University of Philippines Manila

15 Years of Advancing Medical Research: The Legacy of MD-PhD, Molecular Medicine Program

Text by Angelou C. Mendoza
Photo by Ehcel S. Hurna

Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing with the 15th batch of MD-PhD (Molecular Medicine) Program with the presence of the authorizing officials, former DOST Secretary Engineer Fortunato dela Peña, Director Jaime Montoya of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), and Chancellor Michael Tee.

On Dec. 18, 2024, the College of Medicine celebrated its 15 years of quality excellence with its MD-PhD (Molecular Medicine) Program and welcomed the 15th batch of MD-PhD scholars signing the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), continuing the legacy in an event, “Pagdayaw: Towards Transforming Filipino Healthcare through Innovative Translation Medical Research.”

In commemoration, the event showcased ten years’ worth of data, including the achievements of the program through publications and citations of its faculty members, alumni, and scholars’ researches from 2014 to 2024 through the accomplishment reports of the program using a bibliometric analysis.

Dr. Jaime Montoya, executive director of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), acknowledged the success and achievements of the program.

“Forty-nine scholars have successfully graduated from the program, each making strides in the academe, some under the Career Incentive Program (CIP), contributing to the field of molecular biology and biotechnology, some went to residency training and are involved in patient care, and some went on to become researchers and technical reviewers. Additionally, 38 MD-PhD scholars have conducted their dissertation projects abroad in renowned health research institutions in the USA, Japan, Italy, Taiwan, Canada, and Scotland. At the Council, two of the program’s alumni are with us, Dr. Ruby Anne King and Dr. John Carlo Malabad, currently serving as Assistant Scientists,”

PCHRD Executive Director Jaime Montoya

Dr. Nina Gloriani, former College of Public Health dean and MD-PhD program coordinator, laid the foundation of the program beginning from the visions of the former Chancellor Perla Santos Ocampo, its transformation and evolution, implementation of scholarship and exchange program opportunities, enhancement of research skills of the students, future career paths, and integration of clinical medicine with basic research.

CM Dean Charlotte Chiong gave the opening remarks while Chancellor Michael Tee and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum delivered their respective inspirational remarks. Also present at the event were MD-PhD Program Coordinator and Vice Chancellor for Research Leslie Michelle Dalmacio and former DOST Secretary Engineer Fortunato dela Peña, as one of the authorizing officials.

The MD-PhD (Molecular Medicine) Program is a dual degree program offered by the University of the Philippines Manila College of Medicine and stands as the country’s only program that offers both a medical degree with the highest level of academic degree in research. This is a successful partnership between the university and the DOST. The College of Medicine as the trailblazer of the double degree program, “Pagdayaw” was a theme to honor the progressive 15 years of medical and research studies. ■