Text by Charmaine Lingdas

The University of the Philippines College of Medicine (UPCM) celebrates 160 new doctors who hurdled the October 2024 Physician Licensure Examination, as well as earning the title of top-performing school with a 96.97% passing rate. Among the top examinees were Jerickson Rodney Cua (3rd, 89.17%), Ryan Delfin Encarnacion and Martin Aaron Mamangon (6th, 88.33%), and Frances Dominique Ho (7th, 88.00%).

A Journey Filled With Challenges

Reflecting on his journey to become a doctor, Dr. Cua said “We are truly blessed to have been taught by the brightest minds in the country, who are pioneers within their fields, and mentored by the most compassionate, holistic physicians who remain our role models to this day.” He shared that his aspiration to pursue medicine was a lifelong dream and saw his acceptance into the INTARMED program as the pivotal moment that set him on his path in medicine.

Dr. Cua stated that his journey was filled with challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he was part of the first batch to complete their fourth year entirely online. However, with the unwavering support of UPCM’s dedicated faculty and his classmates, he successfully navigated this difficult period. “I believe that my time in the College of Medicine has allowed me to develop the necessary focus and discipline in order to survive and overcome the rigors of the very challenging field of medicine. More than the theoretical knowledge that will serve as the foundation for my practice, the College of Medicine has instilled in me the values and virtues of a six-star physician who can adequately serve the country,” Dr. Cua added. 

After finishing his residency and fellowship training, he plans to establish his medical practice here in the country.

Advocating for Better Healthcare Systems

Dr. Ryan Delfin Encarnacion, who tied for sixth place with Dr. Martin Aaron Mamangon, also shared his motivation for entering the medical field, which was influenced by his family and early exposure to healthcare. Reflecting on his clinical rotations in the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), he highlighted how this experience provided him with an in-depth understanding of the country’s healthcare challenges. “Our role as physicians goes beyond treating patients; it also involves advocating for better healthcare systems,” Dr. Encarnacion noted. He expressed deep gratitude to his mentor, Dr. Jonas Del Rosario, who instilled in him invaluable lessons on patient care and the importance of continuous improvement.

“[The] UP College of Medicine is unique, as it equips you not just with medical knowledge, but also provides an environment for you to think critically, learn from your mistakes, and adapt to any situation. I think it’s no secret that clerkship and internship in PGH are very challenging and can push you to your limits. However, this is all to prepare us for the real world, where we are expected to be leaders and trailblazers in our respective fields,” said Dr. Encarnacion.

“We Can Prolong Life, But Not Conquer Death”

Dr. Frances Dominique Ho, who secured the seventh spot, was drawn to medicine after her mother was diagnosed with cancer. Over the years, she discovered the impact of compassion in medical care, an insight she gained through hands-on experiences with her patients at UPCM. Dr. Ho described a memorable encounter with a terminally ill patient and their family, which taught her “the valuable lesson of humility — that while doctors can prolong life, we ultimately cannot conquer death.”

In her early INTARMED years, professors Dr. Gene Nisperos and Dr. Lopao Medina from the Department of Family and Community Medicine inspired her. Later, during her internship, Dr. Felix Eduardo Punzalan mentored her in research, providing opportunities to analyze data for PGH Division of Cardiovascular Medicine studies. Reflecting on the guidance of her mentors, Dr. Ho said, “Their deep love for the Philippines and passion for social justice and health equity inspired what became my guiding principles, my ‘why.’”

These new physicians represent UPCM’s mission to develop “Six-star physicians” who are not only academically excellent but also committed to serving the Filipino community with compassion and skill. #