USTP College of Medicine to open doors to future doctors

By Eric Vincent A. Dotarot, USTP System Strategic Communication Office

On July 28, 2023, the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) will officially open its much anticipated College of Medicine at the USTP Dr. Ricardo E. Rotoras (DRER) Memorial Hall in Cagayan de Oro City. Establishing the USTP College of Medicine is an important milestone for the institution and the region of Northern Mindanao.

The formation of the College of Medicine (COM) is a long-term answer for ensuring the sustainability of public health counter measures, particularly in terms of the sufficiency of the nation’s healthcare experts. The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the need for more doctors and other healthcare workers in the Philippines, and the USTP College of Medicine will contribute to meeting that demand.

Hon. Cong. Rufus B. Rodriguez during USTP College of Medicine’s consultative forum

The USTP COM was introduced by Cagayan de Oro Second District Representative Honorable Rufus B. Rodriguez through House Bill No. 8123 (later substituted with House Bill No. 9522). The University Board of Regents approved it through Board Resolution No. 141, s. 2021.

In October 2021, USTP announced the appointment of Dr. Mitchel Dennis B. Gonzalez as the inaugural Dean of the College of Medicine. Dr. Gonzalez is a distinguished neurosurgeon and academician whose expertise has been instrumental in shaping the careers of medical students and residents at both university and hospital levels. He firmly believes that the development of the College of Medicine will foster the growth of qualified medical professionals, thus enabling better medical treatments. Dr. Gonzalez’s outstanding contributions have garnered numerous accolades, including a Command Plaque from the Philippine Army, a Testimonial of Appreciation from the Philippine Medical Association, a Leadership Award from the Misamis Oriental Medical Society, and the Most Outstanding Physician award from the same organization.

Following that, in November 2021, the USTP COM hosted a two-day seminar workshop on its Vision, Mission, and Goals (VMG) at the USTP Performing Arts Theater. The seminar workshop aims to bring together key stakeholders to decide the college’s vision, mission, and goals for 2021-2028. Dr. Ambrosio B. Cultura II shared the USTP Strategic Plan: Vision 2030 to ensure conformity with the University’s aims.

USTP System President Dr. Ambrosio B. Cultura II during COM’s VMG seminar workshop

As part of the preparation for offering the Doctor of Medicine program, the Regional Quality Assessment Team (RQAT) of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region X visited the COM on May 11, 2022, to conduct an on-site inspection and validation of its facilities and support services.

In September 2022, another evaluation was conducted. CHED Region X, with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), conducted a joint remote evaluation activity to help realize the university’s application for authority to offer the program. The evaluation was aimed to present the entirety of the College of Medicine, from faculty and staff, facilities, down to the support services.

After a year, in May 2023, the CHED Commission En Banc (CEB) approved the offering of USTP’s Medicine Program.

Finally, after all the efforts and groundwork for the past two years and through the administration’s unwavering dedication and collaborative spirit, the USTP College of Medicine is ready to accept students to provide exceptional medical education and cultivate ethical practitioners who will uphold the highest standards of care.

Indeed, the USTP College of Medicine is an important milestone for the institution. It is a beacon of hope, a testament to the hard work and dedication of the people at the USTP, and a symbol of the region’s future. The whole Trailblazer community sees its potential to impact so many people’s lives.

Join us as we embark on an exciting journey of shaping the healthcare landscape of the region and the country!