September 30, 2021 — The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) and UP Manila welcomed the 12th batch of the MD-PhD students during the virtual signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Aug. 31, 2021.

“As we work towards the opening of the Philippine Virology Science and Technology Institute (PVSTI), more MD-PhDs are needed when it is already established,” DOST Sec. Fortunato Dela Pena told the students who are the agency’s scholars for this program. 

HB 9559 that proposes the creation of the PVSTI under the DOST was passed on third and final reading on July 28, 2021. It is envisioned to become the premier research and development institute in the field of virology encompassing all areas of viruses and viral diseases in humans, plants, and animals.

Moreover, PCHRD Exec. Director Jaime Montoya told the MD-PhD scholars, who he referred to as “mikrobyo warriors,” “Many of you will remain unseen and very few will recognize your good work; but like cells and microbes, your work is incredibly essential to protect and sustain humanity and other living things especially now.” 

The MD-PhD (Molecular Medicine) program was started in 2010 by the DOST-PCHRD and UP Manila and is one of only few careers that efficiently integrates the scientific and medical education of the physician-scientist. It trains aspiring physician-scientists for careers dedicated to the advancement of health through biomedical research. Since 2010, the program has admitted more than 100 student-scholars. As of 2021, it has graduated 21 doctor-scientists who are now in the academe, research, and clinical residency training.

For her part, UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita Padilla remarked that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical role of the physician-scientists in addressing emerging national and global health concerns. 

“Here in our country, the MD-PhDs actively engage in multifaceted and multilevel actions directed to better understand the disease, innovate strategies to mitigate and prevent the disease, and provide scientific evidence for policy formulation,” she added.

As of now, MD-PhD graduates are collaborating in at least 15 COVID-related researches as project leaders or study proponents.

Several MD-PhD graduates, particularly those undergoing residency training, are involved in the direct care of diagnosed COVID-19 patients here and in the provinces. With their technical expertise and skills in molecular biology, some MD-PhD graduates are significantly involved in the establishment and operation of COVID-19 testing facilities. 

As of July 2021, students of the program have generated 116 publications in reputable peer-reviewed scientific journals. In collaboration with other biomedical experts and reputable scientific organizations, the MD-PhD graduates have published various recommendations and position papers tackling critical aspects in the diagnosis and service delivery related to COVID-19.

Recently, the multimillion research program “MultiOmics Research Program for Health”, whose four component projects are being led by MD-PhD graduates, was approved for funding by the DOST-GIA for implementation in 2022. The program aims to elucidate the molecular basis and mechanisms associated with identified relevant diseases in the country through ‘omics’ technology in molecular epidemiology, biomarkers, metabolome, microbiome, pharmacogenetic and gene expression studies.

Cynthia M. Villamor

Featured in UP Manila Healthscape Special COVID-19 Issue No. 31 (Sept. 2021)