CEBUANA topnotcher Angel Anne Ambayan, who landed sixth spot in the March 2025 Physician Licensure Examination, credits her success to consistent effort and perseverance each day.
It’s all about consistent learning, she said, during her years as student at the University of Cebu (UC) College of Medicine Foundation, Inc.
In an interview with SunStar Cebu on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, Ambayan revealed that her journey to become a licensed doctor was filled with both challenges and triumphs.
She shared that while she had limited time for studying during her internship due to the physically demanding nature of her work, she managed her time carefully.
She studied eight to twelve hours a day to cover the 12 subjects and prepare for the board exams.
“Sometimes you will feel it’s exhausting. It’s not what we feel, it’s about what we do with what we feel and then choosing to show up every day,” said Ambayan.
Fresh off the board exams, the newly licensed doctor said her motivation to study stemmed from the desire to use her knowledge to help future patients and make a meaningful impact in their lives.
Ambayan said preparation for the board should start long before the actual months dedicated to studying for the exams.
Goals
The 27-year-old never set out to be a topnotcher when she took the boards. Ambayan said her main goal was just simply to pass the test.
She said there were times when she felt that was enough, but also, there were some nights when her prayers were filled with tears as she faced self-doubt and anxiety throughout her journey.
She overcame these challenges through prayer, family and friends, and by finding a deeper sense of purpose in her path.
“The exciting part is we become colleagues in saving lives and free helping people. So, I refuse to see it as a competition but a celebration of colleagues in doing our best and being rewarded for our hardwork,” said Ambayan.
She credited her success to her family, especially her parents, whose sacrifices fueled her determination.
“Whenever I think about where my parents came from who were working students and my grandparents as farmers, I remember the hard work my parents put in to ensure I could finish my studies,” said Ambayan.
“It really encourages me, and whenever I’m feeling down, I would just remember my parents and look at how much effort they put in,” she added.
Reflecting on her next steps, Ambayan plans to teach and help future doctors reach their dreams through teaching and mentorship, while her long-term goal is to become a pediatrician.
Ambayan recalls a childhood visit to a doctor who left a lasting impression on her.
The physician was gentle, kind, and caring—qualities that stood out to her at such a young age.
During the consultation, he handed her a Jelly Ace candy, a small gesture that sparked a big dream.
“Looking back, he was one of those doctors who was kind enough to be gentle to a patient and it was me,” said Ambayan.
As she moves forward, Ambayan carries with her not just the knowledge of medicine, but a heart full of purpose—to heal, teach, and inspire. / DPC