St. Luke's College of Medicine, Philippines

[crossbow]

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!

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[cynthster]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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).

 

[respect]

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]

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]

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

 

[tantrum]

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

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.

 

[respect]

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]

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..
(im also considering Ateneo but St. Luke's still tops my list)

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[indesign]

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, in support of the St. Luke’s College of Medicine, 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.

 

[indesign]

Based on the lifestyle of my teachers (who are consultants in the medical center), I guess it must be comfortable enough for them to afford high-end cars, clinics, and out-of-the-country trips a few times a year.

I would say the most demanding specialties earn the highest: cardiothoracic surgery, neurosurgery.

 

[hopefulRNMD]

Ayee! im a hopeful medical student. And st. luke's is definitely on my top list. justtt having second thoughts though afterr i read the posts in here. ummm i just wanna ask the medical students who are currentlyyy studying at st. luke's, how's it going at st. luke's? is the curriculum good? is it still "magulo"? and how many freshmen students are there??

-eager to knw!! thank u foo

 

[indesign]

most of the rough edges have been honed. all the courses are still hard. but i love it here. what's not to like? great facilities. great training in the country's top private hospital. i also plan to do maybe 2-3 month clerkships in the u.s. and the dean is ok with it. life is good here.

 

[paranoiababy]

^ classmate! =P

I have to agree that this may not be the school for everyone especially if you value your time to socialize more than your studies. I'm still in St. Luke's even when a lot have moved on to other schools. My friends who transferred already claim that they have to thank St. Luke's for the kind of toxicity the school dished out on them - it's the kind of 'training' that you'd only get to appreciate when you're already out of the system.

Yes, we do have a small number of enrollees for 2008-2009 but then we must also face the fact that the dwindling number of doctor-wannabes in general is the most likely culprit for this. St. Luke's is clearly just one of its many victims.

I have to agree that it's relatively more stable now compared to the previous years.

 

[angiostent]

is it true that saint lukes is offering the tcvs(thoraco-cardio-vascular surgery) program for just a total of 6 years instead of 8 years(4 years specialization and 4 years subspecialization)?