demands of medical schools.

NMAT is not the sole predictor of your success during medical school application. However, you should not take it for granted. Some schools require a specific cut-off with regards to the NMAT percentile score.

• Apply to your preferred medical school.

When you have already made up your mind, all the documents required, a decent NMAT score, and a target medical school, you are now ready to apply to medical school. However, do not put all your eggs in one basket. Make sure to apply to more than one medical school so you will have a backup plan if your top choice did not offer you a slot. 

The Complete List of Requirements Needed to Get Into Medical School

NMAT

Again, the NMAT is an aptitude test that the admissions committee uses to approximate if you would be able to handle the academic load in medical school. Different schools have different cut-off scores. Hence, it is best to prepare and do well in the exam. 

NSO Birth Certificate

You can get your NSO birth certificate directly from any Philippine Statistics Authority office. You can also request it online in just three easy steps:

• Fill out the online application form.
• Pay through accredited payment. Channels.
• Wait for delivery.

Entrance Examination

Some universities require their students to undergo another examination aside from the NMAT. If you just took the NMAT, taking another exam should no longer be a problem for you because entrance examinations are almost similar to the NMAT.

Police Clearance

To prove that the applicant has not been involved in any criminal activities, they are required by schools to submit their Police or NBI Clearance. 

Certificate of Eligibility for Admission to a Medical Course (CEMed)

After the applicant has submitted all the requirements and passed the screening procedures, the medical school will request the CEMed on behalf of the applicants from the regional offices of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

Foreign students may request their CEMed at the CHED Office of Student Services (OSS) inside the National Engineering Center Building in U.P. Diliman. The requirements are as follows:

• Certificate of good moral character.
• Birth certificate.
• An original or duplicate copy of the Examination Report Form showing your NMAT score.
• Transcript of Records (TOR).
• For graduates of government schools, a copy of the Diploma or Certificate of Graduation is authenticated by the school registrar.
• Duly accomplished CEMed application form.

Recommendation letter 

The admissions committee uses the recommendation letters to know more about the applicants. You can ask for recommendation letters from any reputable source such as your professors, dean, or previous superiors such as your bosses.

Tips to Remember When Accomplishing Medical School Requirements

Request the necessary documents in advance. 

Some documents may take days or even weeks to arrive after requesting them. To avoid the unnecessary stress this may cause you, it is important to request the necessary documents in advance. Additionally, it is also best to request multiple copies of the documents you will be needing, especially if you are planning to apply to more than one medical school. 

Take note of the deadlines.

Nothing is worse than not making it into your dream medical school just because you missed the deadlines. Always check the websites of the medical schools you wish to apply for any pertinent announcement regarding the application and take note of the important deadlines. 

Prepare!

During the medical school application process alone, you will already face a lot of tests. First is the NMAT then next is the dreaded panel interview. Make sure that you review properly for the NMAT. Enroll yourself in review centers if you can for better supplementation. Moreover, make sure to prepare well for the panel interview. You can participate in mock interviews and read about the common questions asked to medical school applicants and tips on how you can answer them.

Is taking medicine a good career choice in the Philippines?

In the Philippines, it’s an excellent career choice to get a degree in medicine. Doctors are some of the highest-paid professionals in the country, and their jobs are relatively secure. Moreover, the need of the hour involves the employment of new doctors and people going into the healthcare industry, which is why many schools in the Philippines are trying to push students to go into medicine. Therefore, theoretically speaking, with all resources taken into account, one can conclude that it is not such a bad idea to take such an avenue. Even if it entails going through years of studying, becoming practically broke, and being away from home, one could earn a good name for themselves by being a doctor.

X Ways to Know if Medicine is Right for You

Although choosing a career is one of the most important decisions a person must make, you should remember that having a medical profession may not always be the best option for you. That’s why before you apply for medical school, you have to figure out whether it is worth it and the right path for you. Here are some of the ways to know if medicine is right for you:

You do not hesitate to let other people know when you are unsure about something.

It should be evident that the best way to learn is to admit and correct your mistakes, not hide them. If you cannot accept your mistakes, then you cannot fix them. That doesn’t just hold for medical training. It’s a general rule of learning that applies to everyone. We all make mistakes, but we can often learn from our mistakes only if we can recognize and acknowledge them.

You can learn emotionally intelligent skills, just like you can learning book smart skills.

Good doctors have to translate medical science and research into practice. They have to at once know a great deal about organic chemistry, biology, disease mechanisms, pharmacology, and clinical medicine. They need knowledge for diagnosis and treatment. But even more than that, they need wisdom for listening and thinking.

You have strong listening and observation skills.

Being a good doctor is mostly about listening and observing your patients. People come with all kinds of symptoms, and you have to figure out what matters and what is trivial. In this sense, being a good doctor is very much like being an investigative journalist. Both are detectives of sorts. Both need to gather evidence to reach an informed judgment. Both are paid to give people advice that may make a big difference in their lives.

You have a relentless desire to succeed, and you aren’t going to let anything stand in your way.

Every doctor who wants to grow professionally needs to develop the habit of constantly pushing to do more. The field is so immense and essential that doctors who apply themselves will always have time to learn more and work harder. In medicine, you can’t reach the limits of your knowledge. Deep down, there’s always one more thing you need to understand.

You are confident in your abilities.

A doctor with no confidence in his abilities is as useless as a mechanic with no tools. A soldier who doubts his bravery will not be brave. An astronaut who thinks that dangling from wires in a tin can miles above the earth is dangerous cannot persuade anyone else to risk the journey.  What makes such people so effective in the service of others is the courage of their convictions.

Different Pros of Going to Med School

You will become a health practitioner. 

One of the perks of going to medical school is becoming a professional and licensed doctor if you do manage to graduate, which is a highly esteemed job. In addition, you will acquire the ability to save lives and provide health-related services.

There are a lot of opportunities waiting for you.

Being a doctor encompasses more than just treating people. The job includes research, teaching, and management, and physicians also supervise trainees. There are opportunities to specialize in a particular type of medicine or care within a specific patient population. Salaries vary depending on location and medical specialty; generally, however, the better match between an individual’s training and the duties performed, the better chance for a higher salary.

You will learn continuously.

The life of a doctor is very different than any other job. This is because becoming a physician allows you to learn continuously throughout your career, one way or another, and no matter what happens. As in many professions, in medicine, you will get a chance to learn new things at work every day for most of your life. You will be expected to do so, and your colleagues will be relying on you to keep getting better.

You will be in a highly stimulating environment.

Medical school is challenging, but it’s also an environment where you can work hard and still have a lot of fun. Studying four to seven hours a day, six days a week, isn’t as common outside medical school as medical students do. If your workday lasted only four hours, you could spend the rest of the time on hobbies and relaxing. In medical school, though, you are constantly being challenged to learn something new relevant to the practice of medicine.

Different Cons of Going to Med School

The medical school application process is long and complex.

The process of getting into med school is very complicated and unique. Without the correct information, it can be nearly impossible to figure out. Moreover, the medical school application process is long and arduous. The process starts well before applying to medical school. If you want a chance at exceptional opportunities, you have to start early by doing additional research and courses that researchers will notice. It’s not good enough to do just what your undergraduate degree requires, as it takes too much time away from other parts of your life.

Medical school is expensive.

A medical school is an attractive option for many students. However, once you’ve decided to go to medical school, you need to consider whether it’s the best fit for you carefully. Medical schools vary widely in quality, competitiveness, cost, and prestige. In addition, the prices of medical school are very high and will take a great deal of time. In some cases, these costs will also require that you incur debt.

It takes time before you can reap the benefits.

The process of becoming a medical professional is a long, expensive one. The cost of med schools, training, and certification can put a severe strain on your financial resources. Long before you can start receiving payments for your services as a doctor, you have to invest time and money in doing well in medical school while putting up with the stress of preparing and studying for the profession.

Medical school is difficult.

Medical school is supposed to be the best four years of a person’s life, but it is also the most challenging for many people. This is because medical school is very demanding, and not everyone can handle that type of stress and demands. It is also often challenging to study and stay focused on the material needed while going to school full time. Many people end up shying away from this challenge.

Other Factors to Consider When Considering Medical School

Current needs and plans for the future

Even though most medical schools do not require applicants to supply a statement of purpose, it is still worth taking some time to do so. For example, many seniors begin the application process immediately after graduation and then work on their applications over the summer. However, if this is done without thinking about one’s plans and goals, your med school application may be less practical than it could have been.

Location of the medical school you wish to apply for 

Every medical school student should consider the site of a medical school before applying. Not everyone is capable of living in a major city or even wants to, and not everyone can afford to live in an urban area

Your current state. 

Medical school is a huge commitment. Before you make that commitment, you need to be sure it’s something you can do and that it’s something you want. The biggest mistake someone can make at the application stage is not taking their own mental and emotional state into account or not doing it very well.

How do you know if being a doctor is right for you?

You can’t learn anything about something you’re not interested in. For example, suppose you’re not curious about how our bodies work, how a disease works, how people think, how people feel, or any of the other questions that doctors ask about every day and try to figure out for themselves the best answers they can. In that case, becoming a doctor is probably going to make you miserable. However, if you are keen to stay in school for long, have test scores that make med school a possibility, and want a job that lets you help others while being well-compensated, becoming a doctor can be an excellent choice.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Medical Schools to Apply to

Academic Focus

While all medical schools will equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to become an excellent doctor, some medical programs also emphasize other areas such as business administration, medical research, or specialty medicine. Therefore, it is best to enroll yourself in a school where your planned career path in medicine will be best cultivated.

Teaching Quality

The best way to assess the teaching quality of a medical school is to ask medical students who are currently enrolled in the medical school you wish to apply for. If you do not know anyone, you can read online about the feedbacks about that school. It is also necessary to look into the teacher-student ratio of the school to assess whether you will be getting the attention you need and deserve once you begin studying medicine. 

Learning Environment

Some schools have a reputation of being extra competitive. In contrast, some have a unique approach to making their students feel comfortable despite all the hardships they face in medical school. The learning environment can have a significant effect on your ability to thrive in medical school. Hence, it is one of the factors that you should consider. 

Opportunities for Students

You will be spending four years of your life in medical school if you aspire to become a doctor. Therefore, it is best to look at what your student life will be like once you are already in the medical school you wish to apply for—research about the extracurricular activities and student engagements you can be involved in once you are already there. 

Location

The location of the medical school where you will be enrolling should also be an essential consideration. If you were studying far from home, it would mean additional expenses for your board and lodging. In addition, studying far will also entail being away from your friends and family. However, if you are the type of person who has always been independent, the location of your school should not be a problem regardless if it is far from home or not. 

Tuition Fee

It is no secret that the tuition fee and other expenses in medical school are expensive. Therefore, if you are on a strict budget, it is best to research and compare the tuition fees in different medical schools to not be surprised with the amount of money you have to shell out once you are already there. 

Passing Rate

The overall passing rate of the medical school you wish to apply for is one of the indicators of the quality of teaching in that school. Therefore, you should research the performance of the schools you want to apply for in the Physician Licensure Examination and the number of top notchers they have produced in recent years.

List of Different Medical Schools in the Philippines to Go to

University of Santo Tomas, Manila – Faculty of Medicine and Surgery

The University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery is deeply committed to pursuing quality health care. It strives to improve the lives of Filipinos through progressive research and education and policy formulation. Having consistently attained academic excellence, The University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery is known for producing highly competent general surgeons, academicians, scientists, business leaders, medical administrators, and nurses.

University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, Manila

The University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center (UERMMMC) is a leading medical education/training and health sciences research in the Philippines. UERMMMC is one of the recipients of the “Center of Excellence” award issued by the Commission on Higher Education. This university is also highly recognized for its innovative medical school curriculum and consistent high passing rate in the Physician Licensure Exam. 

 University of the Philippines, Manila – College of Medicine

The University of the Philippines College of Medicine (UP-CM) is the first medical school in the Philippines established on September 28, 1905. Training at this medical school is excellent because of its direct affiliation with the Philippine General Hospital, which gives students a chance to have hands-on experience with different kinds of patients. 

Far Eastern University – Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation

Far Eastern University – Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation (FEU-NRMF) is a medical college in the Philippines located at Regalado Ave, Novaliches, Quezon City. The school has been identified as both a Top Performing and Most Competitive Private Medical School by the Professional Regulation Commission.

De La Salle University – Health Science Institute

De La Salle University’s Health Science Institute offers various study avenues beyond the Doctor of Medicine, including Physical Therapy and Nursing. DLSU is also an official member of the ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA), which confers its authority in the whole group of ASEAN countries.

Cebu Institute of Medicine

Cebu Institute of Medicine is an academic institution located in Mandaue City, Cebu, in the Philippines. It is one of the eight educational institutions under the Cebu Doctors’ University System (CDUS), composed of six tertiary schools and one national high school. The CIM enjoys the statute of Center of Excellence awarded by the Philippines Center for Higher Education since 1996.

Davao Medical School Foundation

The Davao Medical School Foundation is a teaching hospital for the medical and allied health students of the University of Mindanao. The Colegio de San Pedro serves as its training school while coordinating with the Davao Doctors Hospital Incorporated. By 1963, the university already had a curriculum that provided education programs in fundamental studies, pre-clinical, and clinical courses.

Ateneo de Manila University School of Medicine and Public Health – Pasig

Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health aims to achieve its vision through the systematic integration of research, education, and service, with a strong belief in the unlimited potential of the human spirit, an unwavering commitment to social justice, and a passion for scientific inquiry. Students of the Ateneo de Manila University School of Medicine and Public Health can also obtain a joint MD-MBA degree from the Ateneo Graduate School of Business.

Southwestern University PHINMA School of Medicine

Southwestern University, established in 1951, is the first medical school outside Manila. This university’s flagship program is now housed in a building with seven stories and other advanced facilities, such as a training hospital, to enhance its educational system. The School of Medicine forges physicians of the future who continuously push for revolutionary innovations in medicine.

What are the best scores to get from taking NMAT?

The NMAT is a test in which you get two types of scores: standard scores (SS) and percentile ranks (PR). For admissions purposes, the Commission on Higher Education stipulates a cut-off of 40 PR. This is the threshold score for qualifying as a bona fide applicant for admission. However, this does not guarantee a slot in an applicant’s preferred medical school as other medical school admissions requirements need to be considered. That is why it is better to achieve a high percentile rank in the NMAT to ensure that you will be among the top applicants that will be considered by the medical school you wish to apply for. 

How do you know which medical school is right for you?

The first step to know which medical school is right for you is to consider your metrics, such as your grades and NMAT score. Each school has its grade requirements and NMAT cutoff score. Therefore, the most feasible medical school to get accepted is where your metrics fit the most. 

The second step is to determine what kind of doctor you want to be in the future. As mentioned earlier, some schools specialize in certain areas. While it might be too early for some to decide on the career path in medicine they want to take, it is still essential to have a shortlist of the possible sectors they wish to enter after graduating from medical school. This way, they can already align their plans to the specialization of the medical school where they want to join.

The third step is to consider your preference. For example, do you want to study far from home? Do you want to enter a school where your friends are already in? Do you want to enter a more competitive school? All these should be considered because they will eventually affect how you will be enjoying your journey towards becoming a doctor. 

The last step is to create the decision for you and only for you. You are the one who will be going through all the experiences medical school will throw at you. You might end up regretting your decision to enroll in a particular school because you based it on others’ preferences. Hence, ensure that you choose the medical school that you think is the best for you. 

What do I need to prepare to apply to the right medical school?

• Good Grades

To apply to the right medical school, you first need to have good grades. This means that you need to start working on your dreams as early as your freshman year in college.

• NMAT 

Your NMAT percentile rank can help the admissions committee distinguish you from the rest of the applicants. That is why you must prepare and do well in the NMAT to have a higher chance of getting accepted into the right medical school.

• Important Documents

Aside from your transcript of records and NMAT results, medical schools will also require you to submit multiple documents to prove your identity. Therefore, ensure that you have checked the documents needed for the application and request them from relevant offices ahead of time to avoid any unnecessary stress of procuring them at the last minute.  

• Panel Interview

Almost all medical schools require their applicants to undergo a panel interview. Here, you will be asked questions about yourself and why you want to pursue a career in medicine. This step is crucial and can make or break your application. Interviewers want to test your ability to answer questions correctly, even under pressure. You can prepare for this interview by participating in mock interviews and practicing how to speak in front of an audience. 

Other Factors to Consider When Considering Medical School

Housing

It is good if you no longer have to worry about where you will live once you start going to medical school, either because your house is close to the school or you have a place near it. However, if you have to rent because you will be studying far from home, you also have to think about your board and lodging expenses. Next to tuition and other school expenses, board and lodging are the next most expensive things you have to a lot your budget for

Support System

Medical school can be highly taxing. It will drain you emotionally, mentally, and physically. That is why you must have a solid support system you can run to when things become difficult in school and remind you to keep moving forward despite the hardships you are facing. 

Yourself

Always remember that you are the best person who can judge if you can take all the challenges in medical school. Therefore, consider yourself first and asked if you are ready to enter medical school. It is okay to take a gap year after graduating from college to think about your future career or prepare yourself for medical school if you are not ready yet. 

How do you know if being a doctor is right for you?

A career in medicine will take you along a journey through life that will be long and challenging but never dull. During your training, you will have the opportunity to work with many unique people who will teach you much about medicine and society. If this sounds interesting, it might well be for you. If not, it’s unlikely that medical school will hold any magic for you.

What Is The Best Pre-Med Course To Take According To Med School Professors?

According to medical school professors, the best pre-med degree programs are those that offer the combination of a strong foundation in and broad exposure to the sciences, coupled with clear opportunities for experience working in research and other real-world settings and with support from faculty advisors who can help you chart your course academically and professionally.

What do most pre-med students in the Philippines major in?

A survey of pre-med students in the Philippines by the Philippine Commission on Higher Education revealed that most pre-med students are taking BS Biology.

List of Pre-Medicine Courses You Can Take to Become a Doctor

For college students who want to become physicians, they may take several undergraduate courses to prepare them for medical school best. Below is a list of the most common ones taken by future doctors.

BS Nursing

This program is much more like a hospital internship than other graduate degrees. As an undergraduate in this program, you will learn how to assess, monitor, and provide patient care. These make BS Nursing an excellent choice to take. 

BS Medical Technology

The BS Medical Technology program is designed to prepare pre-med students for the subsequent medical school curriculum.BSMT is also a very convenient option for students unsure whether they want to pursue a career in medicine.

BS Pharmacy

BS Pharmacy students are educated in Pharmacology, Pathology, Parasitology, and many other subjects that will be helpful when they are studying medicine.

BS Biology

Taking BS Biology as a pre-med course can help students looking for a general approach to medicine. In this, they learn about basic sciences, including different body structures and their functions. They are also immersed in various laboratory classes, similar to what medical students have to go through in their early years. 

BS Physical Therapy

This is a program in which students learn to treat patients with varying disabilities. Physical therapists help patients develop, rehabilitate, and maintain their maximum movement and functional ability.

What are the easiest and the most challenging pre-med majors?

One of the most common questions asked by pre-meds is what major provides the most realistic preparation for medical school admission. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most challenging questions to answer since it depends on the applicant’s GPA and how many science courses the applicant has taken. However, there are some demanding majors, but they are somewhat rare and, in many cases, counterbalanced by easier ones.

How long do pre-med courses usually take?

Pre-med courses usually take four years or so, depending on the course you are taking and the school you are enrolled in. However, pre-med students are often serious about their career and do everything they can to get accepted into a great medical school, complete with a practical course filled with required classes and advanced classes for your major, as well as other electives that would be interesting to you.

Tips to Consider When Deciding Which Pre-Med Course to Pick

The program you choose should be the most relevant when applying to medical school, so it makes sense to choose a program that will help you get accepted. Here are three tips to help you decided which pre-med course to pick:

Competence

When choosing an undergraduate institution for a pre-med program, you should keep in mind the strength of the science courses and the competitiveness of the student body. Generally speaking, students who begin studying hard sciences early and steadily gain momentum will perform well once they are already in med school. 

Course Work

A student’s GPA is an essential factor in most, but not all, reputable medical degree programs. However, a student should be happy to know that admissions officers do not usually adjust GPAs for coursework from pre-med programs that a student has previously attended. Therefore, do not pick a program because of the name recognition or the number of people in it. Instead, select a program that will further hone your skills and knowledge to perform well and achieve good grades. 

Be sure to fill up courses that demand a great deal of research, writing, and teamwork. These courses will help you become more comfortable communicating your strengths to others, which will play to your advantage in the admissions process.

Experience

To be a good doctor, one should get early exposure to medical experiences. The most critical areas during the pre-med phase are clinical, volunteer, and research experience. If the college is close to a hospital, you’ll have access to clinical experience right from the start. This means you’ll spend less time and money getting relevant experience. Moreover, if you’re interested in a career that focuses on the welfare of others, volunteering and performing community service are great ways to make contacts and build your resume. In addition, research experience will bring you to the forefront of your field, which is an essential consideration for medical school admissions.

Is it that hard to become a doctor?

Becoming a doctor is hard. It can take more than a decade of education and training before you get your license, and if you desire to be a specialist, it will take additional years in practice and study. Moreover, the amount of time and money spent on your medical education is also excessive. However, once you start reaping the benefits and recognition for all your hard work, it will be the most rewarding thing ever. 

What is the success rate of medical school?

The success rate of medical school is not 100%. Along the way, some students will drop out of medical school for different reasons. Some may think that medical school is no longer for them, and they can no longer take the amount of stress in medical school. In addition, some also decide to put their dreams of becoming a doctor on hold due to financial reasons. Furthermore, after graduating from medical school, not everyone will pass the Physician Licensure Exam immediately. While the passing rate of some schools is high, it is rare for them to achieve a 100% passing rate. 

Benefits of Pursuing Medical School and Being a Doctor

High Salaries

Doctors have always been among the highest-paid professionals. Although you might not experience this during your early years of practice, you can earn three-figure salaries with enough time and experience. This is the reward for your dedication and years of hard work in studying. 

Good Employment Rate

The demand for doctors will always be inelastic because patients who need medical attention will always exist whenever and wherever you go. In the Philippines, graduates of Doctor of Medicine usually get employed within four to six months of graduating. Some even get absorbed directly by the hospitals they interned in. This employment rate is exceptionally high compared to graduates of other degree programs. 

Job Security

Compared to other professions where employees face the challenge of remaining relevant and holding on to their current workplace, doctors often do not have the same struggle. This is because it is inevitable that people will get sick or grow old, which means constant work for medical professionals. 

Positively Impact the Lives of Others

Seeing your patients recover from the diseases that affect their quality of life can be immensely rewarding. Medical doctors get to touch the lives of other people through their work and dedication to saving lives. Of course, there may be times that the results of the treatment you gave are not what you expected, but doctors will always have a high value to society. 

Continuous Learning

The medical field is constantly advancing through research and development. This means that doctors will always learn continuously as new methods and knowledge are discovered. In addition, doctors likely find satisfaction in these discoveries. 

Stimulating Work Environment

Aside from continuous learning, doctors work in an environment where they always face different challenges. There are a lot of symptoms, medical conditions, and cases doctors have to treat. While the shift in the hospital can be extremely long, doctors will never be bored due to the highly stimulating work environment. 

Better Career Progression

One of the great things about becoming a doctor is that the possibilities for your career path are endless. There are different sectors and industries medical doctors can enter and still apply the knowledge and skills they have. For example, doctors can enter public health, clinical research, and forensic science, among many others. 

Unique Experiences

As a medical doctor, you will treat people from different walks of life who have different perspectives and stories to tell. You can also create valuable interactions with your patients and forge good relationships with them, especially after saving their lives or that of their loved ones. 

The Costs of Going Through Med School and Becoming a Doctor

Time Consuming

It is a well-known fact that it takes a very long time to become a doctor. Aspiring doctors have to complete a four-year undergraduate degree program first then spend another four years in medical school. This period still does not cover the time needed for a post-graduate internship, physician licensure exam, residency, and specialization. As a result, you might feel at one point that you are already getting left behind. Because while your peers are already earning and have stable careers, you are still stressing over the piles of academic load you have to study. 

Extended and Unpredictable Working Hours

Doctors usually find themselves working beyond the typical working hours. They also do not have enough time to spend with their families and friends because they always have to be prepared for on-call responsibilities, attend to emergencies, and respond to calls and inquiries.

High Levels of Stress

Medical students and doctors alike work in a highly stressful environment. They are constantly pressured to make the right calls in all situations because other people’s lives rely on their judgment. As a result, there will be times when doctors have to face unfortunate situations. While it is not unusual to lose a patient in your hands, some medical doctors find this situation distressing. 

Lots of Expenses

Studying medicine is one of the most expensive paths for students. The tuition fees in almost all medical schools are costly, not to mention the other expenses you have to spend on, such as educational materials, board and lodging, and other necessities. While scholarships are available to deserving students, some still do not find these enough to finance their medical school education entirely. 

Is it Worth it Becoming a Doctor or Not? Hear from Others’ Experiences

L.C. of Our Lady of Fatima University Class of 2011

“Medicine is one of the hardest and most expensive courses; it requires a lot of time, money, and effort. I was just lucky that my husband supported me financially and morally. I advise those who intend to take up this course to consider all the factors and requirements before enrolling. Once a student starts this course, they have to finish it to the very end.”

C.D. of Angeles University Class of 2006

“Taking up Medicine or becoming a doctor for me first and foremost is a calling. If you are called to become a doctor, no matter what happens, you will become one. It is such a demanding course that will test its students to their limits physically, mentally, and emotionally. The first three years are purely academic; you have to read a lot and memorize a lot. The last year was the baptism of fire wherein you have to endure one year of rotating duties in different departments in different hospitals. Here, doctors are tested and made. It brings out the best and worst qualities one has, and those who endure will be awarded the coveted M.D. insignia after their name.

Is it interesting: Let me put it this way, you get to study the best creation. Human life! And yes, once you graduate (although learning never stops at graduation), you become a partaker or, should I say, an instrument of God’s healing. Isn’t that interesting?

It isn’t easy. You have to read a lot, memorize a lot, and sacrifice a lot of time with family, friends, and even loved ones. But, just thinking of being able to help alleviate the pain and disease of other people will already give joy to your heart. That alone makes it enjoyable. You handle life itself. Although medicine is never an exact science, thinking that you hold the other person’s health (or life) in your hand makes you want to do everything you can; there lies the challenge.”

M.N. of the University of Sto. Tomas Class of 1995

“The course of Doctor in Medicine is one of the most difficult courses. It takes a lot of patience and determination to finish this course. However, once a student becomes a doctor, all the efforts and expenses will be generously rewarded with an excellent income.”

C.E. of De La Salle University Class of 1996

“Although the study of medicine is a very tedious and repetitive task, the journey is attainable. However, reading plenty of 3000-page books is, most of the time, boring and exhaustive, too. That is why diligence, obedience, focus, and determination are the key characters that one must possess so that they may become a doctor.”

C.G. of University of the Philippines – Manila Class of 1988

“In the school, the students are given practical training in surgery and medical diagnosis, handling patients, prescribing drugs, etc. The subjects were not difficult, and I did not fail in any. I do not know if anyone in my class failed, but it is expected that some would fail due to the high standards that this school would like to maintain. Only by constantly reading, studying, and doing the assignments could one succeed in this course. There is no room for laxity and laziness.”

D.R. of University of Perpetual Help Class of 1991

“The Medicine course is pretty demanding. I don’t recommend this to anyone who thinks it’s a status symbol to get in or was forced by their parents to study it. Some former classmates strut their stuff (cars, luxury stuff, good looks, lovely girlfriends/boyfriends) to show off. Sadly, they’re the first to go. It’s about what you are made of and not what you have to make you a good doctor. It takes a certain type of individual to be a doctor. If you don’t have that” x-factor” or calling, you won’t graduate nor be a full-fledged doctor. Currently, I’m earning modestly enough to support my small family (a son and wife) and, at the same time, allow me to indulge in my hobbies and other outside interests.

Tips That Can Help You Figure Out Whether Medical School is Worth Pursuing

Choosing a career is one of the most meaningful decisions a person has to make in his life. However, there are more things at stake if one aspires to become a physician. To guide you with your decision, here are five tips you have to consider to figure out whether medical school is worth pursuing:

You have a complete understanding of the commitment. 

Medical school is not a walk in the park. It demands unparalleled dedication and commitment. Understanding the field you are entering can help you better face the challenges medical school will throw at you. 

You need to have the right motivation.

Without the right motivation, it will be challenging to succeed in medical school. If you only want to become a doctor because your parents told you to do so, you are more likely setting yourself up for the possibility of failure. Ensure that your primary motivation for becoming a doctor is not to impress others but to be of service to others. 

You have a robust support system. 

Support from your family and friends is one of the ways for you to survive medical school successfully. Without it, it will be challenging to overcome the stress and challenges medical school will throw at you. Having a solid support system allows you to draw in strength to continue the path you chose despite the difficulties you are facing. 

You have already considered all other options. 

If you aspire to work in the medical sector, ensure that you have considered other potential careers available in the field, such as medical technologists, nurses, or research jobs. This way, you will be able to personally evaluate whether becoming a doctor is the path you want to take.  

What requirements do I need to apply for medical school?

The requirements needed to apply for medical school vary depending on what school you wish to apply for. However, the general requirements you need to have before applying are the following:

• Bachelor’s Degree

Before studying medicine, aspiring physicians must be a graduate of any baccalaureate degree program.

• National Medical Admission Test (NMAT)

The National Medical Admissions Test, a standardized test administered to medical school applicants in the Philippines, is developed and administered by the Center for Educational Measurement, Inc. (CEM), as authorized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). NMAT is one of the medical school prerequisites aspiring doctors should take before getting admitted to a medical school.

How to Get the Requirements Needed to Get into Medical School

1. Recommended College Courses

Some medical schools require units in certain subjects, such as Chemistry, Natural Sciences, Physics, and Microbiology, before you can apply for admission. Therefore, some students take specific courses as their pre-med because the units required for medical school application are already integrated into their curriculums. Some of the most common courses aspiring physicians take as their premed are the following:

• BS Nursing

• BS Medical Technology 

• BS Pharmacy

• BS Biology
• BS Physical Therapy

However, there are also selected medical schools in the Philippines that allow students to apply for admission and enroll directly without any course requirements as long as they take the NMAT and have the necessary documents.

Many believe that taking pre-med courses will give them an edge once they are already in medical school. While this is true to some extent, because premed courses give students a general idea of some of the lessons in medical, they can still become successful physicians without enrolling in any premed courses. It is still grit and commitment to learning medicine that will make one successful in medical school. 

What grades do I need to get accepted in med school?

Some medical schools require their applicants to have a certain GWA and have no failing grades. But in general, there is no definite grade needed to get accepted into medical school. However, good grades will provide you with a particular advantage in the application and open up opportunities for scholarships or tuition discounts. That is why it is highly recommended to perform well academically while. 

2. NMAT

NMAT is a standardized exam given twice a year by the Center for Educational Measurement.  It is a mandatory exam and prerequisite for students who wish to apply for a medical school. Graduates or graduating students of any Bachelor’s degree program can take the exam.

The NMAT scores are valid for only two years. Therefore, if the student fails to apply or get accepted into a medical school within two years after releasing the NMAT scores, the student has to retake the NMAT. 

Scores students get in the NMAT are reported as percentile rank, ranging from 1 to 99+. So, for example, if you got 90, it does not indicate that you got 90% of the questions in the exam correctly. Instead, this means that you scored higher than 90% of the NMAT examinees, while 10% scored higher than you. The NMAT scores are usually released 20 days after the examination day. 

What scores are the best to get for NMAT?

The minimum cutoff score for NMAT for a student to be qualified for medical school application is 40. However, some medical schools impose higher cutoff scores. Therefore, it is best for an examinee to prepare well for the NMAT to get a higher percentile rank and increase their chances of getting accepted into their dream medical school. 

3. Documents for Application

The medical school admissions requirements may vary depending on the medical school you wish to apply for.  However, at Southwestern University, the medical school requirements are as follows:

FILIPINO

• Two (2) photocopies of NSO Birth Certificate
• One (1) original copy of Transcript of Records (TOR/Honorable Dismissal) & 1 photocopy
• Two (2) photocopies of BS Diploma or Certificate of the expected date of graduation from the Dean
• Certificate of Good Moral Character
  • From the Dean (1 Copy)
  • From the Professor (1 Copy)
• Two (2) pcs 2×2 picture
• Original Copy of NMAT Results (Percentile Rank = 40%)
• Certificate of Grade Point Average or General Weighted Average
• Photocopy of Residence (Cedula)
• One folder long with fastener

FOREIGN 

• Three (3) copies of Birth Certificate, 1 copy original & 2 copies authenticated
• Three (3) copies of Official Transcript of Records (TOR/Honorable Dismissal) 1 copy original & 2 copies authenticated
• Two (2) certificates of good moral character (original copies), one from the Dean and one from any of your Professors
• Three (3) copies of Diploma, 1 copy original & 2 copies authenticated
• Two (2) copies of Police Clearance, copy of visa & bio page of passport
• Five (5) copies of your recent photo (black and white) 2×2 in size
• A brief biography of who will finance your medical school or Affidavit of Support, duly notarized (Certificate of Sponsorship)
• Original Copy of NMAT results, at least 40 percentile rank
• Certificate of Grade Point Average or General Weighted Average

*For pre-med taken outside the Philippines, a “Red Ribbon” authentication from

your embassy is required.

4. Extracurriculars

Extracurricular activities can help the medical school admissions committee you wish to apply for identify your non-cognitive and social skills and the perseverance required to handle all the rigorous activities and lessons in medical school. Extracurricular activities can also help you stand out in the pool of applicants and prove that you perform well, not just in the four walls of the classroom. 

Some of the best extracurricular activities to help boost your medical school application are the following:

• Clinical Work

There exist a variety of extracurricular activities you can engage in to bolster your medical school application. However, clinical work might be the best to engage in.

During medical school applications and interviews, applicants are always asked why they want to become a doctor. In this question alone, some applicants already start to falter. However, when you have clinical experience, it will be easier to convince the admissions committee about your devotion to learning medicine and becoming an excellent physician.

Moreover, clinical work is the best way to immerse yourself in the profession. This will allow you to know how the medical field operates and acquire hands-on experience that can help ease the arduous tasks you will be required to do once you are already in medical school. 

• Research

Research teaches many skills required to become successful in medical schools, such as critical thinking, perseverance, and tenacity, among others. Research projects can also help show the admissions committee that you are dedicated to figuring out the unknown and possess a great interest in acquiring new knowledge and information. These are often some of the qualities they look for in an aspiring physician.  Research also allows you to work with other individuals, which trains you for the collaborative environment in medical schools and hospitals. 

• Community Service

Community service is one of the most philanthropic activities a student can participate in. This also entails your willingness to put others before yourself, which is precisely what physicians are supposed to do. When you participate in community service, it means that you are willing to serve others, devote your time to building a better society, and help better the lives of those who are in need. As a result, the admissions committee is more likely to consider your participation in community service as a factor when considering your application. Some of the most excellent community services include volunteering in medical missions, participating in charitable events, and joining projects to help the vulnerable. 

• Teaching

Teaching lets you develop your communication and leadership skills, which are essential for a doctor to have. For example, doctors have to clearly explain their diagnoses and treatment plans to their patients and openly and respectfully talk about dogmas and ideas that might not be in line with yours. 

5. Recommendations

Recommendation letters are an essential part of your medical school application. Usually, the admissions committee uses this as a tool to gain more knowledge about you as a person from people who know you well. Recommendation letters are typically written by your professors, deans, or previous bosses/supervisors. 

What Medical Schools Usually Look For in Applications

Here are five things medical schools usually look for in applicants:

Good Grades

Gades measure your mastery of the objectives of a course and your ability to thrive in a high-pressure environment. In addition, the admissions committee looks at your grades in your undergraduate degree to assess if you would be able to handle the academic load in medical school. 

High NMAT Score

The admissions committee of the medical school you applied for will more likely accept you if your percentile rank is in the NMAT is high. This is because NMAT, just like other aptitude tests, predicts a person’s ability to learn or do given the proper education and direction.

Leadership Experience

Physicians lead a team of healthcare professionals and help guide patients during their treatment. That is why leadership experience is often one of the things admissions committees look for in applicants to gauge if they could become excellent physicians in the future. You do not have to be a club president to prove your leadership experience. Some lead through teaching, community volunteering, or coaching. 

Ability to Thrive Under Pressure

Medical schools often look for students who can still carry on a conversation despite being put into a difficult situation. Admissions officers often test an applicant’s ability to thrive under pressure during panel interviews. Therefore, it is crucial to practice and engage in mock interviews before facing the real deal. 

Undergraduate Major

Medical schools accept aspiring physicians from all majors, consider that they did well during their undergraduate degree, their NMAT, and handle all the questions asked to them during panel interviews excellently. Medical schools also often look for people from different walks of life and have diverse perspectives. 

Other Details that Aspiring Medical Students Can Add to their Application

Financial Status

Declaring your financial status in your application can help the admissions committee assess whether you will be able to support your medical school education. While there are scholarships available to those deserving but financially struggling students, medical schools often prefer students who will be able to finance themselves even without the help of any scholarships or tuition fee discounts. 

Convincing Narrative

Almost all medical schools require their applicants to submit an application letter detailing all the important things about themselves and why they want to enter medical school. Therefore, it is vital to ensure that you highlight aspects of yourself that will prove that you are worthy of a slot in the medical school you wish to enter and have a convincing narrative of why you want to become a medical doctor. 

Tips to Remember When Completing Medical School Prerequisites

Request the necessary documents in advance. 

Some documents may take days or even weeks to arrive after requesting them. To avoid the unnecessary stress this may cause you, it is important to request the necessary documents in advance. Additionally, it is also best to request multiple copies of the documents you will be needing, especially if you are planning to apply to more than one medical school. 

Take note of the deadlines.

Nothing is worse than not making it into your dream medical school just because you missed the deadlines. Always check the websites of the medical schools you wish to apply for any pertinent announcement regarding the application and take note of the important deadlines. 

Prepare!

During the medical school application process alone, you will already face a lot of tests. First is the NMAT then next is the dreaded panel interview. Make sure that you review properly for the NMAT. Enroll yourself in review centers if you can for better supplementation. Moreover, make sure to prepare well for the panel interview. You can participate in mock interviews and read about the common questions asked to medical school applicants and tips on how you can answer them.

How much does medical school usually cost in the Philippines?

The cost of a medical school in the Philippines varies depending on which school you wish to apply for. Listed below are the top medical schools in the Philippines and their corresponding estimated tuition fees. 

• University of Santo Tomas, Manila – Faculty of Medicine and Surgery

One academic year in UST can cost as much as 143,463 Php. This already includes laboratory and miscellaneous fees.

• University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, Manila

The tuition fee in UERM per year is around 170,000 Php. 

• University of the Philippines, Manila – College of Medicine

Students in the UP System can apply for a socialized tuition system, meaning the amount students will be paying for their tuition fees will depend on their family’s annual income. For those students whose family income is 1.3 Million and above, their tuition fees can take up to 50,649 Php per semester. 

• Far Eastern University – Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation

The tuition fee in FEU-NRMF ranges between 140,000 to 152,000 Php per semester.

• De La Salle University – Health Science Institute

For DLSU-HSI, the tuition fee ranges between 110,000 to 130,000 Php per semester. 

• Cebu Institute of Medicine

The minimum tuition fee at the Cebu Institute of Medicine is 70,000 Php, while the maximum tuition fee is 80,000 Php per semester.

• Davao Medical School Foundation

The annual tuition fee at Davao Medical School Foundation is approximately 250,000 Php. This school only accepts payments in US Dollars or Indian Rupee. 

• Ateneo de Manila University School of Medicine and Public Health – Pasig

Studying at the Ateneo de Manila University School of Medicine and Public Health will cost around 151,000 Php per semester. This already includes the tuition, laboratory, and miscellaneous fees. 

Different Ways You Can Pay for Medical School

DOH Medical Scholarship

One of the best scholarships aspiring doctors can receive in the Philippines is the DOH Medical Scholarship. This scholarship grant covers the tuition, laboratory, and miscellaneous fees. In addition, it will also provide allowance to cover the expenses that a student will incur outside the school. The breakdown of this allowance is listed below:

• Book Allowance – 12,100 Php/semester
• Uniform Allowance – 3,025 Php/semester
• Miscellaneous Allowance – 5,500 Php/semester
• Living Subsidy – 4,500 Php/semester
• Lodging – 3,000 Php/semester
• Transportation Allowance – 880 Php/semester

Any incoming and current medical students can apply for this scholarship. However, DOH prioritizes students from geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, members of indigenous communities, and children of government employees.

The medical schools where the DOH scholarship is accredited are as follows:

• NCR 

Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

University of the Philippines – College of Medicine

• Region 1

University of Northern Philippines

• Region 2

Cagayan State University

• Region 3

Angeles University Foundation

• Region 4

None

• Region 5

Bicol Christian College Medicine

• Region 6

Western Visayas State University

• Region 7

Southwestern Univerity PHINMA

University of Cebu College of Medicine

• Region 8

University of the Philippines – School of Health Sciences

• Region 9

Mindanao State University

• Region 10

None

• Region 11

Brokenshire College

Davao Medical Schoo, Foundation

• Region 12,13, CAR, CARAGA, ARMM

None

The application process for the DOH medical process is as follows:

• Applicants should directly apply to any accredited partner medical schools listed above and undergo screening and selection by the partner school. 
• Students should accomplish the DOH Medical Scholarship Form and the Scholar’s Commitment Form. 
• The partner school shall endorse the list of the DOH medical scholarship applicants to the region’s DOH RO for evaluation. 
• The validation results shall be endorsed by the RO and recommended to HHRDB before getting evaluated by the Pre-Service Scholarship Management Committee. 
• The list of accepted applicants shall be endorsed by the HHRDB to the respective ROs and coordinate with the partner schools to facilitate the enrollment of the accepted scholarship applicants.
• All accepted scholarship applicants shall be notified by the partner school and be enrolled accordingly. 
• The partner school shall send the list of enrolled scholars to the respective ROs for proper documentation. 
• A Department Personnel Order shall be issued after the respective ROs endorsed the list of enrolled scholars to HHRDB. 

Source: https://governmentph.com/doh-medical-scholarship/

CHED Scholarship

Any incoming or current medical students can apply for the CHED Scholarship. However, the CHED scholarship only has eight partner medical schools in the Philippines compared to the DOH Medical Scholarship. These schools are:

• Bicol University
• Cagayan State University
• Mariano Marcos State University
• Mindanao State University
• University of the Northern Philippines
• University of the Philippines College of Medicine
• University of the Philippines Manila School of Health Sciences 
• Western Visayas State University

The CHED Scholarship covers 100% of the tuition fee and provides financial assistance for the other expenses incurred outside the school. The breakdown of this financial assistance is listed below:

• Book Allowance – 14,000 Php/Academic Year
• Uniform Allowance – 6,000 Php/Academic Year
• Experimental Learning Activities – 10,000 Php/Academic Year
• Living Allowance – 7,000 Php/Academic Year

UNILAB and NKVS Program Scholarships

The UNILAB Corporation has a scholarship program for medical students. However, the benefits of the scholarship may vary per school. Hence, it is best to contact the schools first to validate the benefits of the UNILAB Scholarship that you can avail of.

UNILAB Corporation has selected few partner medical schools in the Philippines. These are:

• Angeles University Foundation
• Ateneo de Zamboanga University
• Cagayan State University
• Cebu Doctor’s University
• Cebu Institute of Medicine
• Davao Medical School Foundation
• Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
• Siliman University
• University of Perpetual Help 
• Western Visayas University

Another similar program is the Nellie Kellog van Schaik (NKVS) Program. Its partner medical schools in the Philippines are:

• Davao Medical School Foundation
• Xavier University

School-based Scholarships

Each school in the Philippines has its scholarship programs for medical students. The granting of these scholarships may be based on the financial needs of the students or can be merit-based. Listed below are some of the scholarship programs available in the top medical schools in the Philippines:

• University of Santo Tomas, Manila – Faculty of Medicine and Surgery

The UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery offers their graduates the Sto. Tomas Scholarship, which provides a 50% discount for applicants who graduated Magna Cum Laude and a 100% discount for students who graduated Summa Cum Laude. Non-UST graduates can also avail of the scholarship, but only during their second year in medicine. In addition, they need to have at least an 88.5% grade point average with no failing grades. 

Another scholarship medical students in UST can avail of is the Regent’s Scholarship Program. This scholarship is granted to five students every year. The recipients of this scholarship receive a full-tuition discount but have to maintain an 88.5% grade point average and with failing grades. 

• University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, Manila

The UERM offers two scholarships for first-year medical students. The first is the University Entrance Scholarship granted to students who graduated Magna Cum Laude or Summa Cum Laude from their bachelor’s degree and with at least 95th percentile rank in the NMAT. This scholarship grants the accepted applicants a full-tuition discount as well as a 15,000 Php book allowance. 

The second scholarship in UERM is the President Dalupan Entrance Scholarship. Full scholarship is granted to those students who graduated Summa Cum Laude or Magna Cum Laude from their pre-med course. On the other hand, a 50% discount on tuition and laboratory fees is granted to incoming Freshmen who graduated Cum Laude from their pre-med course.

The UERM also offers different scholarship grants for upper-level students. It is best to contact the school to inquire about the available scholarships you can avail of. 

• De La Salle University – Health Science Institute

THE DLSI-HSI has over six different scholarship programs offered to their students. One of these scholarships includes the entrance scholarship, which provides partial or complete discounts to students depending on what Latin honor they received when they graduated from college. Another one is the special entrance scholarship, which provides partial or complete discounts to students who topped their respective board exams. Placing 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in your respective board exam entitles you to a full scholarship.  Placing 4th or 5th gives you a 75% discount. Placing 6th to 10th gives you a 50%  discount. 

Other scholarships in DLSU HSI are the Dean and Academic Scholarships, which provide students discounts depending on their academic performance. Financial aid programs are also available in DLSU HSI to assist those students who need financial support.,

• Ateneo de Manila University School of Medicine and Public Health – Pasig

ASMPH offers two forms of scholarship – financial aid and merit-based scholarship. Financial aid is awarded to students who belong to a certain income demographic. In contrast, the merit-based scholarship is awarded to students who scored at least 95% percentile in the NMAT and graduated with Latin honors. In addition, 50% scholarship is granted to students who graduated Magna Cum Laude, while 100% scholarship is awarded to students who graduated Summa Cum Laude.

• Southwestern University PHINMA School of Medicine

In Southwestern University, they offer the Chairman’s Scholarship, which covers tuition, laboratory fees, different miscellaneous fees. The scholarship also provides the students a monthly allowance of 10,000 Php and a book allowance of 10,000 Php. In addition, the school also offers the Presidential Scholarship, which affords 100% free tuition to any NMAT passer and pre-med program graduate. Furthermore, the school also has the Best You Scholarship Program. The School of Medicine will provide the accepted scholarship applicants a 100% discount on tuition.

Alternative Options That Can Make Medical School Affordable

Do well in your academics. 

Doing well in your academics during college will reward you with many opportunities, especially if you aspire to become a physician. Almost all medical schools grant scholarships based on the Latin Honor you received when you graduated from college. The higher the Latin Honor is, the bigger the discount you can receive when you enroll in medical school. Moreover, medical schools also grant scholarships to medical students with a high-grade point average and no failing grades. Hence, it is crucial to perform well academically for you to be qualified for these scholarships. 

Ask assistance from your family.

Tapping into your network is one of the most effective ways to make medical school more affordable. Mose medical students are fortunate enough to have supportive parents, relatives, and other benefactors who can help fund their medical school education. If you are also like one of these students who has the same privilege, then the benefits for you are more apparent.  

Enroll in a public medical school.

It is no secret that private medical schools’ tuition fees are much higher than public ones. This is because the government subsidizes the costs of public medical schools. However, there are also equally competitive public medical schools, so do not restrict your options to private institutions alone.

Use your savings. 

Some students took some gap years after graduating from college to work and save up for medical school. However, this will require you to stick to a tighter budget and live a more modest lifestyle to have enough savings to fund your medical school education. 

Tips to Remember That Can Help Med Students Save Money

Stick to a budget. 

Nobody knows better your financial situation than you do. Creating a budget plan for the different expenses that you will be incurring daily will help you save you a lot of money because you can monitor where your money is going and have a lesser incentive to spend on unnecessary things. 

Find cheaper housing.

If the medical school you would be studying in is far from your home, it is more practical to rent a place where you can stay. It can be tempting to rent and live in popular and luxurious areas due to the different amenities they provide to their residents. However, if you are on a tight budget, finding a cheaper apartment that can provide you with a decent shelter and conducive environment for studying will help you save a lot of money. 

Eat out less.

As a medical student, it is given that you will have a pretty tight schedule. Therefore, eating outside can be more convenient. However, eating out every meal is both expensive and unhealthy. To avoid unnecessary spending, preparing simple meals can help a lot. Not only will this help you save money, but it can also provide you with better nutrition.

How long does it usually take for people to become doctors in each country?

Australia

To pursue a medical career in Australia, aspirants need to attain a bachelor’s degree first before enrolling themselves in a four-year postgraduate medical program. Then they would have to complete a full year of internship before becoming fully registered doctors. 

China

The Chinese medical education system usually trains their medical students for five years, followed by 1-year internship before rewarding them with their final degree.

Germany

The unique thing about studying medicine in Germany is that the medical programs in the country are not divided between bachelor’s and master’s. Hence, one can already become a doctor after completing a medical training program that takes six years. 

Japan

The average time of medical education in Japan is six years, which comprises four years of preclinical education. First, future physicians learn the foundations of medicine followed by two years of clinical education. Here, they get to have a more hands-on experience when it comes to assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients.  

Philippines

Aspiring doctors in the Philippines need to finish their undergraduate degree program first before entering medical school. This step alone will already take 3 to 6 years, depending on the chosen pre-med course of the student and the college he enrolled into. Then, future physicians have to attend four years of medical school, finish one year of internship, and spend 3 to 5 years of residency.  After these, they have to spend 2 to 4 years in fellowship to train in their preferred medical specialty. 

United Kingdom

Before becoming a doctor in the UK, aspiring doctors need to attain a medical degree and immerse themselves in years of training. These prerequisites may take up to 16 years, with five years dedicated to achieving their medical degree, two years to finish post-graduate foundation courses, and 3 to 8 years to train for their chosen medical specialty. 

United States of America

To become a doctor in the United States, it will take 11 to 14 years. Aspiring doctors need to earn a four-year bachelor’s degree, attend four years of medical school, and complete a three- to seven-year residency program. Only after completing these stages can a doctor apply for a state license to practice medicine.  

Factors that Affect People’s Timeline in Becoming a Doctor

• Undergraduate Program

Usually, students enroll in a four-year undergraduate program. However, in some instances, it can last up to five or six years, depending on the undergraduate program you enrolled in. Therefore, your chosen college or university can also affect your timeline in becoming a doctor. The majority of the universities in the Philippines typically have bisemester enrollment, while some selected schools have tri-semester or quarter-semester. Undergraduate students in schools with tri-semester or quarter-semester enrollment typically finish their undergraduate programs faster than those in universities following the traditional bisemester enrollment.  

• Finances

While it is true that you do not have to be rich to enter medical school, you still need to have some resources to fund your studies and acquire the necessary materials, such as books and laboratory equipment, required in your classes. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, some students have to leave medical school to work first and save up for their medical school expenses. Some students would take a gap year to build their credentials to apply for scholarship grants. 

• Medical Student Burnout

Medical school can be highly taxing due to the sheer amount of lessons students have to learn and the overwhelming number of requirements they have to do.  Because of these, some students experience burnout, a state of emotional exhaustion, and a low sense of personal accomplishment. While medical school is only preparing the students for what they will be experiencing once they start working in an actual clinical setting, some students choose to take a break from medical school first to protect their well-being and become more prepared for the challenges they will be facing once they go back to school. 

Total Number of Years Med Students in the Philippines Go Through to Be a Doctor

College Pre-Med: 3-4 Years

Pre-med is a general term people use to refer to the undergraduate programs they are taking to show that they are planning to go to medical school and are taking classes needed to get accepted in a medical school. Students usually enroll in undergraduate programs that they think will give them an edge once they are already in medical school. However, there is not an actual pre-med major. For example, a student can be a chemistry major, an English major, etc., and still get accepted and perform well in medical school. Other factors are considered during medical school admissions, such as your grade in school, NMAT score, and performance during panel interviews. 

Medical School: 4 Years

Medical schools equip their students with the necessary medical knowledge and clinical skills to become excellent and successful doctors. During the first two years, students will be learning the fundamentals of medicine inside a classroom setting. They will also be working in laboratories to gain lab experience in analyzing and treating patient conditions. The students will spend the last two years of medical school in hospitals or clinics. In these years, they will be earning clinical experience by completing clinical rotations in different hospital departments. 

Internship: 1 Year

Medical sc interns perform almost all the same duties as doctors. They take patient histories, examine patients, and do specific medical procedures. However, since medical interns do not have their licenses yet, most of their duties are still under the supervision of a licensed doctor. Medical interns are also sometimes allowed by their supervising doctors to make treatment recommendations to test their knowledge. 

After the post-graduate internship, medical students can now take the Physician Licensure Exam (PLE) administered by the Board of Medicine (BOM) and supervised by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). Interns usually have two to six months to prepare and review for the licensing exam.

PLE has two categories – Basic Sciences and Clinical Sciences. Each of the categories covers six subject areas. The basic sciences category covers Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pathology, and Pharmacology. The clinical sciences category includes Internal Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pediatrics, Surgery, Legal Medicine, and Preventive Medicine. The board takers should achieve an average rating of at least 75% with no grade below 50% in any subjects covered to pass the exam. After passing the PLE, the new doctors will now have the license to work as general practitioners.

Residency: 3-5 Years

To advance their careers, the majority of the new doctors will opt to undergo a residency training program. Medical residents acquire more hands-on experience in their chose specialization. Each residency training program has its respective regulating society. For example, residents who want to specialize in psychiatry are regulated by the Philippine Board of Psychiatry. These regulating societies are also the ones that administer diplomate board examinations after medical residents finish their programs. The following are some of the common types of specialty, along with the number of years required need to complete the residency training program:

• Anesthesia – 3 years
• Dermatology – 3 years
• ER Medicine – 3 years
• ENT – HNS – 4 years
• Family Medicine – 3 years
• Internal Medicine – 3 years
• Obstetrics and Gynecology – 4 years
• Ophthalmology – 3 years
• Orthopedics – 4 years
• Pathology – 4 years
• Pediatrics – 3 years
• Psychiatry – 4 years
• Radiology – 4 years
• Rehabilitation Medicine – 3 years
• Surgery – 4 to 5 years
  

Fellowship: 2-4 Years

During the fellowship program, doctors train further to become specialist physicians. Often,  doctors closely work with a specialist. The physician who is learning about the specialization is called a follow.  A lot of medical students aspire to become specialists. However, only a few qualify for the fellowship training program. 

Alternative Paths People Take in Becoming a Doctor in the Philippines

Aside from the traditional path of becoming a doctor, there are other alternative paths people can take to become a licensed doctor in the Philippines. These paths are listed down below. 

• BS Human Biology offered by the De La Salle University (DLSU)

This is a six-year program offered by DLSU-Taft in partnership with the De La Salle University College of Medicine (DLSU – Med) of the DLSU Health Science Institute (DLSU HSI). The BS Human Biology program lets highly competent students become doctors in a short period. During the first two years of the students in the program, they will be taught about the fundamentals of biological sciences at the DLSU-Taft campus. Then, they will take classes along with the first-year students of DLSU-Med in their third year. Finally, after completing all the requirements, the students will obtain their BS Human Biology Degree and directly proceed to the second year of medicine proper. 

• Integrated Liberal Arts and Medicine (INTARMED) program of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine

The INTARMED program allows qualified students to attain their Doctor of Medicine degree in just seven years, which shortens the entire medical education students typically undergo by almost two years. The first two years of the program are devoted to pre-medical courses, the next four years are for regular medical studies, and the final year is for clinical internship. 

Tips to Consider in Becoming a Medical Doctor

• A well-planned schedule is essential.

Medical school is already different from college. You can get away with cramming before an exam in college. However, medical school is already an entirely different story. There is a substantial amount of information you need to absorb and understand. Hence, you should already develop your time management skills and good study habits before entering medical school. 

• Avoid comparing yourself to others. 

Always remember that being in a medical school is not a competition. It will be inevitable that some of your classmates will get ahead of you in terms of understanding the concepts being taught in class and learning the clinical skills necessary to perform patient examinations or operations. Always learn at your phase and remember that every one of you is there to save lives in the future and not compete against one another.  

• It is best to start preparing for the licensure exam from the get-go. 

The Physician Licensure Examination (PLE) is the culmination of all your efforts and sacrifices in medical school. Therefore, it is best to start preparing for the PLE even if you are only in your early years in medical school to ensure that you fully grasp the areas covered during the board exam. 

• Ask for help. 

Medical school can be highly rigorous and stressful. Many students struggle academically because of the sheer amount of information they have to absorb and the piles of medical school requirements they have to do. Therefore, it is best to seek assistance from your professors or your peers. This way, you will find a sense of community in medical school despite all the hardships you have to face. 

• Do not be too hard on yourself. 

A lot of medical students beat themselves up by not taking advantage of their free time to relax. While it is tempting always to read your books or finish your medical school requirements during your free time, you have to resist that urge. Instead, take some time off for yourself. Spend time with your family and friends. This will not only give you the relaxation you deserve, but it will also help protect your mental health.

Why People Go to Medical School and Choose to Become Doctors

People have different motivations why they want to go to medical school and choose to become doctors. However, some of the top reasons are listed below.

• Being a doctor is a noble profession that gives people the opportunity to improve the health of others. 

The attraction of the medical field is not just because doctors are interested in studying patients. It attracts more and more people because they think it is a great way to help others and save lives. Hence, people want to become doctors to make an impact on the lives of others. 

• Going to medical school and becoming a doctor hones one’s leadership skills.

Studying medicine and becoming a doctor teaches you a lot about leadership. If you have ever worked as a healthcare professional or had to take care of people, then you know how important it is to succeed as a leader. Even if you just started in medical school, you already get to develop leadership qualities by taking on management responsibility and making tough decisions under pressure. You will also meet many people from different backgrounds, who will make you more aware of how the world works.

• Doctors get to choose among various clinical and non-clinical job options.

If you were a doctor, you have many options for job types, locations, and the nature of your job. For example, while doctors usually work in hospitals, they can also choose to focus on non-clinical aspects of the profession, including but not limited to being an educator, researcher, government employee, and a lot more. 

• Doctors work in an intellectually stimulating field, which allows them to learn new things every day and guarantee a long, happy, productive life.

Learning does not stop when you finish studying to be a doctor. Every day you see something new, learn something new in one way or another, and you get reminded how little you know. Even though it is exhausting, you will never regret becoming a doctor because it allows you to enjoy and learn more about the job every day.

What Doctors Currently Face in the Country

Nearly a year after the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has been forced to acknowledge that the healthcare system is broken. The number of fatalities linked to COVID-19 has been increasing dramatically, especially in places where vaccines are hard to get. Moreover, many hospitals are already overcrowded, and medical supplies are already scarce in some areas. Given this situation, doctors are needed more than ever to help treat patients infected by COVID-19 and help beat the virus altogether. 

Different Opportunities Available for Medical School Graduates

There are different paths you can choose from, both medical and non-medical settings, after graduating from medical school. Here are some of the roles open to medical graduates.

• Public Health Worker

A public health worker does many different things during their job, and these tasks are determined by state and local government. For example, a public health worker can work for a state department of health or a local government agency that oversees sanitation and safety measures at work sites. Without public health workers, life expectancy would be much lower, and people would be dying of preventable diseases at alarming rates.

• Medical Teacher

The role of a teacher in medical colleges is to assist the students in acquiring & assimilating knowledge and skills so that they can teach themselves, keep abreast of advancements in accepted areas of medical practice, apply legal & moral principles/ethics and be able to work independently as future physicians. A career in academic medicine is best advanced in schools with vital research programs. 

• Forensic Medical Examiner

Forensic medicine is the application of medical knowledge to legal questions. The forensic medical examiner is a well-defined provider of forensic services, whose fundamental role is the identification and reporting of biological evidence in cases of suspected criminal activity and sudden or natural deaths. The role of the forensic medical examiner has expanded from one who provides expert testimony in court proceedings to one who also serves as an educator, advisor, and liaison to the criminal justice system on matters involving death investigation.

• Medical/Pharmaceutical Researcher

The role of a Medical/Pharmaceutical researcher has many implications regarding both the kind of work they do and the responsibilities they are entrusted with. They are fundamental to developing new drugs, medical devices, and other equipment necessary for the healthcare field. It is also owing to their research that several diseases can be cured or managed better. They are hence critical for the progress of any society.

• Medical Sales Representative

The role of a medical sales representative revolves around one thing, selling products. That does not mean you have to be a salesman or part of the marketing team. A medical sales rep might provide their expertise in the hospital or healthcare setting by assisting doctors, nurses, and other staff with medical equipment. This type of position is beneficial as it promotes education among a range of professionals and educates the general public on the importance of having the right equipment in situations that may be challenging.

• Sports and Exercise Medicine

Recent decades have seen rapid growth in the popularity of participation and competition within the sports industry. The number of professional sports clubs has also increased over the last 50 years since the 1960s. As a result, Sports and Exercise Medicine (SEM) is becoming a top career choice among medical professionals to address health issues and performance enhancement.

• Volunteer Work

A medical volunteer is a health specialist who understands the significance of providing care to individuals and communities by helping in the improvement of healthcare systems. They assist community physicians, nurses, and other health workers on free health camps and community service. In addition, medical volunteers are responsible for educating people about innovative ways they can improve their health.

The Ultimate Medical School Guide for Aspiring Doctors

I. PREPARATION

A. High School

There are many reasons why it is beneficial to start preparing for medical school in high school. Some of which include enhancing your college application, establishing relationships with practicing doctors that may help you get that first job, or even just getting your foot in the door at a hospital to make future connections and eventually secure a full-time position.

What is the best Senior High track for aspiring doctors?

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) is the most useful when you want to study medicine. This track will let you learn about the subject areas you will eventually take in medical school. However, other tracks and non-science disciplines that hone analytical thinking, creativity, and self-reliance can also be a good foundation for aspiring doctors. These are some of the essential skills medical students and physicians alike should possess. 

B. College

Should I take a pre-med course?

Pre-med courses at a college level are an opportunity to test whether or not you would like to go to medical school and become a doctor. Pre-med courses can also provide you an excellent foundation in the sciences and decent basic education on human anatomy and physiology. However, taking pre-med courses is not necessary for success in medical school. It still is up to the student’s grit, ability to perform what is required in a medical school, and a solid commitment to medicine that will cut them from the rest. 

What is the best program to get into?

The curriculum of each pre-med course offers a unique way of preparing college students for medical school. Because of this, it is difficult to gauge what exactly is the best program to get into to best prepare a student for medical school. However, listed below are the most common programs medical students took as their pre-med courses.

BS Nursing

This program will already give you hands-on clinical experience because you already get to immerse yourself in a hospital work setting, even as an undergraduate. In addition, student nurses are taught to assess, monitor, and provide patient care, making BS Nursing an excellent choice to take. 

BS Medical Technology

The curriculum of BS Medical Technology can help give you an edge once you are already in medical school. Almost all the subjects in medicine, including but not limited to Microbiology, Parasitology, Pharmacology, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Anatomy, are already covered by this pre-med program. 

BS Pharmacy

Like BS Medical Technology, students of BS Pharmacy are also taught subjects that are helpful in medical schools, such as Pharmacology, Pathology, Parasitology, and many more. 

BS Biology

Students who are looking for a general approach to medicine can take BS Biology as their pre-med course. Here, students learn about basic sciences, including different body structures as well as their functions. They are also immersed in various laboratory classes, similar to what medical students have to go through in their early years. Because of these key factors, BS Biology is a major choice as a pre-med course for many aspiring doctors. 

BS Physical Therapy

This is also one of the programs requiring its students to provide clinical care to patients with varying disabilities properly. Physical therapists assist in the development, rehabilitation, and maintenance of a patient’s maximum movement and functional ability.

II. NATIONAL MEDICAL ADMISSION TEST (NMAT)

What is it, and why is it important?

The National Medical Admissions Test, a standardized test administered to medical school applicants in the Philippines, is developed and administered by the Center for Educational Measurement, Inc. (CEM), as authorized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). NMAT is one of the medical school prerequisites aspiring doctors should take before getting admitted to a medical school. The CHED and CEM decide upon the dates for the exams. A person applying for NMAT must be a graduate or a graduating student of any degree program to be eligible.

A candidate’s NMAT scores are considered valuable indicators that help medical school admission staff decide whether to accept a candidate or not. The candidate is therefore encouraged to take the test seriously and try to perform as well as possible.

What score should people usually get?

The NMAT is a test in which you get two types of scores: standard scores (SS) and percentile ranks (PR). For admissions purposes, the Commission on Higher Education stipulates a cut-off of 40 PR. This is the threshold score for qualifying as a bona fide applicant for admission. However, this does not guarantee a slot in an applicant’s preferred medical school as other medical school admissions requirements need to be considered. 

III. MEDICAL SCHOOL

A. APPLICATION

When do people get into medical school?

The most common way to become a doctor was to complete a bachelor’s degree and then apply to medical school. If accepted, you would enroll in medical school after graduating. However, some students prefer to take at least one gap year before enrolling in medical school. A gap year is typically used to complement or augment your application. Taking a gap year is not required, but it is helpful for students who are not ready to go directly and face the challenges in medical school. Furthermore, some students take years before going to medical school. They are typically mid-career professionals or older non-traditional students (e.g., individuals raising children while going to school) who had to perform other duties before deciding to enter medical school. 

What requirements do I need to apply for medical school?

The medical school admissions requirements vary per school. However, at Southwestern University, the medical school requirements are as follows:

FILIPINO

• Two (2) photocopies of NSO Birth Certificate
• One (1) original copy of Transcript of Records (TOR/Honorable Dismissal) & 1 photocopy
• Two (2) photocopies of BS Diploma or Certificate of the expected date of graduation from the Dean
• Certificate of Good Moral Character
  • From the Dean (1 Copy)
  • From the Professor (1 Copy)
• Two (2) pcs 2×2 picture
• Original Copy of NMAT Results (Percentile Rank = 40%)
• Certificate of Grade Point Average or General Weighted Average
• Photocopy of Residence (Cedula)
• One folder long with fastener

FOREIGN 

• Three (3) copies of Birth Certificate, 1 copy original & 2 copies authenticated
• Three (3) copies of Official Transcript of Records (TOR/Honorable Dismissal) 1 copy original & 2 copies authenticated
• Two (2) certificates of good moral character (original copies), one from the Dean and one from any of your Professors
• Three (3) copies of Diploma, 1 copy original & 2 copies authenticated
• Two (2) copies of Police Clearance, copy of visa & bio page of passport
• Five (5) copies of your recent photo (black and white) 2×2 in size
• A brief biography of who will finance your medical school or Affidavit of Support, duly notarized (Certificate of Sponsorship)
• Original Copy of NMAT results, at least 40 percentile rank
• Certificate of Grade Point Average or General Weighted Average

*For pre-med taken outside the Philippines, a “Red Ribbon” authentication from your embassy is required.

What are the best medical schools?

Southwestern University PHINMA School of Medicine

Southwestern University, established in 1951, is the first medical school outside Manila. This university’s flagship program is now housed in a building with seven stories and other advanced facilities, such as a training hospital, to enhance its educational system. The School of Medicine forges physicians of the future who continuously push for revolutionary innovations in medicine.

University of Santo Tomas, Manila – Faculty of Medicine and Surgery

The University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery is deeply committed to pursuing quality health care. It strives to improve the lives of Filipinos through progressive research and education and policy formulation. Having consistently attained academic excellence, The Faculty is known for producing highly competent general surgeons, academicians, scientists, business leaders, medical administrators, and nurses.

University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, Manila

The University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center (UERMMMC) is a leading medical education/training and health sciences research in the Philippines. UERMMMC is one of the recipients of the “Center of Excellence” award issued by the Commission on Higher Education. This university is also highly recognized for its innovative medical school curriculum and consistent high passing rate in the Physician Licensure Exam. 

University of the Philippines, Manila – College of Medicine

The University of the Philippines College of Medicine (UP-CM) is the first medical school in the Philippines established on September 28, 1905. Training at this medical school is excellent because of its direct affiliation with the Philippine General Hospital, which gives students a chance to have hands-on experience with different kinds of patients.

Far Eastern University – Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation

Far Eastern University – Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation (FEU-NRMF) is a medical college in the Philippines located at Regalado Ave, Novaliches, Quezon City. The school has been identified as both a Top Performing and Most Competitive Private Medical School by the Professional Regulation Commission.

De La Salle University – Health Science Institute

De La Salle University’s Health Science Institute offers various study avenues beyond the Doctor of Medicine, including Physical Therapy and Nursing. DLSU is also an official member of the ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA), which confers its authority in the whole group of ASEAN countries.

Davao Medical School Foundation

The Davao Medical School Foundation is a teaching hospital for the medical and allied health students of the University of Mindanao. The Colegio de San Pedro serves as its training school while coordinating with the Davao Doctors Hospital Incorporated. By 1963, the university already had a curriculum that provided education programs in fundamental studies, pre-clinical, and clinical courses.

Ateneo de Manila University School of Medicine and Public Health – Pasig

Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health aims to achieve its vision through the systematic integration of research, education, and service, with a strong belief in the unlimited potential of the human spirit, an unwavering commitment to social justice, and a passion for scientific inquiry. Students of the Ateneo de Manila University School of Medicine and Public Health can also obtain a joint MD-MBA degree from the Ateneo Graduate School of Business.

How much does medical school usually cost in general?

The cost of a medical school depends on what school you wish to apply for. The tuition fee in some schools can be as cheap as 50,000 Php, but some can go as high as 160,000 Php. 

B. STUDYING IN MEDICAL SCHOOL

What do you do in medical school?

Medical students get a combination of classroom and lab time during their first two years in medical school. Together, these classes cover anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology, and the basics of patient examination. Then, during their third and fourth year of school, medical students often start doing rotations. These rotations are a part of the training they need to become doctors. Typically, the students do these rotations at hospitals that are affiliated with their school. 

How difficult is it for medical students?

Medical school is undoubtedly challenging to get through, but once someone manages to make it through it, the rewards are great. There is no time that you can appreciate your life more than when you are in medical school. However, the difficulty of medical school starts long before school. People who end up in medical school have already conquered difficult hurdles to get there. They have survived challenging courses in college. Therefore, medical school is built upon a foundation of challenging work. 

How many years does medical school last?

The MD is a four-year professional degree that qualifies the graduate to sit for the Physician Licensure Exam.

When do I go through junior internship?

Junior Internship is the term given to the year between medical school and residency. During this year, most medical students work as interns in hospitals. Although they are officially paid for their work, non-residents are not considered company employees. Instead, they are classified as interns.

Are there any tips for people to survive medical school?

• Go to all medical school orientation programs. 

Your first weeks at your university are the most important, as this is when you will get to know everything you need about your new location. Your advisors and other program administrators are eager to assist you, so talk to them about your educational goals, your interests, and any special needs that you may have.

• Always be engaged, including in how you are taught and how you teach yourself.

You can’t succeed in medical school unless you go beyond its confines. Therefore, you should seek opportunities to gain experience and knowledge relevant to your future career. You can do this by actively participating in research projects to gain clinical research experience or volunteering in community service.

• Do not let your physical and mental health go downhill.

It is essential to study and prioritize the demands of medical school, but it is also necessary to try to create a balance within your life. Do activities that can help you relax, such as exercising and socializing.

• It is vital to have a solid group of mentors that you can turn to for advice.

Mentors provide advice and guidance about career advancement. They will help you make connections that will help you get a residency, fellowship, or other opportunities

• Get a sense of the importance of the medical profession to society.

When you become a doctor, your environment changes. People will give greater weight to what you say and do than they did when you were a student. Becoming a doctor is a great privilege. Hence, always remember why you wanted to become a doctor, especially when you are on the verge of quitting. 

IV. POST-MEDICAL SCHOOL

What should I do after I graduate from medical school?

Medical school graduates often have trouble deciding what to do when they graduate. The problem is not that there is no choice. It is that there are too many appealing options. Some of the steps you can take after graduating from medical school are enumerated below. 

• Board Exams/Physician Licensure Examination (PLE)

The Philippine Physician Licensure Examination is the board exam for incoming physicians in the Philippines, exclusively administered twice a year by the Professional Regulation Commission. The exam comprises twelve independently graded subjects, with each contributing 8.3% to the overall grade. To pass, a taker must score at least 75% with no rate falling below 50% in any of the subjects covered. 

• Residency

Residents in a medical facility may have a licensed doctor supervise them. For example, doctors who work in teaching hospitals also work as residents. Residents in a medical facility generally start with more supervision and less complicated tasks and receive their cases after some time.

• Fellowship

Fellowship is a specialized training period, usually done with a more experienced specialist for a doctor to become trained in a specific subfield. For example, a cardiac surgeon may complete a fellowship training program in heart transplants to become an expert in heart transplants.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medical School and Being a Doctor

How long does it take to be a doctor in the Philippines?

A fully licensed doctor must complete a four-year undergraduate program, four years in medical school, and three to seven years in a residency program. This takes between 10 to 14 years.

How much do doctors usually earn in the country?

Doctors in the Philippines usually earn around 105,000 PHP a month. Salaries range from 38,500 PHP (lowest average) to 177,000 PHP (highest average).

Is medical school really that hard to get into?

Many people assume that getting into medical school is very hard. The reality is, it is not that difficult at all, especially if you have the proper pre-med training in undergraduate school.

Do I have to be rich to go to medical school?

You do not need to be rich or even upper class to go to medical school, but you need some resources. As long as you can find some way to cover tuition and books, you can go to medical school. Moreover, some foundations offer financial assistance for excellent medical students. Some schools also offer scholarships or discounts to deserving students. 

What are the requirements for medical school in the Philippines?

Each medical school in the Philippines has its requirements and admissions process for accepting students. However, generally, a student needs to have the following before they can enroll in a medical school:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• National Medical Admission Test (NMAT)
• Applicant’s Medical School Acceptance