Delegates from Bulacan State University’s College of Medicine and representatives from the UP College of Medicine pose for a group photo during the benchmarking event held at UPCM Medical Sciences Building Henry Sy Sr. Hall.
Text by: Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photos by: Sarah Hazel Moces S. Pulumbarit
In an effort to improve the academic and administrative procedures of its own College of Medicine, Bulacan State University (BulSU) officials and faculty members visited the University of the Philippines Manila College of Medicine (UPCM) for an afternoon focused on learning and collaboration on Jan. 16, 2025, at the Unilab Hall in the Henry Sy Sr. Hall, Medical Sciences Building.
The dean of the BulSU College of Medicine, Dr. Noelyn Bernal, and the director of the anatomy department, Dr. Ryan Josef Tuazon, headed their delegation which included department heads, faculty members, laboratory technicians, and administrative staff. They were welcomed by Dr. Charlotte Chiong, dean of UPCM, Dr. Christine Susean Sagpao, international linkages coordinator, and several other faculty and staff members.
“We are committed to help you particularly in the medical programs to be able to accomplish what we have always dreamed of for our countrymen. We would like that underserved populations in terms of healthcare should be properly served. The College is committed to ensuring that the Doktor Para sa Bayan law to be successful and be able to produce the doctors that will man the different areas where doctors are really needed,” asserted Dr. Chiong, as she welcomed the delegation and thanked them for their effort. She also emphasized that what the UPCM can offer is 120 years of experience in medical education.
The program featured several insightful presentations, including one delivered by Dr. Coralie Therese Dimacali, associate dean for academic development, who discussed UPM’s Basic Medical Education Program. Dr. Dimacali discussed the UPCM’s Organ System Integrated (OSI) curriculum, which emphasizes the importance of integrating concepts across different stages of learning. She underscored the uniqueness of this curriculum, drawing parallels to how students are introduced to the organ system approach as early as grade school science, where they learn about the human body in a comprehensive and interconnected way. This foundation helps medical students build a deeper understanding of complex medical concepts later on.
Dr. John Kenneth Ramos, head of the Department of Physiology of the College of Medicine, Bulacan State University, inquired about the outcomes of the UP College of Medicine’s implementation of the Organ System Integrated (OSI) curriculum.
“Ang pinaka-importante talaga is the dedication of the faculty. To be honest, medicine is really learned at the bedside. When students start collating the concepts with action, hindi lang theoretical care. So, if you are a good faculty member, you need to help the students by joining them in the rounds and making every moment a teaching moment,” said Dr. Dimacali.
Dr. Coralie Therese Dimacali, associate dean for academic development in the UP College of Medicine, acknowledged the initial hesitations of both faculty and students regarding the OSI curriculum. Despite challenges in its implementation, she noted a significant improvement in graduate performance.
Dr. Anthony Geronimo Cordero, director of the Community Health and Development Program (CHDP), emphasized the necessity on community engagement in adhering to the Doktor para sa bayan Law to develop a community-based program so that the scholars will be ready to serve in their locality within the government health system.
“The partnership with the community should exist primarily as a public service program. Just like a hospital, Di po ba, yung hospital naman ay nag e-exist siya hindi para lang may ma-rotate-tan ng mga med students, nag e-exist talaga siya para tumulong sa pasyente. Ganun din po dapat sa community, dapat mag e-exist yung engagement to primarily help the community,” Dr. Cordero said as he shared the experience of UP Manila in conducting a 5-year collaborative engagement with the communities in Cavite.
Dr. Jose Joven Cruz, associate dean for planning and development, shared UPM College of Medicine’s strategies for physical infrastructure development, offering valuable ideas for the BulSU team to consider in their own planning.
He also highlighted the features of the UPCM Medical Sciences Building, emphasizing its forward-thinking design. These include the use of solar panels for a more sustainable energy source, pandemic-ready rooms designed to ensure proper airflow and fresh air circulation, and small, purpose-built spaces for focused small-group discussions.
This benchmarking activity was a true reflection of UPM’s commitment to accessible leadership and the continued growth of medical education, as well as a demonstration of how exchanging best practices can help institutions strengthen their contributions to the field of medicine.
The activity was made possible in collaboration with the UPM Office of International and Local Linkages.#