Medical Education of Philippines

Medical Education of Philippines

Medical education in the Philippines is a popular choice for international students seeking quality medical training at affordable tuition rates. Here's an overview of medical education in the Philippines for international students:

Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) Program:

Medical education in the Philippines typically follows the American educational system, with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program commonly offered by medical schools. This program is equivalent to the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in the United States.

Curriculum:

The medical curriculum in the Philippines is comprehensive and covers basic medical sciences, preclinical subjects, and clinical rotations. Students receive hands-on clinical training in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community health centers.

Duration:

The duration of the Medical program in the Philippines is generally five to six years, including one year of internship or clinical clerkship. Some medical schools may offer accelerated programs or integrated pre-medical and medical courses.

English-Medium Instruction:

Most medical schools in the Philippines offer instruction in English, making it an attractive destination for international students from English-speaking countries. Proficiency in English is typically required for admission to medical programs.

Recognition:

Medical degrees obtained from recognized medical schools in the Philippines are widely accepted internationally. Many graduates of Philippine medical schools pursue postgraduate training, licensure, and practice in countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

Affordability:

Compared to medical education in Western countries, tuition fees for medical programs in the Philippines are relatively affordable. Additionally, the cost of living in the Philippines is lower, making it a cost-effective option for international students.

Licensure and Certification:

Graduates of medical schools in the Philippines are eligible to take licensure examinations, such as the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) licensure exam, to practice medicine in their home countries or abroad.

Research and Selecting a Medical School:

Conduct thorough research to identify medical schools in the Philippines that meet your preferences in terms of location, accreditation, curriculum, facilities, and tuition fees.

Review Admission Requirements:

Each medical school may have specific admission requirements for international students. Common requirements may include:

      • Completed application form
      • High school transcripts or equivalent (with grades meeting the minimum requirements)
      • Proof of English proficiency (such as TOEFL or IELTS scores)
      • Medical college admission test (MCAT) scores (if required)
      • Recommendation letters
      • Personal statement or essay
      • Passport-sized photographs
      • Application fee
Submit Application:

Complete the application form for your chosen medical school and submit all required documents either online or by mail according to the instructions provided by the institution. Make sure to meet the application deadlines.

Evaluation and Interview:

After receiving your application, the medical school admissions committee will review your credentials. Some schools may require applicants to undergo an interview as part of the selection process.

Acceptance and Enrollment:

If you are accepted into the medical program, you will receive an acceptance letter from the medical school. Follow the instructions provided in the acceptance letter to confirm your enrollment, pay any required fees, and complete any additional documentation or medical examinations as requested.

Orientation and Registration:

Upon arrival in the Philippines, attend the orientation program provided by the medical school to familiarize yourself with campus facilities, academic policies, and student services. Complete the registration process and obtain your student ID card.

What Benefits Come with Medical Studying in the Philippines?

If you pursue a medical degree from Philippines, below are some of the many benefits you will enjoy:

  1. Zero donations required
  2. Curriculum as per American education system
  3. There are 2 different courses in the undergraduate medical program
  4. Most reasonable medical schools in the world with the lowest fee structure
  5. Highest pass percentage in the FMGE MCI Screening test
  6. Hot and humid climate similar to that of India
  7. Similar disease pattern making it easier for diagnosis of patients
  8. Throughout an English speaking country. Hence, no communication barrier
  9. Safe country, especially for females
  10. Affordable cost of living with all facilities and attractions available
  11. There is multiculturism as the country is also a travel hotspot

Subjects Encompassing the BS Course in Philippines:

  • General Psychology
  • Parasitology
  • Biochemistry
  • Freshwater Biology
  • Animal Physiology
  • Plant Morpho-Anatomy
  • Fundamentals of Genetics
  • Entomology
  • Radiation Biology
  • Cell and Molecular Biology
  • Histology and Micro-technique
  • Comparative religion
  • Geometry and others.

Subjects of MD course in Philippines:

  • History of medicine
  • Medicine
  • Bioethics
  • Neuroscience
  • Dermatology
  • General Pathology
  • Surgery
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Cardiology
  • Epidemiology
  • Radiology
  • Paediatrics
  • Pharmacology and others

Why is the Philippines ?

Medical education in the Philippines has gained international acclaim for several compelling reasons:

  • High Standards: The Philippines upholds a strong legacy of providing exceptional medical education. Numerous prestigious international bodies, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER), and the International Medical Education Directory (IMED), accredit a multitude of medical schools across the nation.
  • English-Medium Instruction: A significant proportion of medical schools in the Philippines deliver education in English, attracting students globally who seek instruction in the English language. This linguistic alignment facilitates a smooth transition for students from English-speaking countries pursuing medical studies in the Philippines.
  • Affordability: In contrast to many Western medical schools, medical education in the Philippines is often more economical. Lower tuition fees and living costs make it an attractive option for students facing financial constraints.
  • Western Curriculum: Several medical schools in the Philippines follow curricula similar to those of Western medical institutions. This alignment ensures that graduates are well-prepared to practice medicine worldwide and are eligible to undertake licensing examinations like the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and the Professional Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) in the UK.
  • Clinical Exposure: Medical students in the Philippines benefit from extensive clinical exposure throughout their training. They participate in practical training across various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community facilities, cultivating essential hands-on skills vital for their future medical careers.
  • Diverse Patient Population: The Philippines offers a diverse patient demographic, exposing medical students to a broad range of medical conditions and healthcare complexities. This diversity enhances students' understanding of healthcare practices and prepares them for the nuanced challenges of practicing medicine in a globally interconnected context.