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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.

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