TO ADDRESS the shortage of doctors in the marginalized areas of the country, the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) virtually launched the School of Medicine (SoM) on October 18, 2021, offering the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program.
In her welcome message, Dr. Melinda C. Tagle, SoM Dean, underscored that opening SoM is a response to the growing need of doctors and medical practitioners, especially at this time of the pandemic.
"Providing genuine service and benevolence is the main core of the School of Medicine," Dr. Tagle said. "The vision and goals of the School of Medicine would be achieved and realized when all of us in the community constantly work hand in hand. This requires our collective effort wrapped in love," she added.
Dr. Lourdes C. Generalao, University President, expressed her appreciation and gratitude to the people who showed their support to make the endeavor possible. She remarked that all the years the University had spent for passing the stringent qualifications of Commission on Higher Education (Ched) for opening an MD program had been not in vain. She then emphasized the role USeP will play in the medical field and education in the region.
"As the only SUC in the Davao Region to operate a Doctor of Medicine Program, the University is given the capacity to transform lives of individuals from impoverished backgrounds. With this influence, USeP has become a catalyst of significant change in different communities," Generalao said.
USeP’s SoM acquired the license to operate on August 31, 2021, joining the list of successful SUCs to support and avail of the Republic Act (RA) 11509, also known as Doktor sa Bayan Act.
Last May 25, 2018, the University also signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) as the MD program's partner hospital.
The launch was attended by the University officials, faculty, and staff led by President Generalao, officials from Ched, several Tagum City officials, and invited medical practitioners from across the region.
Senators Joel Villanueva, Juan Edgardo Angara, and Pia Cayetano also gave their congratulatory remarks and challenge for USeP.
USeP, being the lone SUC approved by Ched to operate the MD program in the Davao Region, continues to live up to the University's mantra of building dreams without limits. (Sponsored Content)