The MD-Ph D Molecular Medicine program, a joint offering of the UP Manila College of Medicine and the Department of Science and Technology has ten new scholars who were formally welcomed in brief rites held today, June 22 at the Alvior Hall.
The MD-Ph D Molecular Medicine is a pioneering degree program that combines the features of the MD and Ph D courses. An eight-year program, it is the first and so far, the only program of its kind in the Philippines. Before it was first offered in June 2010, health professionals interested in pursuing this discipline can only obtain the course from the best schools abroad. It was only recently that the Philippine government, through the Department of Science and Technology, recognized the urgent need to fund and develop scholars each year to be “Molecular Medicine” scientists, educators, and practitioners.
DOST Secretary Mario Montejo and UP Manila Chancellor Ramon Arcadio (seated, 2nd and 3rd from left) sign the Memorandum of Understanding for the 2nd batch of scholars standing behind them for the MD-Ph D Molecular Medicine program. Also in photo are Science Education Institute Director Filma G. Brawner, UPCM Dean Alberto Roxas, PCHRD Executive Director Jaime Montoya (standing extreme left), and Dr. Paulo Pagkatipunan (extreme right).
At its launching a year ago, 10 scholars of high academic distinction and coming from different regions in the Philippines were admitted .
In his message during the signing ceremony, Chancellor Arcadio stated that considering the complex and growing health problems we are now experiencing, the country needs doctor-scientists capable of conducting biomedical researches, especially on persistent and emerging illnesses.
The Program aims to develop physicians with a strong background in basic and applied research as part of a biomedical career and provide advanced education through the Ph D component while completing the MD phase.
“Within a few more years, we hope to have a growing stable of “MolMed” scientists and researchers to speed up the needed cures for our people and offer new insights in the pathogenesis of several diseases common to developing countries like ours,” he added.
After eight years, graduates are expected to apply their expertise and knowledge of basic sciences in teaching, conducting researches to improve health service delivery and apply research methods in conducting independent researches that impact on national development.
