St. Luke's College of Medicine, Philippines [Archive]

mykeast

02-07-2006, 05:30 PM

Hi everyone! I'm a fil-am who graduated from St. Luke's and will be starting residency in July 2006. For those of you who are interested in studying medicine in the Philippines, here's some information which was published last year in a local paper about my school.

Getting into Med School? Why St Luke's? 12 Reasons Why...

1. Its culture. SLCM is a close-knit community. Unlike big schools with hundreds in a class, our community allows you to know one another in familiar endearing ways. Your identity is preserved and interaction is more personal.

2. Its curriculum. SLCM has a traditional but innovative and integrated curriculum. Big group lectures are supplemented by small group discussions. Anatomy uses real cadavers for dissection, not plastic models for demonstration. Case studies are done starting first year.

3. Its faculty. Our best asset. The faculty undergoes continuous training in medical pedagogy (teacher training in creating instructional designs, test construction, student evaluation, educational research, presentation skills, and many more) and a number of them have advanced academic degrees in health profession education, public health and administration, etc. Our faculty:student ratio of 1:3 and its Student Advisory Program assure closer supervision and guidance of students.

4. Its track record. Only 10 years old, SLCM has an enviable share in the ratings of the Medical Board Examinations with its graduates in the Top 20, and batch average in the Top 10 amonth the 32 medical schoools in the Philippines. (Batch 2004 (my batch) has 6 Top notchers in the August 2004 and Feb 204 Board Exams)

5. Its scholarship offering. SLCM has a generous scholarship program for deserving excelling students. Those with Latin honors and those with high GPA and NMAT scores automatically get full or partial scholarships.

6. Its instructional materials. SLCM has the technological edge when it comes to scientific facilities and instructional materials. Our skills laboratory is the home of "Harvey" and "CardioSim" - two of the many assorted medical eductaional devices for hands-on training of students. The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (SCE) in the 5th year complements the Comprehensive Examinations given after year level.

7. Its facilities. Our lecture, discussion and conference rooms, library and other facilities are all air-conditioned. SLCM has a Prayer Room, a Computer Room with internet connections, a Food Court with various concessionaires, 4-level parking, and a large social hall for varied purposes. Around SLCM are townhouses, condominiums and apartments for rent, and eateries and convenience stores to serve your needs. And, no floods to wade in!

8. Its base hospital. St Luke's Medical Center is a 650-bed tertiary care hospital which is the Philippines' first (and Asia's 2nd) medical institution to be accredited by the prestigious Joint Commision International.

9. Its research. Research is fostered and backed-up financially by the Student Assistance Fund or by Professional Chairs of Research Chairs. Research outputs are published in the Students' Scientific Journal and the St Luke's Journal of Medicine.

10. Its social accountability. SLCM is always mindful of the marginalized sectors of society. In the 4th and 5th years (Clerkship and Internship), its students are immersed in 4 urban (QC) and 2 rural (Batangas & Nueva Ecija) communities to provide health care and education to the poor as integral parts of their training.

11. Its global competitiveness. SLCM has a Student Exchange Program which enables deserving senior students to undergoe elective rotations in Austria, Guam, Hawaii, Taiwan, and Thailand and gain clinical experiences and cross-cultural insights.

12. Its various programs. SLCM exposes its students to alternative modes of healing, provides them with bioethical, managerial and economic perspectives of health care, and empowers them to assume leadership roles to become social mobilizers and agents of change.

There are a lot of good medical schools in the Philippines and, as a fil-am, it is not difficult to get into med school except for the University of the Philippines. It's surviving through medical school. Each year gets harder and harder. It's up to you to set your own goals and aspirations. (whether it's doing well in med school, doing some of your rotations in the US, the MLE's, or doing your residency in the US). I made the most out of my 5 years at St Luke's (1 year internship is required prior to graduation). I became fluent in Tagalog and participated in research and extracurricular activities as well. Graduating from St Luke's has been my ultimate experience to date and I have no regrets studying here. They have a nurturing staff who knows each student by name and has a majority of the amenities of the US. I can't wait to show my program what I can do in July.

If you're interested in studying at St Luke's, you can contact the registrar's office at 011-632-727-7610 or e-mail registrar_slcm@stluke.com.ph

tantrum

02-09-2006, 07:30 AM

St. Luke's is a good school but requires 5 years to graduate. Well, at least you can practice in California.

landa29x

02-15-2006, 05:01 AM

St. Luke's is a good school but requires 5 years to graduate. Well, at least you can practice in California.

why is it 5 years? how is it different..? what do you mean by at least you can practice in california, aren't all grads of phil med schools able to practice in Cali one way or another?

tantrum

02-15-2006, 06:45 AM

why is it 5 years? how is it different..? what do you mean by at least you can practice in california, aren't all grads of phil med schools able to practice in Cali one way or another?
In most Philippine schools, you only need 4 years to graduate. Only the 4th year is clinical so you will lack the clinical rotations necessary to practice in California. They have a 5th year internship required to take the Phil Boards but in St. Luke's it's incorporated in the curriculum so you have to take the 5th year there. Most Fil-Ams try to take the shortest route to a medicine degree and don't go for the 5th year internship.

gil t azel

02-15-2006, 10:11 AM

In most Philippine schools, you only need 4 years to graduate. Only the 4th year is clinical so you will lack the clinical rotations necessary to practice in California. They have a 5th year internship required to take the Phil Boards but in St. Luke's it's incorporated in the curriculum so you have to take the 5th year there. Most Fil-Ams try to take the shortest route to a medicine degree and don't go for the 5th year internship.

Which other states are as strict about clinical rotations? Can you do your residency in another state and then come back to Ca to practice? And also is it just me or is St Luke's website broke?

ricksakti

02-15-2006, 07:18 PM

How much is the donation for the foreign student and the school fee? Their official website is broken.

WaZoBia

02-16-2006, 01:53 AM

Which other states are as strict about clinical rotations? Can you do your residency in another state and then come back to Ca to practice? And also is it just me or is St Luke's website broke?

i think pennsylvania has similar requirements, not sure though. but you can always make up the difference in the PI by doing 5 months of the PGI/SI, or contacting the state medical board to find out if you can make up the deficiences in-state (i've heard some people have managed this in CA).

mykeast

02-16-2006, 02:45 PM

How much is the donation for the foreign student and the school fee? Their official website is broken.

I paid $10,000. It was worth every penny!

landa29x

02-18-2006, 11:03 AM

I paid $10,000. It was worth every penny!

can i ask what year you graduated? thanks.

mykeast

02-18-2006, 10:30 PM

can i ask what year you graduated? thanks.

I graduated May 2004 and took my MLEs in late 2004 2 months apart. I also took the Philippines boards. Since I didn't take my CS until 2005, I missed the 2005 match. Timing is everything!

yourmom

04-09-2006, 11:02 PM

Hi guys. I will be an incoming freshman at St. Luke's starting this June. Is there anybody else out there applying to St. Luke's this year? If so, do you know of any good apartments near by?

yourmom

04-09-2006, 11:05 PM

Hi guys! I will be enrolling this June at St. Lukes. Does anybody else go there or is enrolling there this year? If so, do you know of any good apartments to rent?

alen_nick

04-11-2006, 09:25 PM

Hi guys! I will be enrolling this June at St. Lukes. Does anybody else go there or is enrolling there this year? If so, do you know of any good apartments to rent?
Hello!Everybody here!I am from china!If you have any questions about china!I will be glad to show what you want! :cool:

gil t azel

04-12-2006, 12:02 PM

Hello!Everybody here!I am from china!If you have any questions about china!I will be glad to show what you want! :cool:

What?

july80

04-12-2006, 09:38 PM

Hallo,i'm newbie here. i am a doctor from indonesia, i graduated a year ago.I'm interested to take my residency in phillipines. Can anybody help me, because i need information about residency and scholarship there. i heard many of indonesian doctor taking their residency there because it's free of charge and short time of study. Is it true, and what department would accept foreign doctor? i kind of like dermatology. what should i prepare for it? thanks for the attention.

tangerine_girl

04-14-2006, 06:57 PM

yourmom

04-17-2006, 06:58 AM

i'm an incoming 1st year Med student in St Lukes from the US. are there alot of foreigners in St LUkes (fil-ams?) I'm kinda hoping so coz i duno wanna feel that homesick...can anyone out there give me an idea about the student community? thanks!

Hi Tangerine girl! Are you starting St. Luke's this June also? I understand how you feel about being homesick. I just got back from the Philippines 2 days ago and reality set in. It was my first time there and I know it will be a struggle. Anyways, where are you staying? Here is my email address. Write me and we'll plan some things together!

j_lisondra@hotmail.com
yahoo messenger ID: jenlisondra

jayroo

04-19-2006, 10:25 PM

Hi Tangerine girl! Are you starting St. Luke's this June also? I understand how you feel about being homesick. I just got back from the Philippines 2 days ago and reality set in. It was my first time there and I know it will be a struggle. Anyways, where are you staying? Here is my email address. Write me and we'll plan some things together!

j_lisondra@hotmail.com
yahoo messenger ID: jenlisondra

Hi Tangerine girl and yourmom! I'm also starting St Luke's this June. Hope I can meet you guys there. :D

Contact me or add me up on msn messenger. My address is jayroo1002@hotmail.com

WaZoBia

04-20-2006, 10:50 PM

mc7hammer

04-22-2006, 05:53 AM

Hi Tangerine girl and yourmom! I'm also starting St Luke's this June. Hope I can meet you guys there. :D

Contact me or add me up on msn messenger. My address is jayroo1002@hotmail.com

Hi, I'll be starting at St.Lukes this year in June as well. I am so glad for random coincidences! I'm a Fil-Aussie, so does this kinda give you an idea of the student community tangerine_girl? I'm kinda relieved that there'll be english speaking students as well, since my Filo is pretty bad.

Ive looked around for apartments, condo's and townhouses and there are new townhouses (right near the college) that are being built. Though they're being sold outright, and not really for rent. But they look gorgeous. However, there is a condo complex (about 5 min walk from the college) where you can rent a studio apartment for P10 000 a month (but doesn;t include electricity, water etc bills). You can also buy studio apts for approx P2 million.

Does anyone know whether International students AND resident students study together? Coz when I was researching about Med schools in the Phils, international students were seperated from resident ones.

I'd like to get to know my new classmates (I know I'm going to get such a culture shock there), so plz e-mail me at

mc7hammer@yahoo.com

It would be great to hear from you all

mc7hammer

04-23-2006, 10:16 PM

during classes, were you only with other internationl students, or were you also with philippine residents? Because, like FAtima, international and local students were segregated.

WaZoBia

04-24-2006, 03:38 AM

during classes, were you only with other internationl students, or were you also with philippine residents? Because, like FAtima, international and local students were segregated.

students aren't segregated at SLMC. as far as i know fatima's the only med school that gives international students the option of being in an all international class.

hnerypaoho

04-24-2006, 05:10 AM

- I would agree with that. and for student who wants to be in a special international class in fatima must have to pay extra for it, compare to be with the locals. coz in feu, we were divided equally, so one class should have one or two international student.

misseloise

04-24-2006, 11:17 PM

mykeast

04-25-2006, 05:44 AM

Hi misseloise!

In response to your question, I took the NMAT the year before I started med school in NYC. A relative of mine picked up a few med school applications for me. MCAT scores can be used in lieu of the med school entrance exam. I visited the St. Luke's and the surrounding area before I started. I highly recommend you do this since you'll be living in the area for the next 5 years! A lot has changed in recent years and has become very "americanized" with all the coffee shops (e.g. Starbucks, Seattle's Best) and fast food stores in the surrounding Quezon City area. Also, I recommend you check out other med schools to see if you really want to study at St. Luke's. It's great training but you have to stay an extra year before you can graduate.

Hope this helps

hnerypaoho

04-25-2006, 10:14 PM

-by the way, st. lukes is the only school that offers 5 years MD program in the phil. the rest offer 4 years program. so if i were u, i would check out other schools. you might find what you really looking for.

Hi misseloise!

In response to your question, I took the NMAT the year before I started med school in NYC. A relative of mine picked up a few med school applications for me. MCAT scores can be used in lieu of the med school entrance exam. I visited the St. Luke's and the surrounding area before I started. I highly recommend you do this since you'll be living in the area for the next 5 years! A lot has changed in recent years and has become very "americanized" with all the coffee shops (e.g. Starbucks, Seattle's Best) and fast food stores in the surrounding Quezon City area. Also, I recommend you check out other med schools to see if you really want to study at St. Luke's. It's great training but you have to stay an extra year before you can graduate.

Hope this helps

mykeast

04-26-2006, 05:05 AM

-by the way, st. lukes is the only school that offers 5 years MD program in the phil. the rest offer 4 years program. so if i were u, i would check out other schools. you might find what you really looking for.

Actually, there are 2 med schools which offer 5-year MD programs in the Philippines - namely, the University of the Philippines and St. Luke's. Both schools require one year of internship prior to graduation. I personally didn't look at the extra year as a hindrance towards my training. In fact, during the interview season, a few programs offered me prematch positions because I had done one year of internship and was board certified in the Philippines. As I mentioned in my previous response, look at other programs and compare them. Not all programs offer the same training. UST and UERM are certainly both very good 4 year med school programs in Metro Manila. I, however, chose St. Luke's because of the 12 reasons I posted previously.

hnerypaoho

04-26-2006, 07:24 PM

Actually, there are 2 med schools which offer 5-year MD programs in the Philippines - namely, the University of the Philippines and St. Luke's. Both schools require one year of internship prior to graduation. I personally didn't look at the extra year as a hindrance towards my training. In fact, during the interview season, a few programs offered me prematch positions because I had done one year of internship and was board certified in the Philippines. As I mentioned in my previous response, look at other programs and compare them. Not all programs offer the same training. UST and UERM are certainly both very good 4 year med school programs in Metro Manila. I, however, chose St. Luke's because of the 12 reasons I posted previously.

-well, having a 5-year MD program isn't that bad at all. but my point is, students can choose hospital for their 5th year in a 4-year program course. I mean it's better than not having the freedom to explore different hospitals. but either way, ypu'll still get the education that you will need. it's all up to the person which road to take.

misseloise

04-27-2006, 05:11 PM

mykeast

04-27-2006, 07:55 PM

Thanks for answering mykeast! I actually did have a chance to visit St. Luke's as well as DLSU in Cavite two years ago since these are the two schools I am interested in. Are you doing your residency in the Philippines or are you coming back to the U.S.?

I'll be starting IM residency back in the US this July. Can't wait to start!

jayroo

04-27-2006, 08:46 PM

I'll be starting IM residency back in the US this July. Can't wait to start!

Hi mykeast! How do they conduct classes in St Luke's? Just need to know..

mc7hammer

04-28-2006, 04:47 AM

Hi mykeast! How do they conduct classes in St Luke's? Just need to know..
Hey Jayroo, you're starting this year at St.Lukes right? I am as well. I've heard that we don't have to wear our uniforms on the 1st wk of school. Have you heard that?

jonjonmd

04-28-2006, 06:34 AM

Hey Jayroo, you're starting this year at St.Lukes right? I am as well. I've heard that we don't have to wear our uniforms on the 1st wk of school. Have you heard that?

I think you guys are excused from wearing uniform for the first week. Don't be too excited to wear it on the 1st day... unless you want to stand out. ;)

Study well, especially for the comprehensive exams given every year (dunno if they will still continue it for your batch). Learn from our batch (2006), the "trial batch" :)

jonjonmd

04-28-2006, 06:36 AM

Hi mykeast! How do they conduct classes in St Luke's? Just need to know..

combined small group discussions with lectures. I think the the college's teaching methods / program have improved, this year's incoming clerks are good in theoreticals :) :D

jonjonmd

04-28-2006, 06:48 AM

I graduated May 2004 and took my MLEs in late 2004 2 months apart. I also took the Philippines boards. Since I didn't take my CS until 2005, I missed the 2005 match. Timing is everything!

i'm graduating this may =) how did you apply for the MLE? here in the internet?

williamsanjaya

04-29-2006, 01:04 AM

Can SLMC accept foreign graduate and foreign national to do residency training in pediatrics? Thanks
Hi everyone! I'm a fil-am who graduated from St. Luke's and will be starting residency in July 2006. For those of you who are interested in studying medicine in the Philippines, here's some information which was published last year in a local paper about my school.

Getting into Med School? Why St Luke's? 12 Reasons Why...

1. Its culture. SLCM is a close-knit community. Unlike big schools with hundreds in a class, our community allows you to know one another in familiar endearing ways. Your identity is preserved and interaction is more personal.

2. Its curriculum. SLCM has a traditional but innovative and integrated curriculum. Big group lectures are supplemented by small group discussions. Anatomy uses real cadavers for dissection, not plastic models for demonstration. Case studies are done starting first year.

3. Its faculty. Our best asset. The faculty undergoes continuous training in medical pedagogy (teacher training in creating instructional designs, test construction, student evaluation, educational research, presentation skills, and many more) and a number of them have advanced academic degrees in health profession education, public health and administration, etc. Our faculty:student ratio of 1:3 and its Student Advisory Program assure closer supervision and guidance of students.

4. Its track record. Only 10 years old, SLCM has an enviable share in the ratings of the Medical Board Examinations with its graduates in the Top 20, and batch average in the Top 10 amonth the 32 medical schoools in the Philippines. (Batch 2004 (my batch) has 6 Top notchers in the August 2004 and Feb 204 Board Exams)

5. Its scholarship offering. SLCM has a generous scholarship program for deserving excelling students. Those with Latin honors and those with high GPA and NMAT scores automatically get full or partial scholarships.

6. Its instructional materials. SLCM has the technological edge when it comes to scientific facilities and instructional materials. Our skills laboratory is the home of "Harvey" and "CardioSim" - two of the many assorted medical eductaional devices for hands-on training of students. The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (SCE) in the 5th year complements the Comprehensive Examinations given after year level.

7. Its facilities. Our lecture, discussion and conference rooms, library and other facilities are all air-conditioned. SLCM has a Prayer Room, a Computer Room with internet connections, a Food Court with various concessionaires, 4-level parking, and a large social hall for varied purposes. Around SLCM are townhouses, condominiums and apartments for rent, and eateries and convenience stores to serve your needs. And, no floods to wade in!

8. Its base hospital. St Luke's Medical Center is a 650-bed tertiary care hospital which is the Philippines' first (and Asia's 2nd) medical institution to be accredited by the prestigious Joint Commision International.

9. Its research. Research is fostered and backed-up financially by the Student Assistance Fund or by Professional Chairs of Research Chairs. Research outputs are published in the Students' Scientific Journal and the St Luke's Journal of Medicine.

10. Its social accountability. SLCM is always mindful of the marginalized sectors of society. In the 4th and 5th years (Clerkship and Internship), its students are immersed in 4 urban (QC) and 2 rural (Batangas & Nueva Ecija) communities to provide health care and education to the poor as integral parts of their training.

11. Its global competitiveness. SLCM has a Student Exchange Program which enables deserving senior students to undergoe elective rotations in Austria, Guam, Hawaii, Taiwan, and Thailand and gain clinical experiences and cross-cultural insights.

12. Its various programs. SLCM exposes its students to alternative modes of healing, provides them with bioethical, managerial and economic perspectives of health care, and empowers them to assume leadership roles to become social mobilizers and agents of change.

There are a lot of good medical schools in the Philippines and, as a fil-am, it is not difficult to get into med school except for the University of the Philippines. It's surviving through medical school. Each year gets harder and harder. It's up to you to set your own goals and aspirations. (whether it's doing well in med school, doing some of your rotations in the US, the MLE's, or doing your residency in the US). I made the most out of my 5 years at St Luke's (1 year internship is required prior to graduation). I became fluent in Tagalog and participated in research and extracurricular activities as well. Graduating from St Luke's has been my ultimate experience to date and I have no regrets studying here. They have a nurturing staff who knows each student by name and has a majority of the amenities of the US. I can't wait to show my program what I can do in July.

If you're interested in studying at St Luke's, you can contact the registrar's office at 011-632-727-7610 or e-mail registrar_slcm@stluke.com.ph

williamsanjaya

04-29-2006, 01:07 AM

Can UERM also accept foreign trainee to do residency training in pediatrics? Can you pass the email address of contact person to apply for residency training in UERM?
Actually, there are 2 med schools which offer 5-year MD programs in the Philippines - namely, the University of the Philippines and St. Luke's. Both schools require one year of internship prior to graduation. I personally didn't look at the extra year as a hindrance towards my training. In fact, during the interview season, a few programs offered me prematch positions because I had done one year of internship and was board certified in the Philippines. As I mentioned in my previous response, look at other programs and compare them. Not all programs offer the same training. UST and UERM are certainly both very good 4 year med school programs in Metro Manila. I, however, chose St. Luke's because of the 12 reasons I posted previously.

july80

04-29-2006, 01:17 AM

yeah, there are quite a few indonesians here, what do you want to go into? it might be better for you to contact the training programs directly.

Thanks.
Can anybody help me how to contact the contact person for pediatry or dermatology residency in st.luke? maybe an e-mail address or homepage on st.luke?

mc7hammer

04-29-2006, 05:33 PM

I think you guys are excused from wearing uniform for the first week. Don't be too excited to wear it on the 1st day... unless you want to stand out. ;)

Study well, especially for the comprehensive exams given every year (dunno if they will still continue it for your batch). Learn from our batch (2006), the "trial batch" :)
Tnx for that Jonjonmd, do you know why we don't wear uniforms? It's bizarre. Individuals the 1sk wk, then sheep the rest of our school life. Almost like they're taunting us. ;)

What are comprehensive exams? And how are the exams organised? (e.g every month, end of sem?)

yourmom

04-29-2006, 06:03 PM

chocopinipig

04-29-2006, 09:30 PM

Just wondering if there is anything beneficial to bring from the states for the first year at St. Lukes. I previously read that it's a good idea to bring a good anatomy book. Is that true? Any other advice or recommendations for first year students?

im not from st lukes mind you, but most medical schools have the same curicculum. most of the stuff you need are available in the philippines. Practically all medical books needed for your MD degree is available at your local school.
One thing i've learned about medical books is never to buy those which use very complicated medical terms or whose explanations are difficult to follow(they're usually the kind prescribed by medical schools), instead buy one you can "comfortably" understand the explanations and ideas.

regarding the anatomy book, any good book will do, you also need an atlas.
for textbook the usually recommend Snell, and for the Atlas, Netter.
comments:
snell is a good anatomy book, clear and concise
netter is likewise good but tend to be a bit "cartoony" since the pictures are drawn and colored by hand. its a good atlas but it can be hard to correlate with the actual cadaver since you need to compare a hand drawn picture with a real cadaver. You get the idea im sure.
goodluck

docTJ

vanMD

04-30-2006, 02:44 AM

Just wondering if there is anything beneficial to bring from the states for the first year at St. Lukes. I previously read that it's a good idea to bring a good anatomy book. Is that true? Any other advice or recommendations for first year students?

hey..yourmom.. its good that you decided to pursue medicine at st lukes.. wen i was in 1st year we used snell for the lecture part but i think gray is also a good reference.. and make sure you have netter coz it will help you with your laboratory activities.. do u already have a place to stay? i suggest you try inquiring at garden heights condominium in front of holy trinity.. enjoy your med years..

vanMD

04-30-2006, 02:46 AM

hey..yourmom.. its good that you decided to pursue medicine at st lukes.. wen i was in 1st year we used snell for the lecture part but i think gray is also a good reference.. and make sure you have netter coz it will help you with your laboratory activities.. do u already have a place to stay? i suggest you try inquiring at garden heights condominium in front of holy trinity.. enjoy your med years..

if you have any other queries just email me..

vanMD

04-30-2006, 02:53 AM

Tnx for that Jonjonmd, do you know why we don't wear uniforms? It's bizarre. Individuals the 1sk wk, then sheep the rest of our school life. Almost like they're taunting us. ;)

What are comprehensive exams? And how are the exams organised? (e.g every month, end of sem?)

hey mc..they already removed the comprehensive exams given every year..they decided to give this at the end of your med years..after your internship.. and if you do not pass the exam, you will not be able to graduate and you need to take the 5 months crash course.. abt the uniform, i think ur not required to wear it on your first 2 weeks..

yourmom

04-30-2006, 12:37 PM

hey mc..they already removed the comprehensive exams given every year..they decided to give this at the end of your med years..after your internship.. and if you do not pass the exam, you will not be able to graduate and you need to take the 5 months crash course.. abt the uniform, i think ur not required to wear it on your first 2 weeks..

How do students generally do on this comprehensive exam? Wow, school could end up being 5 1/2 years! Do the other schools give the end of med school comprehensive exam?

vanMD

04-30-2006, 06:12 PM

How do students generally do on this comprehensive exam? Wow, school could end up being 5 1/2 years! Do the other schools give the end of med school comprehensive exam?

yeah..so you gotta study hard for that exam.. other med schools also give comprehensive exam at the end of student's med years and some give it every year.. few years back, compre exams were given every year but they found out that students' grades just get lower and lower every year so they decided to give it once hoping that students would study harder..

mc7hammer

04-30-2006, 11:53 PM

yeah..so you gotta study hard for that exam.. other med schools also give comprehensive exam at the end of student's med years and some give it every year.. few years back, compre exams were given every year but they found out that students' grades just get lower and lower every year so they decided to give it once hoping that students would study harder..
The comprehensive exam almost seems like a mini board exam. With normal exams, does st.Lukes usu do it evey 2 wks? Coz in UERM, I heard that's how often they have exams.How often do they do exams at St.Lukes?

vanMD

05-01-2006, 07:23 PM

The comprehensive exam almost seems like a mini board exam. With normal exams, does st.Lukes usu do it evey 2 wks? Coz in UERM, I heard that's how often they have exams.How often do they do exams at St.Lukes?

Yeah.. it is just like taking the board exam.. but don't worry about it now.. what you have to worry is how you'll pass the long exams given three times a semester.. but some subjects give long quizzes in between.. actually most of them give quizzes to prepare you for the long exam.. first year is not so difficult as second year.. coz u'l just be reviewing the basic things you took up in pre-med.. that is if you had biology or other science-related course in your premed.. have you guys enrolled already? enjoy your med years at st lukes.. :)

mykeast

05-02-2006, 05:08 AM

i'm graduating this may =) how did you apply for the MLE? here in the internet?

Sorry for the delay in response jonjonmd. Yep, I applied online at www.ecfmg.org If you wish to make the 2007 match, try to be ECFMG certified as soon as possible (Sept 1 would be ideal) If not, have at least one score before Sept 1 and apply to programs by Sept 1.

Here are a few websites which could provide you with more info about the MLEs. Good Luck!

www.aamc.org
www.usmleforum.com
www.nrmp.org
www.scutwork.com

mykeast

05-02-2006, 05:12 AM

Just wondering if there is anything beneficial to bring from the states for the first year at St. Lukes. I previously read that it's a good idea to bring a good anatomy book. Is that true? Any other advice or recommendations for first year students?

Hi yourmom, if there's one book I would buy in the states before I start, it would be First Aid for the USMLE Step 1. Although you won't be taking the exam until at least after your 2nd year, it provides a lot of basic knowledge and tables which are helpful in med school. The book comes out every year so try to get the latest edition. Good Luck!

WaZoBia

05-02-2006, 10:45 PM

Hi yourmom, if there's one book I would buy in the states before I start, it would be First Aid for the USMLE Step 1. Although you won't be taking the exam until at least after your 2nd year, it provides a lot of basic knowledge and tables which are helpful in med school. The book comes out every year so try to get the latest edition. Good Luck!

actually you can save some space by getting first aid in the philippines. i remember seeing copies at a bookstore in gateway. i think it might be cheaper too.

jayroo

05-03-2006, 06:28 PM

combined small group discussions with lectures. I think the the college's teaching methods / program have improved, this year's incoming clerks are good in theoreticals :) :D

I see. UERM and UP-PGH were offering problem-based learning before. Is it the same with St Luke's? I heard that they give comprehensive exams at the end of the third year and fourth year. How extensive are these exams? And also, how would you advice we prepare for it?:D

jayroo

05-03-2006, 06:31 PM

Hey Jayroo, you're starting this year at St.Lukes right? I am as well. I've heard that we don't have to wear our uniforms on the 1st wk of school. Have you heard that?

Hi mc7hammer!
No, but thanks for the FYI. :D What do we have to bring on our first week?

jayroo

05-03-2006, 06:36 PM

hey mc..they already removed the comprehensive exams given every year..they decided to give this at the end of your med years..after your internship.. and if you do not pass the exam, you will not be able to graduate and you need to take the 5 months crash course.. abt the uniform, i think ur not required to wear it on your first 2 weeks..

Hi vanMD! I heard the 50 % of the batch this year won't be graduating because of the comprehensive exams. Are they really that hard? If so, how do you suggest we prepare for it? Also, what does the crash course cover (I hope I won't have to take that though.)? :(

yourmom

05-03-2006, 09:18 PM

Hi vanMD! I heard the 50 % of the batch this year won't be graduating because of the comprehensive exams. Are they really that hard? If so, how do you suggest we prepare for it? Also, what does the crash course cover (I hope I won't have to take that though.)? :(

Half the class won't be graduating?????????? Wow. Does that practically happen every year? That really puts things into perspective. After the crash course, do most of the students graduate?

mc7hammer

05-04-2006, 03:47 AM

I see. UERM and UP-PGH were offering problem-based learning before. Is it the same with St Luke's? I heard that they give comprehensive exams at the end of the third year and fourth year. How extensive are these exams? And also, how would you advice we prepare for it?:D
I have no idea what to bring for the 1st wk. I just figured we'll rock up on the 1st day (without uniforms of course ;) ) and see where that takes us.

Just for interest, UERM is actually going back to the traditional way of teaching (like St.Lukes) instead of problem based learning. Apparently their students weren't going as well on the board exam. It seems that the traditional way is the best preparation for it.

phlipsquad

05-04-2006, 11:37 AM

hi there,
just wanna give props to st. luke's hospital.I was there a few days ago. Its a very nice hospital! I really think thats an asset that St. Lukes can surely boast about and have the right to!
Our Clinical hospital, by the way, i am an incoming 2nd year UST med student, cannot be compared to St. Luke's. Just thought i would give St. Luke's some props!!! :thumbup:

jayroo

05-04-2006, 05:24 PM

I have no idea what to bring for the 1st wk. I just figured we'll rock up on the 1st day (without uniforms of course ;) ) and see where that takes us.

Just for interest, UERM is actually going back to the traditional way of teaching (like St.Lukes) instead of problem based learning. Apparently their students weren't going as well on the board exam. It seems that the traditional way is the best preparation for it.

I see. That's why my friends were complaining about PBL. Well, hopefully St Luke's will be worth our money. :p See you guys when school starts!

jayroo

05-04-2006, 05:28 PM

mc7hammer

05-05-2006, 03:48 AM

I know what you mean. On the outside St.Lukes looks like a hotel. Walking inside, it looks like a hotel. Even has a concierge ;) . But once you get to the lower levels of the building, it starts to look less Hotel-ish and more like UERM hospital.

jonjonmd

05-05-2006, 11:49 AM

Sorry for the delay in response jonjonmd. Yep, I applied online at www.ecfmg.org If you wish to make the 2007 match, try to be ECFMG certified as soon as possible (Sept 1 would be ideal) If not, have at least one score before Sept 1 and apply to programs by Sept 1.

Here are a few websites which could provide you with more info about the MLEs. Good Luck!

www.aamc.org
www.usmleforum.com
www.nrmp.org
www.scutwork.com

thanks! :)

jonjonmd

05-05-2006, 11:53 AM

jonjonmd

05-05-2006, 12:02 PM

Tnx for that Jonjonmd, do you know why we don't wear uniforms? It's bizarre. Individuals the 1sk wk, then sheep the rest of our school life. Almost like they're taunting us. ;)

What are comprehensive exams? And how are the exams organised? (e.g every month, end of sem?)

I think they're giving people more time to get uniforms. And yes, inadvertently taunting you (you will look like "nurses and nursing aides" for the next 4 years! mwahahaha!) the blazer for interns is nice though :)

comprehensive exams, for our batch started at 2nd year for whatever subjects you took up for the 1st year. 3rd year exam: 1st and 2nd year subjects. They scrubbed the yearly exams though, no one took them seriously until the final years.

jonjonmd

05-05-2006, 12:06 PM

jonjonmd

05-05-2006, 12:16 PM

Just wondering if there is anything beneficial to bring from the states for the first year at St. Lukes. I previously read that it's a good idea to bring a good anatomy book. Is that true? Any other advice or recommendations for first year students?

you should buy a good ophthalmoscope / otoscope abroad. the ones they sell here are old, although a welch-allyn distributor comes by 1-2x a year. And a good "basic" stethoscope. No use for the cardiac or pedia stethoscope until clerkship / internship. A PDA would be useful for quick reviews before exams.

1st year: you need a dissecting set, make sure there is a scalpel holder, 2-3 forceps, "pick-up" tweezers, needle holder, tissue forceps, pointed and blunt sided scissors.

and bring barf-bags on the first few days of cadaver dissection in anatomy. you also need to buy your own gloves and face mask per group.

jonjonmd

05-05-2006, 12:29 PM

I see. UERM and UP-PGH were offering problem-based learning before. Is it the same with St Luke's? I heard that they give comprehensive exams at the end of the third year and fourth year. How extensive are these exams? And also, how would you advice we prepare for it?:D

I think they will give comprehensive exams for one time only now. one shot, make or break. scope? they will usually give out a "syllabus" or list of topics to be read on, which includes anything and everything about medicine:( :(. study on the topics with the most number of questions. most of the questions are "must know" questions, so you shouldn't have any problems with that.

how to prepare: read! read! read!! .... and P R A Y. no drinking the night before exams ok? hehe

jayroo

05-06-2006, 04:37 PM

I think they will give comprehensive exams for one time only now. one shot, make or break. scope? they will usually give out a "syllabus" or list of topics to be read on, which includes anything and everything about medicine:( :(. study on the topics with the most number of questions. most of the questions are "must know" questions, so you shouldn't have any problems with that.

how to prepare: read! read! read!! .... and P R A Y. no drinking the night before exams ok? hehe

thanks for all the helpful information, jonjonmd! makes me feel even more nervous about going back to school. :p So the comprehensive exams will be on the fourth year? how much would the medical instruments cost?

box29

05-06-2006, 09:57 PM

thanks! :)

Here is one important site in addition to the others posted above...It is the NBME site...they also offer the NBME self assessment exams which are comprehensive and can be fairly accurate at predicting your 3 digit USMLE score...

http://www.nbme.org/

http://www.nbme.org/programs/sas/sas.asp

other sites:

http://medicine.creighton.edu/USMLE/review_questions.htm
http://www.testprepreview.com/usmle_practice.htm
http://www.biotestonline.com/html/home.htm
http://www.doctok.com/

vanMD

05-07-2006, 08:33 PM

Hi vanMD! I heard the 50 % of the batch this year won't be graduating because of the comprehensive exams. Are they really that hard? If so, how do you suggest we prepare for it? Also, what does the crash course cover (I hope I won't have to take that though.)? :(

oh really? i didn't know that.. i have taken the comprehensive exam once..when i was in first year.. the exam's just right, it covers most of the basic things you have to remember in medicine..i think the reason why most student fail is that they don't have enough time to prepare for that exam,.like in our batch, we took the compre exam right after our final exam.. compre exam covers all the things you took up from the beginning of the school year till the end.. or if you're in fifth year, it covers the topics you took up from first year to fifth year..

a_anne08

05-08-2006, 05:21 AM

Hi, I'll be starting at St.Lukes this year in June as well. I am so glad for random coincidences! I'm a Fil-Aussie, so does this kinda give you an idea of the student community tangerine_girl? I'm kinda relieved that there'll be english speaking students as well, since my Filo is pretty bad.

Ive looked around for apartments, condo's and townhouses and there are new townhouses (right near the college) that are being built. Though they're being sold outright, and not really for rent. But they look gorgeous. However, there is a condo complex (about 5 min walk from the college) where you can rent a studio apartment for P10 000 a month (but doesn;t include electricity, water etc bills). You can also buy studio apts for approx P2 million.

Does anyone know whether International students AND resident students study together? Coz when I was researching about Med schools in the Phils, international students were seperated from resident ones.

I'd like to get to know my new classmates (I know I'm going to get such a culture shock there), so plz e-mail me at

mc7hammer@yahoo.com

It would be great to hear from you all

hi guys! i'm new here. i'll be studying at st. luke's this june, too! i'm a resident of the Philippines and i'd like to welcome you guys! like you, i'm also having some difficulties finding a 'home' near the college. anyway, i'm sure we could all get through this new-school stuffs. i'm just excited to start-out on the 13th. see u guys! if have you any questions bout the Philippines or need some things, i'll surely be glad to help.

mc7hammer

05-08-2006, 06:00 PM

you should buy a good ophthalmoscope / otoscope abroad. the ones they sell here are old, although a welch-allyn distributor comes by 1-2x a year. And a good "basic" stethoscope. No use for the cardiac or pedia stethoscope until clerkship / internship. A PDA would be useful for quick reviews before exams.

1st year: you need a dissecting set, make sure there is a scalpel holder, 2-3 forceps, "pick-up" tweezers, needle holder, tissue forceps, pointed and blunt sided scissors.

and bring barf-bags on the first few days of cadaver dissection in anatomy. you also need to buy your own gloves and face mask per group.
Barf bags e? My, how encouraging. Just hope we remember to lift our masks before we do the deed ;)

mc7hammer

05-08-2006, 06:07 PM

hi guys! i'm new here. i'll be studying at st. luke's this june, too! i'm a resident of the Philippines and i'd like to welcome you guys! like you, i'm also having some difficulties finding a 'home' near the college. anyway, i'm sure we could all get through this new-school stuffs. i'm just excited to start-out on the 13th. see u guys! if have you any questions bout the Philippines or need some things, i'll surely be glad to help.
Why tnx for d hearty welcome. I might just have to take you up on that offer of yours of help seeing as Phils commuting system is completely convoluted and somewhat freaks the hell out of me :p . Ah yes, finding a 'home'. Have you located anything good yet?

Koji

05-08-2006, 08:19 PM

Why tnx for d hearty welcome. I might just have to take you up on that offer of yours of help seeing as Phils commuting system is completely convoluted and somewhat freaks the hell out of me :p . Ah yes, finding a 'home'. Have you located anything good yet?

Wow! :idea: The joy of being in medical school ...hmmmm...St. Luke's-a premiere hospital, the most expensive perhaps...the one dream of every doctor wannabe...creme de la creme...and I bet you are ready to spend sleepless nights memorizing and analyzing all sort of biochemical reactions, dissecting the nitty gritty part of every vein and artery of an unclaimed funeral cadaver....ready to carry on your back all the pressures of getting on top...or at least passing the mark....ahhhh...traffic is horrible...flooded at times...got to go to medical school...so expensive...so difficult...so funny at times...so tearful...you dream that you have the money to spent...to pay for tuition that skyrocketed so fast...and maybe 10 years later when you graduated and all...and resiedency in hospital abound...they would pay you lots of moola....well...wake up dear...things don't work that way...you would need lots of money from your parents to spend more on your residency...and 2-3 years later you realized this job is... a noble profession?....wrong....a hero's job?....maybe....yeah...work for the politician...join the medical mission ..that sort of heroic thing...to satisfy your mayor or congressman...lots of thank you and all...where is the money you asked?...
Jeez... nothing...a medtech works on 8-5 shift and get higher salary than you...bull****...got to go...got to leave...nursing here we go....hhmmmmm. :laugh:

mc7hammer

05-09-2006, 02:30 AM

Wow! :idea: The joy of being in medical school ...hmmmm...St. Luke's-a premiere hospital, the most expensive perhaps...the one dream of every doctor wannabe...creme de la creme...and I bet you are ready to spend sleepless nights memorizing and analyzing all sort of biochemical reactions, dissecting the nitty gritty part of every vein and artery of an unclaimed funeral cadaver....ready to carry on your back all the pressures of getting on top...or at least passing the mark....ahhhh...traffic is horrible...flooded at times...got to go to medical school...so expensive...so difficult...so funny at times...so tearful...you dream that you have the money to spent...to pay for tuition that skyrocketed so fast...and maybe 10 years later when you graduated and all...and resiedency in hospital abound...they would pay you lots of moola....well...wake up dear...things don't work that way...you would need lots of money from your parents to spend more on your residency...and 2-3 years later you realized this job is... a noble profession?....wrong....a hero's job?....maybe....yeah...work for the politician...join the medical mission ..that sort of heroic thing...to satisfy your mayor or congressman...lots of thank you and all...where is the money you asked?...
Jeez... nothing...a medtech works on 8-5 shift and get higher salary than you...bull****...got to go...got to leave...nursing here we go....hhmmmmm. :laugh:
ie. Overworked, underpaid and unappreciated. Nothing new there. You've got to have some other revelations. Does that mean you've done med and decided to go into nursing?

tantrum

05-09-2006, 07:53 AM

Wow! :idea: The joy of being in medical school ...hmmmm...St. Luke's-a premiere hospital, the most expensive perhaps...the one dream of every doctor wannabe...creme de la creme...and I bet you are ready to spend sleepless nights memorizing and analyzing all sort of biochemical reactions, dissecting the nitty gritty part of every vein and artery of an unclaimed funeral cadaver....ready to carry on your back all the pressures of getting on top...or at least passing the mark....ahhhh...traffic is horrible...flooded at times...got to go to medical school...so expensive...so difficult...so funny at times...so tearful...you dream that you have the money to spent...to pay for tuition that skyrocketed so fast...and maybe 10 years later when you graduated and all...and resiedency in hospital abound...they would pay you lots of moola....well...wake up dear...things don't work that way...you would need lots of money from your parents to spend more on your residency...and 2-3 years later you realized this job is... a noble profession?....wrong....a hero's job?....maybe....yeah...work for the politician...join the medical mission ..that sort of heroic thing...to satisfy your mayor or congressman...lots of thank you and all...where is the money you asked?...
Jeez... nothing...a medtech works on 8-5 shift and get higher salary than you...bull****...got to go...got to leave...nursing here we go....hhmmmmm. :laugh:

Yes, most Filipinos already know that being a doctor in the Philippines sucks if you are just thinking about money. Moreover, most people posting here are Fil-Ams who will practice in the States so they will not suffer the same fate as many doctors in the Philippines.

jonjonmd

05-09-2006, 06:24 PM

thanks for all the helpful information, jonjonmd! makes me feel even more nervous about going back to school. :p So the comprehensive exams will be on the fourth year? how much would the medical instruments cost?

you could by a set at BAMBANG for around 500 (which also has some useless stuff) or buy them separately for a total of 300-400 pesos. you could also buy from mercury drug stores, but that would cost more.

jonjonmd

05-09-2006, 06:28 PM

Wow! :idea: The joy of being in medical school ...hmmmm...St. Luke's-a premiere hospital, the most expensive perhaps...the one dream of every doctor wannabe...creme de la creme...and I bet you are ready to spend sleepless nights memorizing and analyzing all sort of biochemical reactions, dissecting the nitty gritty part of every vein and artery of an unclaimed funeral cadaver....ready to carry on your back all the pressures of getting on top...or at least passing the mark....ahhhh...traffic is horrible...flooded at times...got to go to medical school...so expensive...so difficult...so funny at times...so tearful...you dream that you have the money to spent...to pay for tuition that skyrocketed so fast...and maybe 10 years later when you graduated and all...and resiedency in hospital abound...they would pay you lots of moola....well...wake up dear...things don't work that way...you would need lots of money from your parents to spend more on your residency...and 2-3 years later you realized this job is... a noble profession?....wrong....a hero's job?....maybe....yeah...work for the politician...join the medical mission ..that sort of heroic thing...to satisfy your mayor or congressman...lots of thank you and all...where is the money you asked?...
Jeez... nothing...a medtech works on 8-5 shift and get higher salary than you...bull****...got to go...got to leave...nursing here we go....hhmmmmm. :laugh:

here here!! some nursing aides or "manongs" receive higher salaries than any other staff member in the hospital. tenure I think.

paranoiababy

05-10-2006, 12:40 AM

Hi! I'm an incoming med freshie at St. Luke's this June. ;) Seems like I'll be frequenting this thread... :D

yourmom

05-10-2006, 02:33 PM

Hey where do you buy your med school books in the P'pines?

hnerypaoho

05-10-2006, 09:01 PM

Hey where do you buy your med school books in the P'pines?

-you can get them at national bookstore or goodwill bookstore. but i think there will be some agent from a company will offer their books when school starts. so you don't have to woory about this.

phlipsquad

05-11-2006, 11:01 AM

Hey where do you buy your med school books in the P'pines?
In UST, they had people selling books within the med building, but yes, you can definitely buy books from national and goodwill. Just some advice!DONT buy your books in the US. They sell all your med books in the Phils for a Fraction of the price! If you really want to buy one book in the US, I suggest you buy the First Aid USMLE book.

hey hnery, its been a long time...havent heard from you! How's FEU? Are you second year now?

hnerypaoho

05-11-2006, 07:58 PM

In UST, they had people selling books within the med building, but yes, you can definitely buy books from national and goodwill. Just some advice!DONT buy your books in the US. They sell all your med books in the Phils for a Fraction of the price! If you really want to buy one book in the US, I suggest you buy the First Aid USMLE book.

hey hnery, its been a long time...havent heard from you! How's FEU? Are you second year now?

-yup! I'm very thankful that I passed 1st year. man! 1st year was tough! there were a lot of adjustment that i have to make! especially with the shifting exams and case discussions. how bout u? are u back int he states? coz i went home after knowing i passed all the subjects.

chaton

05-12-2006, 02:59 AM

Yes, most Filipinos already know that being a doctor in the Philippines sucks if you are just thinking about money. Moreover, most people posting here are Fil-Ams who will practice in the States so they will not suffer the same fate as many doctors in the Philippines.

hi! newbie here..im an incoming freshman this 13th..pre-med..or so i believe..my mother practically blackmailed me into taking up nursing..something about going abroad and earning money..sheesh..

thing is, i don't wanna be a nurse..i wanna be a cardiologist..in the Philippines..

i think i might be crossing the boundaries of sanity..im scared..confused..and frustrated..

is nursing an "acceptable" pre-med course? or should i be wallowing in misery right now?

(forgive the mellowdrama.. :D ..i tend to be an emotional basketcase..nyahaha.. :laugh: )

tantrum

05-12-2006, 06:46 AM

hi! newbie here..im an incoming freshman this 13th..pre-med..or so i believe..my mother practically blackmailed me into taking up nursing..something about going abroad and earning money..sheesh..

thing is, i don't wanna be a nurse..i wanna be a cardiologist..in the Philippines..

i think i might be crossing the boundaries of sanity..im scared..confused..and frustrated..

is nursing an "acceptable" pre-med course? or should i be wallowing in misery right now?

(forgive the mellowdrama.. :D ..i tend to be an emotional basketcase..nyahaha.. :laugh: )
There is a reason your parents are advising you to take Nursing as your pre-med. They are just being practical and it's important to have a backup just in case you cannot finish your Medical course. Nursing can be an excellent pre-med as you have to deal with clinical cases earlier in your career. My advise it to get a BSN degree and become an RN (pass the boards), then go to Medical school. If you take that route, you have not wasted any time as you can go to residency after med school (Internal Medicine for 3 years is required prior to Cardiology), then Cardiology fellowship for another 3 years. You cannot lose this way as you have satisfied the wish of your parents and have at least given your best shot at being a cardiologist.

a_anne08

05-12-2006, 07:39 AM

Why tnx for d hearty welcome. I might just have to take you up on that offer of yours of help seeing as Phils commuting system is completely convoluted and somewhat freaks the hell out of me :p . Ah yes, finding a 'home'. Have you located anything good yet?

i found one just across the street. i rented a room in an apartment unit. actually, i'm still learning commuting in quezon city. i'm quite new in the place also!

chaton

05-12-2006, 07:00 PM

There is a reason your parents are advising you to take Nursing as your pre-med. They are just being practical and it's important to have a backup just in case you cannot finish your Medical course. Nursing can be an excellent pre-med as you have to deal with clinical cases earlier in your career. My advise it to get a BSN degree and become an RN (pass the boards), then go to Medical school. If you take that route, you have not wasted any time as you can go to residency after med school (Internal Medicine for 3 years is required prior to Cardiology), then Cardiology fellowship for another 3 years. You cannot lose this way as you have satisfied the wish of your parents and have at least given your best shot at being a cardiologist.

you sound like my mom..ahihihi... :laugh: that's exactly what she said.. :laugh: well, that's the plan..unless of course i get pregnant or get married along the way..ahihihi.. :laugh:

phlipsquad

05-12-2006, 10:57 PM

-yup! I'm very thankful that I passed 1st year. man! 1st year was tough! there were a lot of adjustment that i have to make! especially with the shifting exams and case discussions. how bout u? are u back int he states? coz i went home after knowing i passed all the subjects.
yes im second year now too. Thank God! What a year huh? Whew! I am in ny right now and we are starting classes in ust on the 6th. TOO SOON!Enjoy the rest of your summer!

hnerypaoho

05-13-2006, 01:57 AM

yes im second year now too. Thank God! What a year huh? Whew! I am in ny right now and we are starting classes in ust on the 6th. TOO SOON!Enjoy the rest of your summer!

-yeah! God was really kind and merciful. but we're just getting started! there's a lot of reading that is enstore for us in the 2nd and 3rd year. so i bet we're going to do a lot of prayung again. but anywways, enjoy your summer! we deserve the break!

Koji

05-15-2006, 05:26 PM

There is a reason your parents are advising you to take Nursing as your pre-med. They are just being practical and it's important to have a backup just in case you cannot finish your Medical course. Nursing can be an excellent pre-med as you have to deal with clinical cases earlier in your career. My advise it to get a BSN degree and become an RN (pass the boards), then go to Medical school. If you take that route, you have not wasted any time as you can go to residency after med school (Internal Medicine for 3 years is required prior to Cardiology), then Cardiology fellowship for another 3 years. You cannot lose this way as you have satisfied the wish of your parents and have at least given your best shot at being a cardiologist.

:D Great advice...I would have jump on to it 10 years ago. But nonetheless I admire all the people on this thread and their determination plus the fact that they all have the support system they need when they embark on going to med school.

vanMD

05-16-2006, 02:51 AM

Hey where do you buy your med school books in the P'pines?
hey yourmom, dont worry about the books..some med students sell med books at a cheaper price than bookstores.. and to those who doesn't have a place to stay, you can try inquiring at gaRDEN HEIGHTS just across holy trinity..

williamsanjaya

05-16-2006, 08:17 PM

Hi, nice to hear about St Luke's Medical Center in Philippines. I want to know the updated info from Philippines. Please inform me about the availabilities for foreign doctor, particularly from Indonesia, to be train and take exam set by Philippines Pediatrics Society, Inc. Hope you can also reply directly to my mail in san2001jaya@yahoo.com. This is needed before I decide to go to Philippines.Thanks for all

mc7hammer

05-17-2006, 04:43 AM

Does anyone know whether there's an orientation day for freshman? Or is the first day of school the orientation?

vanMD

05-19-2006, 12:05 AM

[QUOTE=mc7hammer]Does anyone know whether there's an orientation day for freshman? Or is the first day of school the orientation?[QUOTE=mc7hammer]

yeah...u'll only have orientation on the first week of classes.. but there are some toxic profs which give lecture even on the first week..

purple_elephant

05-19-2006, 07:56 AM

Hi! I'm selling first to third year med books at 12.5% off to St. Luke's students. If you want to see the book and price list, you can send me a private message with your e-mail and I can e-mail the list to you. A friend is also selling really good xeroxed copies of William's obstetrics, Novak's gynecology, Adam's neurology and Schwartz's surgery for P1500. These books have a colored cover and are hardbound. They are also already wrapped in a plastic cover. It will take about 1-2 weeks however to get your ordered copies for these books.

You can get your orders in every Wednesday, then your books will be ready for pick up at St. Luke's by Friday.

If you're Fil-Am and deciding where's the best place to buy books, in America or here in the Philippines, I think it's better to buy books here because it's definitely a lot cheaper. Almost 50% less.

jonjonmd

05-20-2006, 06:34 PM

jonjonmd

05-20-2006, 06:36 PM

vanMD

05-20-2006, 08:53 PM

[QUOTE=vanMD][QUOTE=mc7hammer]Does anyone know whether there's an orientation day for freshman? Or is the first day of school the orientation?

van! kilala kita a. hehehe. lecture first week? remember biochem? hehe

naku.. bka ndi po..im an incoming 3rd year student lang po.. :) pero ganun din during our time nag-lect din ang biochem..hehe.. :laugh:

a_anne08

05-23-2006, 03:44 AM

hi guys!

what exactly happens on th first day? i was told to come at 7am. i thought that would be a little too early. and, how many students would there be for each section?

hellered

05-25-2006, 07:09 AM

-yeah! God was really kind and merciful. but we're just getting started! there's a lot of reading that is enstore for us in the 2nd and 3rd year. so i bet we're going to do a lot of prayung again. but anywways, enjoy your summer! we deserve the break!

hi! about how many pages in average do you read each night? does the knowledge in gen chem really impt in medschool? how impt?

vanMD

05-25-2006, 05:41 PM

hi guys!

what exactly happens on th first day? i was told to come at 7am. i thought that would be a little too early. and, how many students would there be for each section?

i don't know for your batch.. but in our batch, there are 34 students for each section.. during our time we only had orientation on the first day.. see yah on the 13th.. :)

purple_elephant

05-25-2006, 11:19 PM

jonjonmd

05-26-2006, 12:10 PM

hi guys!

what exactly happens on th first day? i was told to come at 7am. i thought that would be a little too early. and, how many students would there be for each section?

7am? the program will start 9-9:30 am. Filipino time :laugh:

jonjonmd

05-26-2006, 01:02 PM

Just some tips. There are allotted textbooks for each subject, some of which i didn't use (pasaway ako e). Nearly all the books are available at the library, but only a portion of the student population actually use the library's books, instead they opt to buy their own. (security blanket?).

Absolute buy is the Harrison's Book of internal medicine. You're not a doctor if you don't have one (in my opinion), and Bate's guide to history and PE (you need to master bates!!) There are alot of books available in the library. Make use of it.

for 2nd-5th year: I highly recommend buying "text book of pathophysiology" if you want to have a better understanding on the pathologic process of the more common medical problems you will encounter. forgot the author though. there are only a few copies available in the library.

For physiology, I recommend Physiology by Ganong. Not the textbook for physio but his approach is easy to understand (goodbye guyton)

Anatomy: I would recommend the NMS-Anatomy reviewer. very concise, snell has good discussions though, together with a good atlas of anatomy.

histology: you need to buy an atlas of histopathology. (de-fiore's good, wheater's better) I passed without even reading bloom&faucet. listen to lectures, take notes, study the lab manual

Biochem: I HATED Harper's Biochem. Too complex for me, no need to torture yourself by trying to decipher Harper's. I passed biochem using BRS-Biochemestry, (Lippencott's biochem is also good) lecture notes and prayer (you also need to master the art of test taking). Biochem exams are the TOUGHEST. .

Neuroanatomy: buying a book is good, but listening to lectures and using the manual is enough.

Psychiatry/Behavioral science: no need to buy the thick kaplan unless you plan to go into psychiatry (or you want to become psychotic) listen to lectures, photocopy topics needed from the library.

Pathology / Microbiology / Parasitology: Unless you're a medtech or microbiologist you will definitely have a hard time in these subjects. prepare yourself for ALOT of scientific name memorization. (eg: Masakitus sautakus) I do not recommend buying Zinsser's microbiology. It's toooooooo big.

Pharmacology: Katzung! I don't have any tips here, had a hard time memorizing all those drug actions, interactions and classifications

Surgery: I used the baby schwartz together with lecture notes

Pediatrics: They will use Nelson's book of pedia for exams, no matter what they put in their lectures. (at least for our batch).

OB-Gyn: Williams obstetrics and Novac's gynecology worked for me. + lecture notes

Neurology: The adams book for neuro was waaay to complex for me, I recommend the illustrated neurology books. + lecture notes

Just my 2 cents worth. Did I miss any subject??

jonjonmd

05-26-2006, 01:09 PM

Hi! here's the price list of the first to third year med books that i'm selling. you can contact or e-mail me if you want to order. Thanks! :)

the harrison's comes with a CD right?

jonjonmd

05-26-2006, 01:14 PM

[QUOTE=jonjonmd][QUOTE=vanMD]

naku.. bka ndi po..im an incoming 3rd year student lang po.. :) pero ganun din during our time nag-lect din ang biochem..hehe.. :laugh:

naks 3rd year. dapat master nyo na bates! at magbasa na kayo ng DeGowin's.
at magpakasawa na kayo sa lakwatsa, wala na kayo time sa clerkship at internship.

WaZoBia

05-27-2006, 12:45 AM

i already sent this out to some of the people on the boards but i figure i might as well post it on here. i'll be leving manila really soon and have some things to sell, so send me a message if you are interested.

Schwartz Principles of Surgery 7th ed- P2000.00
Nelsons Textbook of Pediatrics 16th ed- P2000.00

A light Microscope - P2000.00
The weights are going for P10,000.00 but if you buy the microscope i'll take P500 off the weights.

The set includes

1. an adjustable bench which has
- a dip station
- preacher curl attachment
- leg curl/leg extension attachment

2. An EZ bar
A 72 inch barbell
2 dumbbells

3. Standard weights
- 6 25lb plates
- 10 10lb plates
- 8 5lb plates
- 4 2.5lb plates

crossbow

05-28-2006, 04:15 AM

I see that most of the forumers in this thread are soon to be freshmen doctors at SLCM. I hope everyone would enjoy their stay at SLCM as most of us did when we were students. One thing that I can say is that there isn't any medical school as dynamic as SLCM when it comes to curriculum development, faculty and administrative matters and the like. Your senior schoolmates like jonjonMD and VanMD would probably attest to that. For the past three to four years, many things have changed and most of us have endured these changes (aka "hardships" of the COMPRE exams, change of grading system, change of deanship, tuition fee increase, etc.)--only to help our college reach its goal to be one of the top medical schools in the country.

The college is a neophyte among the medical academes. Ten years have past and our school is still on an ongoing process in molding high-caliber physicians. With this, we are building our credibility and hoping to be at par with the standards of our medical center (which is if not one of the best in asia).

My advice is to hold on. Enjoy your stay. Reflect on your failures. Be humble with success. Be mindful of your colleagues. Respect your seniors. Eat healthy. Have great sex. Sleep well. Pray for guidance.

God Bless and we will join you at the hospital in your senior years and watch you march in May 2011 during your graduation day! :) Welcome to San Lukas!

PS: JonjonMD, the most important subject you forgot is our FAVORITE....PREVMED!!!!. Need I say more!???!!!?? :laugh:

vanMD

05-28-2006, 08:44 PM

[QUOTE=vanMD][QUOTE=jonjonmd]

naks 3rd year. dapat master nyo na bates! at magbasa na kayo ng DeGowin's.
at magpakasawa na kayo sa lakwatsa, wala na kayo time sa clerkship at internship.

thanks po.. :D

chocopinipig

06-03-2006, 04:13 PM

offtopic:
how many 1st year students did St lukes accept/have for sy 2006-2007?

mc7hammer

06-07-2006, 01:44 AM

offtopic:
how many 1st year students did St lukes accept/have for sy 2006-2007?

About 2weeks ago, there were 90 students. Dont know how accurate that is now though

doc_n_princess

06-07-2006, 09:38 AM

tantrum

06-07-2006, 05:42 PM

Hi!I'm kinda problematic with my med years. I'm a graduating student in UP Manila and I'm so worried that I might not continue studying there since they require a grade of at least 1.5 for girls and there's a great competition when it comes to NMAT score. Because of that I'm planning to inquire on St. Luke's med school. Until now, the site is under construction. Is there anybody here who can share some admission requirements (NMAT cut-off, required grade and units, etc.) and some procedures on applying at med school? I am also interested in the scholarships they offer 'coz it is also one of my worries. I know that 1 sem costs at least 90K.
Don't give up yet on UP-PGH. It's not true about 1.5 grades for girls. Some are not even honor students (but most of them are). Just do well in your NMAT and interview and who knows? The good news is that a lot of med schools will now accept UP pre-meds. Even UST is accepting a lot from UP (they use to have mostly from UST undergrads). I have not seen any announcement about St. Luke's scholarship but you can inquire with their admssion office. They might be sympathetic as you are from UP. I also know that other schools like UERM and FEU-NRMF are giving some scholarships.

jonjonmd

06-08-2006, 04:49 AM

PS: JonjonMD, the most important subject you forgot is our FAVORITE....PREVMED!!!!. Need I say more!???!!!?? :laugh:

Oh yes. sorry! :luck: . To pass prevmed you need Test taking skills + prayers + a bit of "Magic" :meanie: . hehehe :laugh:

jonjonmd

06-08-2006, 05:03 AM

SLCM-WHQM has 2 types of scholarships, the "Academic scholarship" which is for those who graduated with honors, and the "William H. Quasha scholarship" for those who are not that intellectually gifted but are in need of financial assistance. There are groups of consultants in the medical center willing to sponsor a deserving student. I think you have to maintain a 90% GWA or above for the academic scholarship, but for the quasha scholarship you need to maintain a GWA of 80%. :)

doc_n_princess

06-08-2006, 07:09 AM

jonjonmd

06-09-2006, 08:36 AM

oh, thanks to the responses. :) I'm just excited about med school though I know it'll be soooooo hard! thanks peeps...By d way, do u think that st.luke's is a competitive med school(w/out bias plz.)?I think it is and that's y im so interested... :cool:

hmmm.. define competitive? if its the boards, stluke's is often in the top 5. Facilities? go here. You will get Lectures + small group discussions (semi PBL??). airconditioned lecture rooms (the wooden seats hurt after sitting a while for guys though)

tantrum

06-09-2006, 05:46 PM

oh, thanks to the responses. :) I'm just excited about med school though I know it'll be soooooo hard! thanks peeps...By d way, do u think that st.luke's is a competitive med school(w/out bias plz.)?I think it is and that's y im so interested... :cool:
I will agree that they have the best facilities (with the highest tuition to boot). In terms of local board performance, they are still in the top 10 even if they slipped a little bit for the past 2 years. I will put it at the level of established schools like UERM-MMC or FEU-NRMF.

crossbow

06-12-2006, 09:43 AM

Hi!I'm kinda problematic with my med years. I'm a graduating student in UP Manila and I'm so worried that I might not continue studying there since they require a grade of at least 1.5 for girls and there's a great competition when it comes to NMAT score. Because of that I'm planning to inquire on St. Luke's med school. Until now, the site is under construction. Is there anybody here who can share some admission requirements (NMAT cut-off, required grade and units, etc.) and some procedures on applying at med school? I am also interested in the scholarships they offer 'coz it is also one of my worries. I know that 1 sem costs at least 90K.

Hi. With the recent change of administration, the hospital has been very supportive of the college to the point that they have been giving many scholarship opportunties (also a tactic to encourage more students to go into St. Lukes). I don't think the website has been updated. It was the project of the previous dean but since his term had ended, I doubt if there is still someone who is interested to update the site. It would be better to call the registrar's office for requirements. The staff is very accomodating. Good luck to you!

crossbow

06-12-2006, 09:48 AM

oh, thanks to the responses. :) I'm just excited about med school though I know it'll be soooooo hard! thanks peeps...By d way, do u think that st.luke's is a competitive med school(w/out bias plz.)?I think it is and that's y im so interested... :cool:

Just to give you an idea.....this May 2006, out of the 120++ population of 5th year med students in St. Luke's (interns), only 58 of them (50% of the population) were allowed to graduate. The reason: Failure of the Comprehensive Examinations.

crossbow

06-12-2006, 09:50 AM

Oh yes. sorry! :luck: . To pass prevmed you need Test taking skills + prayers + a bit of "Magic" :meanie: . hehehe :laugh:

Correct!!!!..Though I agree more on the "Magic" part...but I guess it is not that effective nowadays!!! hehehe..... :D

RaaMD

06-15-2006, 04:27 AM

vanMD

06-16-2006, 07:06 PM

hey freshies... how's your first week at st luke's??? best batch huh! heheh.. goodluck and enjoy your stay!!!

jonjonmd

06-19-2006, 09:15 AM

Freshieeeess!! Freshy! freshy!!!! how's biochem?

ROA12

07-01-2006, 07:12 PM

I have a couple of questions-

-Where can I get in contact with the admission's office? (email, address, website, etc...)

-What is the NMAT cutoff?

-How far is St. Luke's from Ayala Heights?

Thanks in advance.

daeve

07-15-2006, 08:33 AM

daeve

07-15-2006, 08:36 AM

tantrum

07-15-2006, 12:58 PM

hi everyone...my name is dave and im a graduating nursing student... im planning to take up medicine this school year but its still a vague career. We are having a tight budget for my dream, we really cant afford all the expenses especially the high tuition fees...But i believe that God has a plan for me...i really wanted to become doctor and lend my hands to the needies...I know this is a calling...

Guys, if anyone of you who knows any institution that could give a great opportunity to hand in- Any scholarships will surely help. Pls let me know and share me the blessings...

Salamat...we can also be friends!

if u have any suggestions or violebt reactions...hehe. pls contact me at sikreyto@yahoo.com or 09277568501...

thanx!God bless! I Hope to catch up with you soon!

If you can't get a scholarship from the private universities (St. Luke's, UST,UERM,FEU), you can try other public-supported schools that are affordable. PLM is accepting even non-Manila residents. UP's tuition is low although very difficult to get in. Schools in the south like WVSU (West Visayas State University) or MSU (Mindanao) have low tuition rates.
Also, try to pass your Nursing Boards so you can have a good option later.

hellered

07-29-2006, 03:35 AM

hi doc! u graduated from st lukes po ba? parang may nabasa ko sa iasng thread the other day e...neway, may i ask how is st lukes compared to other medschools? do they administer spoon feeding learning? hows the mortality rate?

agwising

10-20-2006, 06:28 AM

greetings! you can now have your medical books with you all along without bringing those big books to school. pleas contact me if you are interested. its 500 pesos for 2 cds. i can have the cds sent to you through LBC padala or we can meet up anywhere within metro manila.

these are the books i am using and have used so only 21 books are in my library. here's the list:

PDF files:

Bate's guide to physical examination and history taking 9th ed

Katzung Clinical Pharmacology

Harper's illustrated biochemistry 26th ed

Harrison's manual of medicine 16th ed

history and physical exam

medical microbiology

Robbin's pathologic basis of diseases 7th ed (pictures only, text is in pdb format 6th ed)

**pdb files (to be run in isilo application which is included in the package)

infectious diseases by cohen 2nd ed

williams hematology by Beutler 6th ed

grey's anatomy

Harrison's principles of internal medicine 16th ed (the whole book in contrast with manual of medicine which is in PDF format)

infectious diseases and antimicrobial notes

infectious diseases and clinicians' guide to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

kaplan's textbook of psychiatry with images 7th ed

Nelson textbook of pediatrics 16th ed

Robbins pathologic basis of diseases 6th ed (text only, images are in pdf format)

Schwartz principles and practice of emergency medicine 4th ed

Schwartz principles of surgery, companion handbook 7th ed

Schwartz principles of surgery, 7th ed

Adams & victor's Principles of neurology 7th ed

William's Obstetrics 21st ed

*i will also include stedman's medical dictionary version 4.0(application)

if you are interested please contact me:

cellphone: 09182290076

e-mail: agwising@yahoo.com

crossbow

11-11-2006, 04:28 AM

Just found out that the college has a new web page (still being polished though). Here's the link for everyone:

http://stlukesmedcollege.edu.ph

house07

03-26-2007, 11:58 PM

i'm planning to go to st. luke's this june (not yet enrolled). i was just looking for info about st. luke's on the net and i stumbled upon this really nice forum. wait, i already said that on the introduction thread!

anyway, i'd just like to ask what is st. luke's known for (aside form the 5-yr curriculum, which i mostly hear about)? and what is its most probable advantage over the other med schools in the phils?

furthermore, for those of you who already took the phil medical board exams, what was it like? i mean, i wanted to start preparing for it while i'm in first year, what do i do? what things should i remember the most? how bout USMLE?

sorry, many questions. guess, i'm just a BIT excited, that's all...
:laugh:

bio16

04-04-2007, 05:39 AM

hi! im currently finishing my premed course and looking for probable medschools to study in. i've been considering st luke's and have a few questions that i would want to ask. regarding the medschool's scholoarship programs, do they also offer partial scholarships if one graduated with honors? i also want to ask the regular tuition fee of st lukes, how much does it cost per semester? please reply. im really interested in studying there. :)

endograsper

04-04-2007, 11:19 PM

does anyone know any condo or apt for rent
near st lukes med sch? thanks.

heartDoctor

07-15-2007, 05:53 PM

:)i am curious about the tuition fee at st.lukes... i'm looking for med schools and i really consider st. lukes... but money is quite an issue for me... i heard that there are a lot of scholarships offered there, but in case i didn't get the chance of those how much do you think will it cost me to study there (Philippine currency)?

kerki

07-20-2007, 02:54 PM

yeah, i'm considering st. luke's too and i'm curious about the tuition and facilities. so i'm bumping this thread. :)

chocopinipig

08-04-2007, 11:14 PM

mortality rate in st lukes is high. I have no idea why... actually, its more that the administration is putting too much pressure on the students(?) and that they want to be the best school by 2010(?) and that most faculty members recently quit. from what i know the school is a bit "unstable" at the moment. But don't take my word for it. check out the facilities first.

Do NOT EVER equate what the school has to offer from the hospital. medical schools and the hospital are two DIFFERENT institutions. Just because St lukes has the best hospital equipment, doesn't mean it has the best medical school in terms of educational materials. Its best if you walk around the campus. Get a feel for the location. goodluck :)

bleudsky

09-11-2007, 11:41 PM

hey there.

i just wanna know how is the Neurology department at SLMC in terms of patient loads, clinical cases, consultants, etc. i applied for residency training there.

thanks!

bleudsky

09-11-2007, 11:48 PM

furthermore, for those of you who already took the phil medical board exams, what was it like? i mean, i wanted to start preparing for it while i'm in first year, what do i do? what things should i remember the most? how bout USMLE?

sorry, many questions. guess, i'm just a BIT excited, that's all...
:laugh:

if i were you, i wouldn't worry about the local licensure exams yet. at this time, it's wiser that you concentrate more on your studies, passing all subjects so that you can reach clerkship and internship (and of course, graduate with a degree of Doctor of Medicine). by then, you may have forgotten some of what you have learned during your 1st yr. (no kidding!)afterwards, you can start asking yourself what path to take - have your residency training here or somewhere else. 1 step at a time.

the phil medical board exams was tough but most of it was on pure luck (if you read the "right" reviewers for 2-3 months) and memorization.

sorry i cant say anything about the USMLE coz i'm just about to take the 1st step.

sharmei17

09-12-2007, 04:51 AM

sharmei17

09-12-2007, 04:58 AM

hi everyone...my name is dave and im a graduating nursing student... im planning to take up medicine this school year but its still a vague career. We are having a tight budget for my dream, we really cant afford all the expenses especially the high tuition fees...But i believe that God has a plan for me...i really wanted to become doctor and lend my hands to the needies...I know this is a calling...

Guys, if anyone of you who knows any institution that could give a great opportunity to hand in- Any scholarships will surely help. Pls let me know and share me the blessings...

Salamat...we can also be friends!

if u have any suggestions or violebt reactions...hehe. pls contact me at sikreyto@yahoo.com or 09277568501...

thanx!God bless! I Hope to catch up with you soon!

Goodluck to you.

I believe that being a doctor is somewhat a calling...

Godbless coz We actually don't have many doctors here.:)

dolfenal

10-06-2007, 04:19 PM

Half the class won't be graduating?????????? Wow. Does that practically happen every year? That really puts things into perspective. After the crash course, do most of the students graduate?

Indeed, less than half the class of 2007 did not graduate :eek:because they were not able to pass the comprehensive exam. They were forced to take the 4 months (or less,im not sure) crash course cum board review which is held in the college building twice a week. And at the end of the review, if you still cannot pass the final exam, you will not be allowed to take the boards in February. That's a year delay already! I say abolish the compre exam, :thumbdownits a scam!!!!!Its not fair for all those students not to graduate after 5 years. Take note, 5 years! They may not allow the students to take the board if they foresee that they were not prepared enough but LET THEM GRADUATE for Christsake!!!

dolfenal

10-06-2007, 06:42 PM

We miss Dean San Luis! :love:He's a nice guy. He talks to students, he listens to them, he's approachable, really friendly. Best dean ever! Pls come back. Is that possible?

Jersey226

11-10-2007, 11:01 AM

iguodala76ers

01-13-2008, 04:25 PM

I'm also interested to know more about St Luke's as well... Any additional info about this school would be appreciated.

UIC Killa

01-24-2008, 01:30 AM

I'm new on this thread, so I thought I'd just say hi... I just graduated from Boston earlier this year (Bio/Anthro) and I'm really interested in going to St. Luke's for medicine proper. I just have a quick question for the FilAms studying there (hopefully you guys can help me out ;))... I'm planning to finance my medical education in the Phil with US fin.aid. Problem is, FAFSA needs a school code and St. Luke's doesn't have one (I called the university). For the FilAms studying here, how did you work out loans/finances with the school?

I dont think you can use FAFSA for schools outside of the U.S. (unless maybe it's some study abroad deal). The problem is, FAFSA requires the code because it usually sends the money to the school only, the school then takes out the tuition, and gives you the extra. I dont know how that would work in the philippines....just don't take what I said for granted...I could be wrong.
Best thing to do is call the FAFSA ppl..

tantrum

01-24-2008, 06:51 AM

Only 4 schools there have FAFSA code- UST, Fatima, AUF, and Silliman although i'm not sure if all of them are qualified for loans.

angiostent

03-16-2008, 10:54 PM

hi. im new in this thread. is it true that saint luke's hosp. is offering tcvs for only 6 years instead of 4-5 years gs + 4 years subspecialization?

bleudsky

03-19-2008, 01:57 AM

^ have you already passed the local licensure exams to worry about that?

anyways, if u really wanna know try calling up the St. Luke's Hospital Graduate Medical Office at 723-0101/0301 ext. 4300 and ask about their TCVS program for your peace of mind.

crossbow

05-08-2008, 08:07 AM

hi. im new in this thread. is it true that saint luke's hosp. is offering tcvs for only 6 years instead of 4-5 years gs + 4 years subspecialization?

I think TCVS is still a fellowship program in St. Luke's. When I was an intern the only two surgical straight programs were urology and neurosurgery, although you have to rotate in GS for your first year. Majority of cases in St. Luke's are CABGs. Probably PHC would have more TCVS cases.

cynthster

05-10-2008, 06:03 AM

crossbow

05-11-2008, 08:22 AM

hi! i am currently a 4th year biology student and will be graduating next year. I haven't decided yet where I would be enroll for my medical degree... I've been in St. Luke's Hospital and they have good facilities. I am just quite hesitant since I have been hearing alot of rumors regarding this school. I heard some students of st luke's filed a CHED complaint and that many professors are resigning. My sister also have a friend who studies at st luke's and she says that alot of the students there are discontented with the school. I'm just curious. are all of these true?

I think someone who's currently enrolled in SLCM should answer this question.

Last thursday, i was talking to a former teacher in SLCM who is still teaching now. Most of the "old" or pioneer faculties are asked to resign. They are replacing the physican consultants in the basic sciences with PhDs. For example, in biochemistry, there are zero medical doctors teaching. The department is headed by a PhD and the staff are scientists/biochemist. They will be doing the same thing with physiology and pharmacology. It is true that a lot of students are taking revalidation exams in other schools. I heard that there are only less than 10 enrollees for freshmen students. Do not be fooled by the hospital's facilities. There are still a lot to be considered besides that. I wouldn't want to go into details.

The new administration is to be blamed. 3/4 of the faculty left because they were discontentend with the management. They were mean not only to the students but to the faculty as well. They wanted an exclusive teaching schedule to st. lukes but how can you do this when most of the teachers also lecture in other universities? Remember that the school is quite new and her faculty was formed from consultants from different teaching institutions. Would someone teach in SLCM and say give up UST/UPGH/UE??? Of course not!!! Even those pioneers who are willing to teach are given early retirement.

I've enjoyed my college years there way back. We were not the top medical school as they have been envisioning but we enjoyed and learned a lot. I am doing well in residency and i owe this to the things I've learned form my former teachers in SLCM.

It's weired to be bashing my own alma matter...but that's the reality and I have to live with it. Hope someone whose enrolled could shed some light as well. You could consider other schools if you want. Do not be fooled by scholarships as some were. Good speed!:)

cynthster

05-11-2008, 08:40 PM

thanks for the clarification! I'm really just curious since I've been hearing alot.

That's sad to hear... It's probably hard on you to be able to say all of these things about your school. It is what it is. Hope the administration of your school would be able to realize this.

tantrum

05-12-2008, 08:21 AM

Last thursday, i was talking to a former teacher in SLCM who is still teaching now. Most of the "old" or pioneer faculties are asked to resign. They are replacing the physican consultants in the basic sciences with PhDs. For example, in biochemistry, there are zero medical doctors teaching. The department is headed by a PhD and the staff are scientists/biochemist. They will be doing the same thing with physiology and pharmacology. It is true that a lot of students are taking revalidation exams in other schools. I heard that there are only less than 10 enrollees for freshmen students. Do not be fooled by the hospital's facilities. There are still a lot to be considered besides that. I wouldn't want to go into details.
This is similar to the basic science setup in schools in the US, which is the ideal set-up.
My problem is with the clinical staff as most doctors there cannot afford to stick with one school especially now that practice is not really lucrative. They will lose some very competent specialists.

awestruck

06-01-2008, 04:12 AM

I'm from St Luke's but I transferred to another school already. I'll try to be as objective as possible.

Advantages:
* good facilities (impressive auditorium and library, the medical center has the best and complete facilites)
* small number of students so there is possible learning advantage here compared to other schools

Disadvantages
* relatively new medical school so they don't have a proven effective and standardized curriculum
* curriculum is in the process of being changed so expect alot curriculum changes. (they will add and delete subjects at whim and students do not have a say regarding the curriculum changes)
* alot of policy changes (i.e. in terms of grading system, scholarship terms, etc.)
* faculty changes ( alot of the professors resigned, even those who were pioneers... this means they already lost alot of their competent professors... so this means quality of education here is lowered.)
* only 12 currently enrolled for the 1st year batch this coming school year ( i don't know how those 12 people would survive clerkship and internship since there are alot of work to be done at the hospital)
* lack of patient exposures and experience in actual patient management since you'll be doing alot of papers instead.
* alot of the current students already transferred to other schools. even some of the clerks also transferred to other schools.

My personal take on this school is that they are making alot of changes at the detriment of the students. They are just simply concerned on having a 100% board passing rate so they tend to neglect the needs of their students.

yennnnnn

06-09-2008, 08:46 AM

Hi I'm also a nursing student who will be graduating next year. I'm determined to continue my studies in med school and I'm interested at SLCM since I'm from St. Luke's College of Nursing (Let's GO!) :)

Well yeah. I'm wondering what's the REAL CUT OFF of the NMAT in SLCM? Cause yeah it says at the website 85% but then I've been hearing stories that once you have 65% score, you'll surely gunna pass. Is this true?

And yeah one more thing, what is the passing score of the exams at SLCM? Is it like SLCN that once you get 69 out of 100 you fail? Cause back at SLCN we have a 70% policy. Just curious. Cause we're really paranoids when it comes to that 70% grade cut off.

I don't wanna end up in another school other than mine cause I'm really happy with the place with all the restaurants around!

Please do reply!

Thanks :)

Yennnn - CT Surgeon Wannabe :)

indesign

06-24-2008, 07:25 AM

i'm on my third year at st. luke's and here's the reality of matriculating here.

to sum up, it's a sink or swim situation, and until you graduate, it's all up in the air.

if you're looking for a medical school where you can party every other night, socialize, relax, have time for other hobbies, then this is not the school for you.

my typical schedule is go to school from 8am to 5pm, have 2 hours of personal time to eat dinner and rest from 5-7pm, study/do papers from 7pm-12mn, sleep from 12mn to 4am, study and prepare from 4am-7am, prep/commute for school from 7am-8am. Repeat for 5 days.

Friday nights, I sleep so I can study all day Saturday and Sunday. Squeeze in some time for meals, going to church, calling friends, working out, hanging out. And these spell 10 months of each year from first to third year of medical school at St. Luke's.

I have basically turned from a party boy to an anxious geek in the past 3 years.

But I have no regrets. I'm staying in this school because of the opportunity just a year ahead: training at the premier private hospital in the Philippines: St. Luke's Medical Center.

About the grading system, it's based on a scoring system that the faculty and administration has devised. Each question in a 100-question exam has a value from 0.25 (very difficult) to 1.0(very easy). For you to pass an exam, the teachers will decide on the MPL (passing raw score). If you reach the MPL, you will get a grade of 75% passing grade on that exam.

Another thing about the grading system is that most subjects rely on one exam per block (6 blocks in a year) for your final grade. So, you must have at least 75% passing mark for each of the 6 blocks, for each of the 6 exams given for the school year. And, you also need a 75% for the comprehensive exam ( this is exam #7 ) to pass the subject and be eligible for promotion for the next schoolyear.

Also, there are no graded quizzes or make-up projects/research. So, if you fail your exams, you fail your courses. Period.

For most people, this is horrid, because this means that you have a one-time opportunity to pass.

Personally, I like this situation because I hate being quizzed daily. I hate the stress involved with studying so hard every night because there are 5 quizzes daily for the whole school week. I like reading at my own pace, studying at my own pace, and scheduling at my own pace in time for the one-time exam per block. This is what I was used to doing in college. Only difference is that attendance is required DAILY at St. Luke's (10% absence will get you dropped from the course). In college, I just show up for the exams. I don't even have to attend classes.

All these being said, I like going to school here. It's not for everyone. The commitment is just too high. You are mandated to give up personal life and obligations, basically. But as for me, I want to be a doctor, and I chose this school as the best one for me to be trained in.

The classes are real small. I get to interact and learn from the best doctors in the field. Some of my teachers are the personal doctors of the most respected people in the Philippine society, including the president of the country.

I like being pushed to the limit, because I was never in this situation before. I spent my elementary, high school, and college days just gallivanting, and yet I passed easily. I therefore find my education in St. Luke's as a challenge. That no matter what arrows they throw my way to try to kick me out, I will just study and work harder because I determine my future as a doctor, and I am the only one who can say that I don't have what it takes.

I personally talked to the dean of the school. His vision is clear. He wants the best students. He aims to have 100% passing rate in the medical boards. That means that he is looking for students who have full commitment to study and to learn. If this seems too much commitment for you, there are other schools where you can just basically pay your way and graduate at the top of your class. This is not one of those schools.

To end my piece, I would just like to say that I admire those who found happiness in other schools. But I also admire the grit and determination for those who stay in a school that tests that limits of your commitment to become a physician, which for all purposes and intent, is now considered a thankless job in the Philippines (what with all the nurse-medics out there, which is another topic to delve into):meanie:.

respect

08-30-2008, 10:43 AM

hi, i am actually in my 4th yr as a bs biology student, and I am really planning to go to med school. And one of my dream school is St. Lukes. However, I am not quite sure if I will be able to attend to it because it is so expensive.
Would you be able to suggest some alternatives on how I will be able to attend to it? Or any other scholarships I could be able to avail?
need help....

Thanks:)

vendude

08-30-2008, 10:27 PM

it's close to 200,000 a year. the most expensive med school in the philippines, i think.

i think they have scholarships offered if you graduate with latin honors from top schools (UP, UST, Ateneo, La Salle). i'm not sure about other schools.

just call the registrar's office, or drop by.

at best, the school is going thru a transition with its curriculum. the students, like me, suffer from all these changes. but ultimately, the changes are all for a good cause - to graduate the best medical students that a young school like st. luke's can manage to mold.

i sense your great interest in this school. when you get your finances in order, and when you have finally decided to commit to work hard, i think you will make a great doctor someday.:)

respect

08-31-2008, 07:59 AM

tantrum

09-01-2008, 09:08 AM

respect

09-01-2008, 09:56 AM

Try PLM a lot of UP pre-meds are there. Cost is even less than UP and since you are BS bio you wont have problems with requirements. FEU is also another cheaper alternative but just slightly.

Thanks. I was also considering plm since I was also told their tuition fee is relatively cheaper. Do you know what will be the requirements in PLM?

femmefatale15

10-02-2008, 10:23 AM

Hi! Im a 4th year Biology student who will be graduating this March... and i really really wanna get in St. Luke's to pursue a career in medicine. will be taking the NMAT this December... really nervous..:scared:
(im also considering Ateneo but St. Luke's still tops my list) :D

What is the real NMAT cut-off score to be admitted into St. Luke's? is it 65% (like some say) or 80% and above... and how many students do they accept in freshman year? (hopefully i'd be one of them next year...)
And what about the faculty and curriculum?
I'd really appreciate your responses. thanx. Godbless

nbeestings

11-02-2008, 03:10 PM

Hi!! Does anyone know how much MDs at St Lukes get paid??? Just want to know if it's enough to live in the philippines being an MD or go out of the country..

jaypeeMD

11-03-2008, 02:52 AM

Thank you so much for giving some piece of advice. I really appreciate it. I am actually from UP, howver, I am not that sure if I can have at least a Latin honor (so sad, huhuhu). Nevertheless that doesn't stop me from achieving my dream, that is, to become a good doctor.

As of now, I am looking for other med schools, that can be a little cheap, at least for me. Any suggestions?

Thanks:)

you can actually try to talk to the admissions office of st lukes (around march or april). i think even non-honors can apply for scholarships programs in the school. some of my friends that were non-honors (but have fairly decent grades) got through the scholarship process. same applies to other schools. just contact their admissions office and inquire about these things. i'm telling you based on personal experience that you can get these scholarships even if you're not an honor student. just make sure that you can maintain it throughout med school.

just my 2 cents.

greenpropertyph

11-05-2008, 08:36 AM

you can actually try to talk to the admissions office of st lukes (around march or april). i think even non-honors can apply for scholarships programs in the school. some of my friends that were non-honors (but have fairly decent grades) got through the scholarship process. same applies to other schools. just contact their admissions office and inquire about these things. i'm telling you based on personal experience that you can get these scholarships even if you're not an honor student. just make sure that you can maintain it throughout med school.

just my 2 cents.

I agree. Thanks for the advice jaypee :thumbup:

indesign

11-08-2008, 05:45 AM

There are 2 main scholarships in St. Luke's.

FIRST is awarded before starting freshman year. This is where the Latin honors from major pre-med schools apply. I copied and pasted the info below from the school website.

SCHOLARSHIP GRANTS
The St. Luke’s Medical Center (http://www.stluke.com.ph/), in support of the St. Luke’s College of Medicine (http://stlukesmedcollege.edu.ph/Default), together have embarked in an unprecedented feat of generosity by granting full scholarships to the best and the brightest graduates of leading Colleges/Universities of the land. It is the ultimate hope of this endeavor that the best College of Medicine and the state-of-art and first JCIA-accredited Medical Center in the Philippines are able to educate and train intellectually gifted individuals who aim for academic excellence with integrity and commitment and who truly desire to become part of the competent and compassionate healing professionals.

The St. Luke's College of Medicine Scholarship Program has two types of grants: full scholarship and partial scholarship.

The full scholarship is awarded to bachelor degree holders who graduated with Latin honors from colleges in the Philippines with NMAT score of 90% and above. This scholarship covers tuition, laboratory and miscellaneous fees and books.

The partial scholarship is given to bachelor degree holders with a GWA of 2.0 (or its equivalent) and an NMAT score of 90%. This covers 75% of the tuition, laboratory and miscellaneous fees and books.

This is the scholarship that all my scholar classmates have.

SECOND is the route done by my other classmates including 3 of my barkada. They were not scholars during the first year but they were able to achieve grades required to be eligible starting their second year. I copied and pasted info from the school website below.

A student promoted to the next year level may obtain/maintain a full scholarship provided that the GWA of the previous year is 85% or higher, with no grade lower than 80%. A partial scholarship may be obtained/maintained in the next year level if: (1) the GWA is 85% or higher without a failing grade, or (2) there is no grade below 80%.

I'm sure Jaypee can elaborate about his personal experience regarding the procurement of a scholarship unique to the requirements stipulated above.