Studying Medicine in Philippines is a good choice and opportunity for those who are genuinely interested in becoming a doctor.

The Philippines education system is similar to the education system in USA and offers M.D as its primary medical course. It is recognized by the World Health Organization and also by the Medical Council of India as equivalent to MBBS degree in India.

For Foreign students the medical school curriculum is a four and a half year of study program which includes three years of academic study and one year of clerkship rotations.

The Basic science curriculum is completed over a two year period and comprise of subjects like Gross and Microscopic Anatomy, Neuroanatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Psychiatry, Family Medicine, Pathology, Pharmacology, Neurology, Nutrition, Medical Ethics and Parasitology.

The Third Year is composed of classes focused on Clinical Sciences consisting of Applied Nutrition, Dermatology, Otolaryngology, Family Medicine, Obstetrics, Gynecology, Legal Medicine, Medical Jurisprudence, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Ophthalmology, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Radiology, Rehabilitation, Surgery, Surgical Anesthesia and Surgical Pathology.

In the fourth year students are given opportunity of experiencing higher clinical skills in various affiliated hospitals of Philippines .They are required to complete rotations of two months each of Surgery, Internal Medicine, Family medicine, Obstetrics/Gynecology and Pediatrics and two weeks each of Otolyrangology, Ophthalmology, Psychiatry and Infectious Diseases .In some colleges the students have an option to pursue elective periods in Foreign Countries if they want to get work experience abroad. The 24 hours duty in various hospitals provides good clinical experience to students as they can observe, interact with the locals and learn to manage different cases and rare diseases.

The Medium of Instruction is English and most of the lectures are based on PowerPoint presentations. The students are allowed to study and revise independently in Laboratory even after the lectures. The professors in the University who are highly skilled and specialized in their respective areas, are always available to assist and guide the students. Students are motivated to become an active member of health care team as they get opportunity to volunteer in various Medical Relief operations across Manila.

The accommodation and commuting expenses in Philippines is quite reasonable and is almost like India. The Filipino people are very hospitable, friendly and cheerful. Hence it’s not difficult for anyone to adjust in the Filipino environment.The rigorous training, best Professors, fine hospital setting and the positive attitude of the locals not only makes the working environment pleasant but also motivates the students to strive for excellence in their profession.

After completion of Medical education and obtaining the ”Doctor of Medicine” degree the students have many choices. Those who would like to pursue their Medical residency and specialization overseas can take the licensure examination for the respective countries like USMLE for USA and PLAB for UK.

For students who would like to practice in their home country India are required to pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) which is conducted twice every year in the months of June/July and December. After qualifying in this examination the students can obtain their provisional license from their State Medical Council and can complete one year of Internship rotation in the hospitals in India. After completing the internship the students can apply for Permanent license and get permanently registered as physicians.

The decision to become a doctor is an arduous undertaking. It is a long journey and can be exhausting at times as it requires a lot of hard work, dedication and sacrifice. But in the end the outcome of all this commitment and hard work will eventually pay off. Philippines has indeed given theopportunity to many international students like me to fulfill their dream of becoming physicians.

Studying MBBS in Philippines has been one of the most crucial and fruitful period of my life. All these years of rigorous training, interaction with the local patients and the pleasant working atmosphere has not only helped me to appreciate the value of this noble profession but has also given me the confidence to prepare for independent practice in future.

Medical education in Philippines is affordable and ensures quality education and skills for aspiring doctors. It’s a great choice for those who want to take medicine as their career of choice in overseas countries.

Dr. Anupama (Author of this Article)

Ex Student, Our Lady of Fatima University, Graduated(2013), Cleared FMGE in 2013 in First Attempt

Also Read Article and Information provided by Dr (Ms.)  Anupama : MBBS in Abroad.