The University of the Philippines Manila – College of Allied Medical Professions (UPM-CAMP) and Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC) have partnered to offer students a top-tier education and practical clinical training. Through a Memorandum of Agreement signed by officials from UPM and CSMC on March 4, 2024, students of B.S. Occupational Therapy, B.S. Physical Therapy, and B.S. Speech Pathology, will train at CSMC and have access to advanced medical equipment including In-Motion Robotic Therapy, designed to address neurological conditions such as stroke, brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries, allowing them to deepen their understanding and practical skills in the field.
Chancellor Michael L. Tee praised the partnership and emphasized how it offers rehabilitation science students an opportunity to familiarize themselves with state-of-the-art medical facilities. Additionally, it presents them with the option to potentially serve at Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC) upon graduation, further enriching their academic and professional journey.
CAMP Dean Maria Eliza R. Aguila said the collaboration will address the healthcare needs of Filipinos while advancing educational standards.
“We recognize the unique opportunities that this partnership will bring for our students who will get to train in one of the top hospitals in the Philippines and one that specializes in the field of rehabilitation medicine, and also in other fields that are relevant to rehabilitation practice. This partnership is therefore an expression of our shared commitment to responding to the healthcare needs of Filipinos while advancing education,” she said.
Aguila also thanked Chancellor Tee for his instrumental role in facilitating the partnership. She noted that the process, from conceptualization to the signing of the memorandum, was efficiently completed in just a couple of weeks.
For his part, CSMC President and CEO Raul C. Pagdanganan expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, particularly highlighting the distinctive training opportunities that CSMC will offer to the students. He emphasized that this collaboration will ultimately contribute to enhancing the quality of healthcare in the field of rehabilitation medicine across the country.
“The partnership of our institution, the Cardinal Santos Medical Center, and the University of the Philippines Manila combines the best of both worlds. It is a marriage made in heaven,” he said.
“Salamat, UP CAMP, for providing the best training for our allied health students and incidentally for helping us fill out a lot of gaps in our tech requirements. In return, we promise you, your graduates will have the finest in-house training that they deserve,” he added.
Student Council Chairperson and Physical Therapy student Denabea Emry Catapang revealed her excitement for the chance to gain a deeper understanding of the course through future clinical training at CSMC.
“Right now, we are learning new therapies. It is a great opportunity to have first-hand experience with public and private hospitals. I think this will shape us to be holistic therapists,” Catapang said.
Erlyn Pareja
