filipino med schools

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to those who are interested about what specialty FEU is known for ----

It's PEDIATRICS!!!

Originally Posted by hnerypaoho

- I see.. coz i'm heading back to the phil maybe around 1st week of June. and I'm one of those guys that could speak tagalog. but not cebuano.. hey, maybe we might bump up with each other during our clerkship or others! I just hope we could get along when that happened!

Hey Hnery,
Im fluent in cebuano, but unfortunately my tagalog is rusty since I do not use it here in the states. That is why I watch tagalog movies to try to improve my tagalog. I can comprehend pretty much 100 % but when I speak its "taglish" if you know what I mean. I hope I will be fluent ASAP when I go to Manila. I do not want to be talking in English to the local Filipinos. My father was tagalog, though I have not lived with him in 10 years.Anyway, I do hope to bump into you during clerkships. Good Luck.

-so why don't you go to cebu to attend med school? coz i heard that they have excellent schools there.. don't worry! you'll learn tagalog in a jippy once you get to manila! and if i were you.. try to learn "Phil-English".. for you to stay out of trouble.. coz some of the filipinos hate people speaking english with an american accent!

Originally Posted by bleudsky

hello!

i'm a newbie here. i'm a 3rd yr medical student in UST.

speaking filipino is an advantage especially when you take your patient's history and perform physical exam and/or when you just check on them. most of the time, your patients come from the lower class level. though they comprehend english, you can't always guarantee that they understand what you told them and when they ask you advices (ie. are we allowed to take a bath, what foods can we eat, etc.), you have to reply to them in filipino.

in case you'd like to know, UST already released the list of eligible applicants weeks ago. they set a deadline for the reservation of slots & compliance w/ their requirements. if u were admitted but didn't comply with the requirements and paid the reservation fee on time, they'll give your slot to someone else (in the waiting list).


hope to meet or bump into some of you at St. Martin De Porres Building.

Hi Bluedsky,
Welcome to the Forum! I am quite glad to see a UST med student here in the forum. I am attending UST med this June as a freshman. Bluedsky, I was just wondering if you could give me some advice on doing well in the first year. It's just that I went to this UST forum for med students, and most of the first year are complaining of studying too much and bombing their tests anyway. Is it true that 1st year is the most difficult year? Its just that I am already reviewing some concepts in biochem, anatomy, physiology, and histology....from books in undergrad when I took all those classes. I started memorizing the bones , muscles, fossas, and foramens. You think that would help? What about for biochem? Should I start with memorizing the structures of all 20 amino acids? I'm planning on doing that, though what are the big things you need to memorize for biochem? I remember memorizing krebs cycle, electron transport chain, glycolysis, etc and all enzymes, atps, and pathways involved when I took the class in undergad. Are we going to delve into all this the first year? Im sorry if I am asking too many questions. I wanna start out with a bang! Hopefully make honors! Thanks.
P.S. Hope to bump into you in UST!

phlipsquad,

studying ahead doesn't hurt much - in fact, it'll be to your advantage so that you won't be overwhelmed or surprised by it when you come across it again during the actual schoolyear. for me, the 1st two years are the "difficult years" since you study a lot of things in a limited time. good thing here is they give official hand-outs (hand-outs made by the department) but they still require you to read your books. about exams/quizzes, well that is something we all despise & something u really can't avoid/whine about. what i can advise is to stay focused yet relaxed. when you're finding it hard to concentrate, rest for a while (it won't hurt, right?) and don't forget to sleep. yes you're going to dwelve VERY MUCH on biochem, physiology, anatomy, histology. i think u should just concentrate on the essential amino acids (mnemonics - VP H MATThILL).

God bless!

Originally Posted by GoldenAzn

I'm still considering between UST and FEU to be honest. I'll be going there around May to figure out which school I want. But I think I'm leaning honestly to UST more.

Hey phlipsquad I sent ya a pm concerning your living arrangments in UST..so I can get an idea of what I should expect. If you have aim...and wanna talk through that pm me back with your sn.

Hi Golden,
Just want to update you with my living arrangements. Good News! I got a spot for my apartment and will be giving a 35,000 pesos down payment for the first 3 months.Just to let you know, the two buildings that are across the street from the hospital ranges from 10,000 to 12,000 pesos a month (Around 240 dollars) Anyway, I am quite happy to have gotten a spot here. I have been hearing that it is very difficult to do so, since they have limited rooms an a long waiting list. It is a good thing I signed myself up on the waiting list back in January when I had my interview with UST.

-anybody here that is heading to feu this year? Maybe we could share good infos about the way of studying there.

to those aspiring to go to UST

there's a rule now that students NOT on hospital duty (for medical students, it's the 1st to 3rd yrs) are prohibited on passing by the hospital (both clinical and private divisions). unless they plan to change it by june, since many are complaining about it.

Originally Posted by bleudsky

to those aspiring to go to UST

there's a rule now that students NOT on hospital duty (for medical students, it's the 1st to 3rd yrs) are prohibited on passing by the hospital (both clinical and private divisions). unless they plan to change it by june, since many are complaining about it.

Hi Bluedsky,
I know the med school is inside the UST campus. So that means that I , as a first year medical student, cannot pass through the hospital to shortcut my way in to the medical school? I know UST is gated, so do I have to go through another of its gates to get in? It's just that I have already reserved a place, in this building which is located across the street from the San Juan De Dios Hospital (in the same block as Kenny Rogers) I guess I'm just trying to find a shorter (since it is such a large campus) and yes SAFER way to walk around outside campus. I've heard alot about the snatchers. Any feedback please?

Hi SpartanDoc and to all those Filipino residents out there!
How are you guys and ladies! Hope you are not too busy, with being a resident and all. Spartan, I was just curious what type of residency you are in currently? What about all you other residents in this forum. Would you kindly let us know your current residency types? We, as medical students, look up to you guys as our peers! We would just like to know what kind of opportunities are available to Filipino graduates out there. Please let us know.

Originally Posted by phlipsquad

Hi SpartanDoc and to all those Filipino residents out there!
How are you guys and ladies! Hope you are not too busy, with being a resident and all. Spartan, I was just curious what type of residency you are in currently? What about all you other residents in this forum. Would you kindly let us know your current residency types? We, as medical students, look up to you guys as our peers! We would just like to know what kind of opportunities are available to Filipino graduates out there. Please let us know.

-Good questions there philsquad! i just had those questions in mind! how about in europe, australia or oceania? are there any filipino med grads having residency there? what does it take to get in? or let's say, d they accept "us"?

Originally Posted by phlipsquad

Hi Bluedsky,
I know the med school is inside the UST campus. So that means that I , as a first year medical student, cannot pass through the hospital to shortcut my way in to the medical school? I know UST is gated, so do I have to go through another of its gates to get in? It's just that I have already reserved a place, in this building which is located across the street from the San Juan De Dios Hospital (in the same block as Kenny Rogers) I guess I'm just trying to find a shorter (since it is such a large campus) and yes SAFER way to walk around outside campus. I've heard alot about the snatchers. Any feedback please?

as of now, u can NOT pass through the hospital if you're headed to or coming from lacson ave. so, you have to pass through the gate either near the grade school or the one infront of burger king (along dapitan). yeah there are lots of snatchers here. so be careful of your things and don't show your wallets or mobile phones (or any other highly valuable things) in public.

san juan de dios hospital?! i'm a bit confused here. i know that hospital but it's located along roxas blvd (which is far from UST). unless there's another hospital named as that. and kenny rogers? are u referring to the kenny roger's across the clinical division?

Originally Posted by bleudsky

as of now, u can NOT pass through the hospital if you're headed to or coming from lacson ave. so, you have to pass through the gate either near the grade school or the one infront of burger king (along dapitan). yeah there are lots of snatchers here. so be careful of your things and don't show your wallets or mobile phones (or any other highly valuable things) in public.

san juan de dios hospital?! i'm a bit confused here. i know that hospital but it's located along roxas blvd (which is far from UST). unless there's another hospital named as that. and kenny rogers? are u referring to the kenny roger's across the clinical division?

Hi Bluedsky,
Yes, I am talking about the clinical hospital. I have a doctor friend in manila who graduated two years ago from UST, and she helped me with the apartment hunt and recommended this building. I still do not know my way around campus, let alone the streets and stuff. Maybe you would know if I described to you the building. Most of the UST foreign med students live here and it is a stylistic building which stands out from the others along the same street. It is probably a 5 story building with verandas and hanging plants. I hope this rings a bell. I do not have the address with me right now, since I am at work. Anyway, I just made my down payment. By the way, the cross street has a jollibee if that also rings a bell.

Originally Posted by hnerypaoho

-Good questions there philsquad! i just had those questions in mind! how about in europe, australia or oceania? are there any filipino med grads having residency there? what does it take to get in? or let's say, d they accept "us"?

As you guys might or might not know the 2005 match was released on March 14th. According to friends of mine it was relatively competitive. Each specialty varies year to year on how competitive they are. In general, most IMG's are in the primary health care fields such as, Internal Medicine and Family Practice. Psychiatry and Pediatrics are also non-competitive. Surgery, Anthes, Emergency Medicine, and Ob/gyn are harder to get into, but not out of an IMG's reach. Great board scores (i.e. higher 220) and clinical US experience could get you into these specialties. OrthoSurg, Neurosurg, Derma, Urology, and Radio are super hard to get into. Rarely do IMG's get accepted into these specialties. In my opinion, board scores of greater than 240 on Step 1 and Step 2, 1 year of clinical US experience, and an audition rotation in that particular specialty at the hospital you want to go to might get you a spot (i.e. orthro, neurosurg, and uro). Although extremely difficult, it is not impossible. With that said, if you are planning to apply to these difficult specialties, formulate a back-up plan.

I know first year in the Philippines is a difficult time. You are adjusting to a new environment and a new system of learning. But keep in mind that graduation is just around the corner and an organized and well thought out plan to obtain residency is your best chance to get the one of your choice. So begin early, check out all the web sites, and do your research. Some web sites I like are scutwork.com, freida, nrmp.org, and ecfmg.org. Good luck to all.

Originally Posted by DocTan

As you guys might or might not know the 2005 match was released on March 14th. According to friends of mine it was relatively competitive. Each specialty varies year to year on how competitive they are. In general, most IMG's are in the primary health care fields such as, Internal Medicine and Family Practice. Psychiatry and Pediatrics are also non-competitive. Surgery, Anthes, Emergency Medicine, and Ob/gyn are harder to get into, but not out of an IMG's reach. Great board scores (i.e. higher 220) and clinical US experience could get you into these specialties. OrthoSurg, Neurosurg, Derma, Urology, and Radio are super hard to get into. Rarely do IMG's get accepted into these specialties. In my opinion, board scores of greater than 240 on Step 1 and Step 2, 1 year of clinical US experience, and an audition rotation in that particular specialty at the hospital you want to go to might get you a spot (i.e. orthro, neurosurg, and uro). Although extremely difficult, it is not impossible. With that said, if you are planning to apply to these difficult specialties, formulate a back-up plan.

I know first year in the Philippines is a difficult time. You are adjusting to a new environment and a new system of learning. But keep in mind that graduation is just around the corner and an organized and well thought out plan to obtain residency is your best chance to get the one of your choice. So begin early, check out all the web sites, and do your research. Some web sites I like are scutwork.com, freida, nrmp.org, and ecfmg.org. Good luck to all.

-Thanks Doctan! by the way, would you mind giving me your email ad? coz i have some personal questions that i would like to ask personally.. God Bless..

phlipsquad,

i think i know what building you're talking about. i'm just not familiar with the name of the building. when you're already here, you'll get acquainted with the streets, places where to eat, and even the other buildings inside the campus. on your first day, they'll tour you inside the building so that you won't be confused (asking on what floor is the biochem lab located, etc.).

just wondering if you guys heard of it from what i know, it's a relatively new school, but i was wondering if you knew their specialization or any reputation remarks?

Originally Posted by car2x

just wondering if you guys heard of it from what i know, it's a relatively new school, but i was wondering if you knew their specialization or any reputation remarks?

-The old San Beda College has a very good reputation when it comes to law. but i'm not sure for medicine. coz they just started 3 years ago.. and the school hasn't join the medical board exams yet. but i heard that they prof merely composed of up grads..

Originally Posted by car2x

just wondering if you guys heard of it from what i know, it's a relatively new school, but i was wondering if you knew their specialization or any reputation remarks?

Yup,
Hnery is right. I have heard about it being good in law. Since its medical school is fairly new, we really can't say much about its reputation as of yet.
Car, maybe you should also consider UP, UST, UERM, FEU and St. Luke's. These five have a very good reputation. I believe they are the top 5 medical schools in the Phils based on what I have heard from people in the phils.

Hi Bluedsky,
I was wondering if you could help me with something.I'm slowly reviewing my medical science materials. For first year, Do we have to memorize the organic structures of all amino acids? What about organic synthesis in biochem? Like urea cycle, all the liver pathways etc. Those are biggies too right? I want to start memorizing the biggies. Please let me know.Please... I hope you understand that I am just trying to prepare myself as early as possible. Thanks.

Originally Posted by phlipsquad

Hi Bluedsky,
I was wondering if you could help me with something.I'm slowly reviewing my medical science materials. For first year, Do we have to memorize the organic structures of all amino acids? What about organic synthesis in biochem? Like urea cycle, all the liver pathways etc. Those are biggies too right? I want to start memorizing the biggies. Please let me know.Please... I hope you understand that I am just trying to prepare myself as early as possible. Thanks.

-That's the spirit! I myself was also considering to get to the books as early as of now.. but i don't have any idea where to start and which book to focus on.. anyway, may God bless you with your hard work! i know you'll give a good impression in your first year!

Originally Posted by phlipsquad

Hello, I was wondering if someone can give me some type of feedback, especially someone who has graduated or is currently enrolled in UST. I know UST is PBL but integrated with modules? Im a little confused? Is it more PBL or traditional.They claim its revised PBL. I hope its still Problem Based Learning in more ways than one, considering I agree with DocTan that PBL prepares us IMGs better for the USMLEs.Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

the coming school year will still use the Integrated curriculum - meaning, more of the traditional curriculum plus the small group discussion (w/c is part of PBL). they use "subjects", not modules.

i'm a student enrolled under the PBL curriculum. we are the ones who have "modules" instead.

for example in the Respiratory Module, we start w/ the discussion of ALL of basics concerning the adult respiratory system (ana, physio, biochem, histo, etc.) then go to the clinical aspects (physical diagnosis, radio, patho, medicine, surgery, pharma, etc.). that way, we're able to integrate and correlate everything. you get the idea? as our former dean said it, the learning is vertical, not horizontal.

the misconception of other students is that they view PBL as a "curriculum for the lazy ones". in fact it's the opposite. though we have wednesdays as our free day, we spend it studying at the library or at Starbucks (or wherever we want to). maybe they just don't see that some of us have time management - that's why we still have time for R & R (rest & relaxation) despite our hectic scheds.

bottom line is, the measure of being a great doctor is not on the type of curriculum you had but it's your attitude towards your patient/s and fellow doctors.

hi everyone.. im just wondering..i live in valenzuela and its very far from u.e? im planning to rent an apartment or dorm? does ue have apartments/dormitories near the university? how much is the rent? is it safe? another is, is it true that if you study in u.e. you have more time to relax because your sked arent that hectic? and lastly what are the subjects being teached in first year med? thanks so much...every comments and suggestions are much appreciated..

Originally Posted by aileen47

hi everyone.. im just wondering..i live in valenzuela and its very far from u.e? im planning to rent an apartment or dorm? does ue have apartments/dormitories near the university? how much is the rent? is it safe? another is, is it true that if you study in u.e. you have more time to relax because your sked arent that hectic? and lastly what are the subjects being teached in first year med? thanks so much...every comments and suggestions are much appreciated..

and lastly what are the subjects being teached in first year med?

Being teached or being taught? heheheheheheh

hi!
is it true that UP med does not require prerequisite subjects (like Chem, Trigo, Physics)? for medschool as long as one graduates with a B.S. degree (even if in engineering or economics )?
does this also apply to B.S. graduates from other schools or B.S. graduates only from UP?

^^ i don't know about that.

it's very hard to get into UP CM, especially if you're from another school. even those who had their pre-med there (in diliman or in manila) had a hard time because the admission has so HIGH standards (high NMAT score, should be a child of doctor/s who is/are profs at UP or well-known in their profession, graduate in pre-med w/ honors)& they prefer male applicants than female.

Originally Posted by asspwet

and lastly what are the subjects being teached in first year med?

Being teached or being taught? heheheheheheh

sorry being taught rather....

Originally Posted by maia

hi!
is it true that UP med does not require prerequisite subjects (like Chem, Trigo, Physics)? for medschool as long as one graduates with a B.S. degree (even if in engineering or economics )?
does this also apply to B.S. graduates from other schools or B.S. graduates only from UP?

Yup,
I heard UP is very difficult to get into. If you can get into UP, then that means you are very competitive here in the States. Anyway, I think they accept from 0 to maximum of 2 foreigners, depending on the year. Also, I heard those that do get accepted are not only super smart, but also know someone in admissions, or has a parent who is a grad from there, etc.

Originally Posted by hnerypaoho

-That's the spirit! I myself was also considering to get to the books as early as of now.. but i don't have any idea where to start and which book to focus on.. anyway, may God bless you with your hard work! i know you'll give a good impression in your first year!

Hey Hnery,
Since we only have about 2 months left before the beginning of classes, I am trying to have as much fun as possible. This is going to be our only free time for some time! Nevertheless, I am taking a few hours of my weekends to review some key concepts. I have not bought any textbooks yet, but I am reviewing from my undergrad books when I took anatomy,physio, bichem, and histology. These four are high yield subject in medicine, I believe. Am I right, all you med students out there? Anyway. Hope you are doing a 50/50 thing too Hnery! 50 % FUN and 50% studying or let's say preparation. At least that will help us out during our transition period, during out adjustment of attaining study skills and time management. But other than that, I am soooo excited to start! P.S. There is an inkling inside me saying its doable, althought it definitely will be a hard and bumpy road with many challenges. Best of luck to all the incoming Freshman!

Originally Posted by phlipsquad

Hey Hnery,
Since we only have about 2 months left before the beginning of classes, I am trying to have as much fun as possible. This is going to be our only free time for some time! Nevertheless, I am taking a few hours of my weekends to review some key concepts. I have not bought any textbooks yet, but I am reviewing from my undergrad books when I took anatomy,physio, bichem, and histology. These four are high yield subject in medicine, I believe. Am I right, all you med students out there? Anyway. Hope you are doing a 50/50 thing too Hnery! 50 % FUN and 50% studying or let's say preparation. At least that will help us out during our transition period, during out adjustment of attaining study skills and time management. But other than that, I am soooo excited to start! P.S. There is an inkling inside me saying its doable, althought it definitely will be a hard and bumpy road with many challenges. Best of luck to all the incoming Freshman!

-Well, it wouldn't hurt if you review some of the basics in advance. what I heard is, biochem is the subject that most of the students feared. and i agree with that. coz when I took the subject during my pre-med years. it was really though to understand. Maybe because i felt it was not that important for me at that time. anyway, as for me.. I'm just trying to save up some extra money for now. coz medicine is really a money and time consuming course. and we should plan what would be our next step. but I think you're doing great with the advance preparation. coz if only I would have the chance, I will also do the same as well.. by the way, are you finish with the ust requirements? Coz as for feu, they I wouldn't able to finish the process of enrolment if I didn't go there for physical and lab exmas. damn feu!! so I don't have the choice but to go there early or mid-may!

Philipsquad- I don't see the point in reviewing right now... there will be plenty of time to stress out about studying in 2 months. Memorizing molecular structures is now won't make that much of a difference in your grade.

Enjoy time with your family, your friends, enjoy life. Because the person that is leaving for the Philippines now, will not be the same person that comes back. Medical school in the Philippines will change the fabric of who you are... Plus you will never again have the time you have now. Go scuba diving, sky diving, go to New Orleans. Get more life experience. Because once you get into med school, then into residency, then start practicing med... you will no longer have the time to do that fun stuff. For the last 6 months, I have only averaged 1 day off a week, I have gone up to 21 days straight working at minimum, a 12 hour day. Now figuring I sleep 7-8 hours.. that gives me 4-5 free hours a day to drive to work, eat, cook, watch a movie... etc. Thats nothing... so enjoy the time you have. I am not complaining mind you, I know its the nature of the beast, and there is no other job I would rather do.. but I sure do miss those days where I could wake up late and waste a whole day doing something fun.

But if you still do insist on studying. Then I suggest you go buy first aid for the USMLE step 1 or at least look through that book. Then go buy the highest recommended reviewer for the basic sciences. In biochem for example this used to be Lippincott's Biochem review ( don't know what it is now.) Physiology it is BRS. Don't waste your time reading text books right now. Read the reviews, they are good summaries of what you need to know.

Originally Posted by aileen47

hi everyone.. im just wondering..i live in valenzuela and its very far from u.e? im planning to rent an apartment or dorm? does ue have apartments/dormitories near the university? how much is the rent? is it safe? another is, is it true that if you study in u.e. you have more time to relax because your sked arent that hectic? and lastly what are the subjects being teached in first year med? thanks so much...every comments and suggestions are much appreciated..

Dear Aileen,

Their are many dorms/apartments around the UERM campus. Depending on your budget, housing can range from 4000-20,000/month. Valenzuela is way too far to live if you're planning to attend UERM. I suggest medics home for women, many students live there and it is beside the campus. Many fil-ams live at Robbinsdale Hotel, but I have to warn you it is pricey. It does have its perks, electricity, water, and phone are include in the rent. They have DSL connections if you want to have it in your room. Another option is the allied bank bldg.
It is true that we have lots of independent study time, but I advise you to use it wisely. If you don't study you will have a difficult time passing the Philippine boards or the USMLE. You may be able to get by and pass each module, but the most important thing is what you learned and how much you retained. Keep that in mind.

Originally Posted by hnerypaoho

-Well, it wouldn't hurt if you review some of the basics in advance. what I heard is, biochem is the subject that most of the students feared. and i agree with that. coz when I took the subject during my pre-med years. it was really though to understand. Maybe because i felt it was not that important for me at that time. anyway, as for me.. I'm just trying to save up some extra money for now. coz medicine is really a money and time consuming course. and we should plan what would be our next step. but I think you're doing great with the advance preparation. coz if only I would have the chance, I will also do the same as well.. by the way, are you finish with the ust requirements? Coz as for feu, they I wouldn't able to finish the process of enrolment if I didn't go there for physical and lab exmas. damn feu!! so I don't have the choice but to go there early or mid-may!

Hi Hnery,
Its the same for me. I have to get a physical in the UST hospital before I can enroll. It shouldn't take that much time. Btw, I am leaving May 23, a little early because I need to buy furniture for my apartment and stuff. I can't believe it comes EMPTY. Anyway, Good luck with everything !

Originally Posted by Spartan Doc

Philipsquad- I don't see the point in reviewing right now... there will be plenty of time to stress out about studying in 2 months. Memorizing molecular structures is now won't make that much of a difference in your grade.

Enjoy time with your family, your friends, enjoy life. Because the person that is leaving for the Philippines now, will not be the same person that comes back. Medical school in the Philippines will change the fabric of who you are... Plus you will never again have the time you have now. Go scuba diving, sky diving, go to New Orleans. Get more life experience. Because once you get into med school, then into residency, then start practicing med... you will no longer have the time to do that fun stuff. For the last 6 months, I have only averaged 1 day off a week, I have gone up to 21 days straight working at minimum, a 12 hour day. Now figuring I sleep 7-8 hours.. that gives me 4-5 free hours a day to drive to work, eat, cook, watch a movie... etc. Thats nothing... so enjoy the time you have. I am not complaining mind you, I know its the nature of the beast, and there is no other job I would rather do.. but I sure do miss those days where I could wake up late and waste a whole day doing something fun.

But if you still do insist on studying. Then I suggest you go buy first aid for the USMLE step 1 or at least look through that book. Then go buy the highest recommended reviewer for the basic sciences. In biochem for example this used to be Lippincott's Biochem review ( don't know what it is now.) Physiology it is BRS. Don't waste your time reading text books right now. Read the reviews, they are good summaries of what you need to know.

Thanks Doctan for your input.
I do try to have as much fun as much as possible, although I do have some free time to myself, so I figured...might as well start refreshing some science I learned in undergrad. Your idea is great. I will definitely buy those books and use them to serve as an outline for the general concepts, and hopefully build my knowledge base from there. THANKS.

email me. i am from ust.
dennisdmauricio@yahoo.com

hello to gynecologist! nice to see a fellow thomasian here.

anyway, what year did u graduate? any advice you can give to an incoming medical clerk (like me) and regarding oral revalida (gulp!).. thanks in advance!

Originally Posted by gynecologist

email me. i am from ust.
dennisdmauricio@yahoo.com

Congratulations to Gynecologist, who recently matched for ob/gyn residency in NY! He graduated from UST! My fellow Tomasian, we are all so VERY PROUD of you! Go UST!

am a 30 years old male, graduated from a humble medical school in manila last 1998.
i am not the best student in my class.

i did two years of residency in the philippines, and fate made me to look again in the prospect of tackling the USMLE's and matching for a residency slot in the USA.

i studied by myself for the USMLE steps 1 and 2 and the CSA.
got all the books and materials which i thought are necessary and read them. by heart.

also, i assimilated all the pieces of advice i got from everyone. littelest they may seem, but all were nuggets of gold to me.

i sought our 'elders' to write me strong letters of recommendation and asked my school's dean to make me a very good dean's letter.

my personal statement i composed for a whole week. make that two. for it to be outstanding, yet modest and true. i even asked a friend's friend to help me out.

wrote down all my academic accolades and clinical experiences for my curriculum vitae. it was a very short list.

then went to USA for the CSA.
and interivewed to eight programs from the twelve calls i got.

i aimed to leave a good impression with the interviewing faculty. needless to say, that is different from impressing the interviewers.
i was eager but composed.
conveyed i am confident of what i can offer,
yet reassured them i have a lot to learn under their tutelage and care.
i was interesting as i was interested.
smiled alot. becasue i really do smile alot.

followed up my application by sending thank-you letters and letters of intention.

while waiting for the match outsome, i studied and took step 3.

i matched with a university program for ob/gyn.
but i decided to pursue further, and next year, for my second year in residency, i am to transfer to a bigger program,- where there is a fellowship for gynecologic oncology.

i think this is a very likely story for people who went through the match.
but what i like to underscore is that
PREPAREDNESS, FOCUS, HARDWORK, PERSEVERANCE and BEING RESPONSIBLE for the choices we make
are the keys to success. For the Match or otherwise.

And, by the way, I always ask and seek Our Lord God's approval in every step of the way.
Surely, He will lead the way.

Hello to you...
The revalida, to me, is a very good exercise. You get to assess yourself if you are prepared after medical school. It will somwhow reflect your wisdom and how you'd handle doctor-patient savvy. Though it is not the sole criterion to gauge your knowledge and skills.
During our year, there was one magna cum laude candidate, but he did not do good in his revalida (poor patient rapport and poor expression of himself with the tribunal). I know this guy and he is really smart. But they decided not to give him his merit. Everybody in the class frowned on this decision. But came graduation, this guy got a long standing ovation.
From that story, you see, it is important.
Do not stress about it, though. you will have plenty of time to see cases and imbibe knowledge. Then study for it,- in proper time.
Being a lowly student like me, I got a 'benemeritus' grade. So everyone can do well.

wow thanks for the inspiration.

my first rotation will be on Medicine (any department will do as long as it's not Obstetrics) and any suggestions on what else should i include on my medical bag, aside from the usual stethoscope, sphygomanometer, tape measure, thermometer? speaking of thermometer, is it wise for me to buy that tympanic thermometer instead of the axillary type? what are the other "toxic departments" aside from Medicine?

lastly, do u have any idea what those "handbook of must knows" are? somebody suggested i should get all copies of these though i don't know where i'll find them. i already have those baby notes (the ones w/ a black leather cover) as a quick reference.

being an AMSA member, i thought of spending my Elective in Germany (coz i want to have adequate experience in Trauma). bad thing is that my elective month falls on a summer season. oh well.. maybe next time..

hi FRIENDS
i am intrested to study in philippine and i heard abt angeles school of medicne so any one out there guide me what is fee structure and i need to give nmat so what to study and what books to refer\
if any one has information abtbthis then its request to guide me asap,,
thanks
sweetrose

Originally Posted by hnerypaoho

-anybody here that is heading to feu this year? Maybe we could share good infos about the way of studying there.

hi! im just new here and i just so happened to read your entry. btw im from the phils and is also heading to FEU this year. hope we could bump into each other out there.anyway i've read a lot of entries (from you and others) with regards to your worries on studying here. and i just want to say something about this from a Pinay's point of view

> first, u don't have to be so worried if u can't speak Tagalog/Filipino that well, YET. Most Filipinos do understand English (in fact, our national language now here in the Phils is English! how ironic don't you think? but it's true) and we have so many foreigners here in our country that we are all used of seeing/living/talking to people of any nationalities, in English. so no big deal.

> as for your future classm8s, filipinos r known for being nice and hospitable. (btw u r a fil-am ryt? so u shud know that! ) add the fact that i would probably be one of your future classmates, so hassle-no more!! just kidding. seriously i also have those hussles and fussles here in my mind as you do, though im already from the phils, and i think all upcoming freshman do. it's pretty normal and we can't do anything about it. so as one saying goes: just enjoy the ride. like you i'm heading there alone coz my friends all went to UP, UST, PLM and UERM. im from UP by the way, unfortunately, i didn't make it to UP-PGH, 4 d reasons u already know. and FEU is not a popular choice among UP people. actually im not sure y im going there, maybe it's just meant to be. but i do know people who went there and are actually good doctors now. so worry no more coz u are not alone. hope to c u there!

Originally Posted by msharvard

hi! im just new here and i just so happened to read your entry. btw im from the phils and is also heading to FEU this year. hope we could bump into each other out there.anyway i've read a lot of entries (from you and others) with regards to your worries on studying here. and i just want to say something about this from a Pinay's point of view

> first, u don't have to be so worried if u can't speak Tagalog/Filipino that well, YET. Most Filipinos do understand English (in fact, our national language now here in the Phils is English! how ironic don't you think? but it's true) and we have so many foreigners here in our country that we are all used of seeing/living/talking to people of any nationalities, in English. so no big deal.

> as for your future classm8s, filipinos r known for being nice and hospitable. (btw u r a fil-am ryt? so u shud know that! ) add the fact that i would probably be one of your future classmates, so hassle-no more!! just kidding. seriously i also have those hussles and fussles here in my mind as you do, though im already from the phils, and i think all upcoming freshman do. it's pretty normal and we can't do anything about it. so as one saying goes: just enjoy the ride. like you i'm heading there alone coz my friends all went to UP, UST, PLM and UERM. im from UP by the way, unfortunately, i didn't make it to UP-PGH, 4 d reasons u already know. and FEU is not a popular choice among UP people. actually im not sure y im going there, maybe it's just meant to be. but i do know people who went there and are actually good doctors now. so worry no more coz u are not alone. hope to c u there!

-Nice to hear that someone out there is also heading to feu-nrmf. coz I'm starting to worry about being by myself. Actually, I'm not fil-am.. I'm fil-chi who was born and raised in the phil.. But I've been living here in taiwan for about 3 years now. it was only for the past months that i realized that I'm not happy with my work anymore and decided to pursue what i wanted since childhood. I'm sorry that things didn't turn out good with UP. but look on the bright side. you're still going to a well reputated school (I hope I'm right).. Anyway, I really do hope that we could be classmates starting this school year and through out the year. Coz we surely ned each ones help to go through this bumpy long road.. by the way, do you have some tips where to find a good but cheap houses around the school? Coz I'm thinking of renting one..

Originally Posted by hnerypaoho

-Nice to hear that someone out there is also heading to feu-nrmf. coz I'm starting to worry about being by myself. Actually, I'm not fil-am.. I'm fil-chi who was born and raised in the phil.. But I've been living here in taiwan for about 3 years now. it was only for the past months that i realized that I'm not happy with my work anymore and decided to pursue what i wanted since childhood. I'm sorry that things didn't turn out good with UP. but look on the bright side. you're still going to a well reputated school (I hope I'm right).. Anyway, I really do hope that we could be classmates starting this school year and through out the year. Coz we surely ned each ones help to go through this bumpy long road.. by the way, do you have some tips where to find a good but cheap houses around the school? Coz I'm thinking of renting one..

Hey Hnery,
I was just looking at your school's website. It looks like FEU has a nice looking hospital!

Originally Posted by sweetrose

hi FRIENDS
i am intrested to study in philippine and i heard abt angeles school of medicne so any one out there guide me what is fee structure and i need to give nmat so what to study and what books to refer\
if any one has information abtbthis then its request to guide me asap,,
thanks
sweetrose

Hi sweetrose,
Angeles University is in Pampanga right? My father was from pampanga. When I was a kid, I use to travel to Pampanga from manila. I think its far from manila and I think its still considered a suburb right? I mean if peace and quiet is what you want, then go for it! I have no idea what their fees are and stuff, but I'm sure you can find the school's website online, just google it. As for the NMAT, where are you taking it? In the states, they offer it only in NY and in California. If you register for it, they will give you 2 sample tests. I think this is more than enough to study from. But if you insist on having more aid, then use the MSA reviewer. I had someone buy this for me from the Philippines. Good Luck with you applications! You should also consider other schools? Like UP, UST,UERM,FEU and St. Luke's. these are very good schools. Take care and good luck.

Originally Posted by hnerypaoho

-Nice to hear that someone out there is also heading to feu-nrmf. coz I'm starting to worry about being by myself. Actually, I'm not fil-am.. I'm fil-chi who was born and raised in the phil.. But I've been living here in taiwan for about 3 years now. it was only for the past months that i realized that I'm not happy with my work anymore and decided to pursue what i wanted since childhood. I'm sorry that things didn't turn out good with UP. but look on the bright side. you're still going to a well reputated school (I hope I'm right).. Anyway, I really do hope that we could be classmates starting this school year and through out the year. Coz we surely ned each ones help to go through this bumpy long road.. by the way, do you have some tips where to find a good but cheap houses around the school? Coz I'm thinking of renting one..

yah, i know one. there's this one dormitory near the hospital which was referred to me by the admission's personnel. i just didn't get the name of the dorm but i was able to call them and make a reservation. it's a lot cheaper to live in a dorm than to rent an apartment. the price of a room vary depending on the number of occupants/rm. as i can remember, a room which is good for 2 persons costs 6000 pesos. so just split the bill with ur room8. room good for 1 person is more 5000+ pesos/month. they ask for 2 mos advance and two months deposit. as for apartments, sorry i don't know any but i am sure there's a lot just around the hospital. try to call the admission's office and see if they know some. goodluck!

Originally Posted by msharvard

yah, i know one. there's this one dormitory near the hospital which was referred to me by the admission's personnel. i just didn't get the name of the dorm but i was able to call them and make a reservation. it's a lot cheaper to live in a dorm than to rent an apartment. the price of a room vary depending on the number of occupants/rm. as i can remember, a room which is good for 2 persons costs 6000 pesos. so just split the bill with ur room8. room good for 1 person is more 5000+ pesos/month. they ask for 2 mos advance and two months deposit. as for apartments, sorry i don't know any but i am sure there's a lot just around the hospital. try to call the admission's office and see if they know some. goodluck!

-Are there any rooms for one person that you can get it for 5000 pesos? yah i heard about the dorm for 6k! But may point is, if you can get a house lower that 5000, plus elecrticity and water bills. it would sum up around 6-7k/month! and you get the house by yourself and if there's more available rooms, you can ask classmates to move in and split the expenses. coz i heard some bad things living in a dorm. like missing valuable things, have to fall in line just to use the bathroom and some idiots making noises. But maybe I will consider the dorm just to settle in temporarily.. by the way, have you completed your enrollment? coz I have not finished it yet! coz they said that i won't able to complete the process unless I get a PE and lab test! damn school! so I have no choice but to get back early as I planned!

Originally Posted by phlipsquad

Hey Hnery,
I was just looking at your school's website. It looks like FEU has a nice looking hospital!

-Don't be fooled philsquad! Coz i went there last feb for my interview! and I found the hospital unorganized when it architectural basis! I mean is, it seems that they have a wide space for more wards and beds but they just left it blank and wasted! so the patients have to piled up in a crowded ward! and there's more! that wards are the like rooms in jails! there are no airconditoner and they even didn't provide ventilators! so the patients just brought their own electirc fans just to get some cool air! but, I found the medical buliding not bad.. the rooms are airconditioned so there's no hassle to find a spot where the fan can hit you with some cool air! Anyway, maybe they'll improve it in the future. or maybe, there are better rooms or wards that I didn't see like the private or pay wards.. By the way, what's you email ad? so that we could talk further without posting messages here!

hi bluesky! I'm from UST batch 2006. My first rotation is Obstetrics although I'm not exactly sure about this. I'm an AMSA member myself and I've also inquired about doing my electives abroad. I'm willing to give it a go but I'm worried that it might delay my graduation. Do you have additional info regarding this matter? Good luck and regards!

hi there loosecannon! nice to see a batchmate here (& fellow AMSA member here). are you male or female?

we had a meeting about SCOPE last week. ross presented to us the countries for professional exchange (both IFMSA and AMSEP). IFMSA pertains to those for exchange to europe, AMSEP for asia. the difference is IFMSA can allow exchange students in a certain time, AMSEP all year round (except for their local board months). the school allows us 3 weeks to take our electives elsewhere coz they want the last week to be spent at Radiology in our hospital. but if ever you go for exchange, you'll be paying for the entire 4 weeks coz the minimum they require is 4 weeks. in other words, lugi ka ng 1 week. if you extend your stay there (take all 4 weeks elsewhere, then separate pa ung 1 week sa Radio), you will still graduate but you will miss the graduation rites at PICC (meaning, you won't wear your toga).

the countries for AMSEP are indonesia, malaysia, japan, hongkong, taiwan. everyone's aiming for hongkong, even i. but since my elective season's quite early, i missed their deadline of filing for applications.

btw, if you're interested better make up your mind asap so that you can fix the necessary papers. 1 requirement is that you should file your applications 3 months ahead.

God bless! Obstetrics eh? good luck at Fabella.