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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider UP Mindanao opens School of Medicine to address physician shortage

UP Mindanao opens School of Medicine to address physician shortage

Published May 11, 2026 01:40 pm
University of the Philippines Mindanao
University of the Philippines Mindanao
The University of the Philippines Mindanao (UPMin) has officially opened its newly established School of Medicine (SoMed) and is now accepting applications for its Doctor of Medicine program.
UP President Angelo Jimenez said “the initiative aims to increase the number of physicians serving communities in Mindanao.”
With some areas in the region having among the lowest physician-to-population ratios in the country, the UP Board of Regents’ approval on April 30 to launch SoMed marks a major step toward improving healthcare access and equity.
“The program aligns with UPMin’s mandate to develop physician-leaders committed to social accountability, culturally grounded service, and community-based problem-solving,” UPMin Chancellor Lyre Anni Murao said.
According to UPMin, applications for the Doctor of Medicine program will be accepted from May 4 to May 31, with the first year of medical training scheduled to begin in August 2026.
A total of 35 slots will be available for the inaugural batch.
Applicants must be Filipino citizens aged 35 years or below; a graduate of a science or health science degree with an NMAT score of at least 90; or a graduate of the UP Manila School of Health Sciences (UPM SHS) Nursing program with an NMAT score of at least 40.
The five-year MD program adopts the Organ System Integrated curriculum, a community-oriented framework developed by UPM SHS.
It emphasizes primary healthcare and immersive, community-based learning to prepare students to respond effectively to the region’s diverse health challenges.
Scholarships will be offered to low-income and deserving students, with priority given to graduates from geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, indigenous peoples, and Muslim communities.
In crafting policies for SoMed, UP Mindanao has also benchmarked with institutions including Ateneo de Zamboanga University, the University of Southeastern Philippines-Tagum Campus, and Western Mindanao State University to ensure the program meets high standards of medical education and remains relevant to regional needs.

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UP MINDANAO SCHOOL OF MEDICINE UP PRESIDENT ANGELO JIMENEZ
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