The three years of classroom-based learning is already over. No more quizzes, long quizzes and shifting exams. No more hours-long lectures. No more struggling to stay awake during boring lectures. The past three years were terrifying and fulfilling, at the same time. Really, a lot has changed since I first entered medical school. I’ve turned into a shy, reserved girl from college into someone who can confidently say what is on her mind and assert for what is wrong. I even argue with people sometimes just to prove a point. From being a lazy college student who would just study for her exams on her bus ride going to school, I’ve become this medical student who would always want to be prepared for every exam she will take. As much as possible, she wants to learn everything that she can for the benefit of her future patients. If before, she would wallow for her failures in school, she has become someone who rants about them for a while and then immediately gets up to her feet, ready to fight again.And, a few weeks from now, another chapter of my medical education will start: clinical clerkship.
Clinical clerkship is a year-long hospital duty wherein one will be rotating to the different departments such as Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics and Obstetrics to name a few. During clerkship, one would handle patients, interview them, conduct a comprehensive but focused physical examination, diagnose the case and plan for the management and treatment of the patient. Of course, clinical clerks are under the supervision of the interns, residents and consultants.
Almost everyone would say that clerkship will break your soul. My professor, Dr. Malijan, even told us that we should be prepared for at least one emotional breakdown. They say, clerkship will be very exhausting both physically, emotionally and mentally. It will push you to your limits. It will test how firm you are with your principles, how tactful you are in making decisions in the most crucial times. The hospital will be your battlefield and your knowledge, skills and passion to heal people will be your weapons.
Honestly, I am both excited and scared for the clerkship. Excited because finally, I will be in the hospital doing what doctors are really doing. I’m excited to meet my seniors who hopefully, would be unselfish in sharing the competency they have acquired in their practice. I’m excited working with my future colleagues. I’m excited to meet my future patients, listen to their stories and make them feel better. However, I’m scared that I might do well in the first few weeks of clerkship because I don’t think I’ve already learned enough during the past three years and I have zero experience of doing hospital duties. I just hope that I’ll be able to adapt to the new environment after a week or two or three or a month? I’m scared of doing mistakes that could harm my patients. But, surely, the fire inside my heart to serve the the people inflicted with illnesses would be the light that will drive away my fear.
Right now, I am one happy potato because of the two-week long vacation before the clinical clerkship commences. This is the time to make-up for all the time I’ve been away from my family, to catch-up with my friends and to pamper myself for a while.
Six weeks. Six weeks of hospital duty and community exposure.
I’ve been rotating in my first ever department for medical clerkship which is Family and Community Medicine. Basically, the department caters the out-patient cases, some benign cases in the Ambulatory Clinic of the ER and the peripheral clinics outside the hospital like the Rosario health Clinic, Caritas Preventive Clinic and the Family Health Care Program of Brgy. 704.
During the first 4 weeks of my rotation, I works in the OPD and the Ambulatory Clinic. During the first few day, I’ve already learned a lot from my interns and my residents. I’ve already felt how it is really like to talk to your patients, prescribe them their with medications and advise them regarding their health. I’ve learned a lot of skills and maneuvers that will be useful in the general practice. I really feel good about myself when my residents would just agree to my diagnosis and management. It gives me a sense of accomplishment because it means that I am learning. After a 36-hour duty, I would really feel exhausted but what keeps me going is the thought that I am finally doing what I’ve been dreaming of ever since I was a kid even if I am still a medical clerk.
However, even during the first few weeks in the hospital, I’ve already witnessed how that the health system is really problematic making health care delivery difficult. I’ve seen how badly some patients are treated by health personnels and patients behaving badly to the nurses and even to doctors. Also, politics has a great influence how the hospital works. Some patients would present their government IDs to you for them to get prioritized which is unfair to other patients who have been waiting for their turn to have a consultation for hours. I’ve encountered patients who would ask if there are free laboratory services in the hospital because they don’t have the money to have those request processed outside the hospital. I’ve seen patients who seem very troubled and almost cried in front of me. I’ve talked to difficult patients, who would not be willing to take their medications because they do not feel anything and argue that they can live without the medicine.
Fast forward to my Community Rotation which is a benign rotation. I’ve only seen a few patients during our first week unlike during my rotation in the OPD. However, what is interesting with the community rotation is that we get to do prenatal check-ups and well-baby checkups at Rosario Health Center. I’ve already administered vaccination to kids who would really cry loud at the time you inject the needle on their arms or thighs and would stop immediately after the injection. We also had consults at Caritas Preventive Health Center which caters Catholic families in Malate. This institution promotes preventive medicine and conducts annual physical examination for all the family members. We also did some home visits who are part of the Family Health Care Program in Brgy. 704. And next week, we will be implementing a project regarding the benefits of physical exercise in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
So far, clerkship has been productive, full of learnings and realizations regarding the health of our people through my daily interaction with them. Slowly, I am appreciating the beauty that is medicine. There were really times that I still think if I am really made for this but always, just like before, the universe reminds me that this is the life that I would want to have. Slowly, it is sinking into my mind that I am now part of the team who provides quality healthcare to our patients.
And no matter what happens, it will always be a beautiful day to save lives!
That would basically sum up how the past first three weeks of the school year felt like. Exhausting both physically and mentally. Imagine having to wake up at 7 am on most days and going back home at 5 pm, enduring hours of lectures and trying to stay awake despite last night’s burning of midnight oil. Plus, the hassle of having to talk to a lot of people to get a home work done. Honestly, I never liked group works. If only it is feasible (which is not the case now), I would rather choose to work on my own because I don’t have to consider other people and I can work on my own pace. And it would never be possible that you will not encounter a difficult groupmates who misses the deadline. But, well, I can do nothing about these groupworks but try to do my best to accomplish the assigned tasks.
Right now, I feel like I need to be like a robot. Resting in the middle of the school days is a luxury I can barely afford. Yes, I get to sleep. However, I can’t stop thinking about the list of my to-do’s which makes me restless. I don’t have classes on Saturdays but I still find it difficult to find time to go home. Weekends are spent working on case reports.
I am just hoping that in a few weeks’ time, I will be able to get used to this cycle. Now, I need to get back on my case reports and reading.
It’s been four days since I’ve been in school and because of that, I am losing again the “med student vibes” that I should be on full activation by now. What the hell, it’s already the second quarter of the year and I should be redeeming myself from last’s quarters failures slash mediocre results.
Basically, I spent the past four days watching a number of videos. I literally binged on movies and every interesting video I found online. Heck, I even watched a video wherein someone was just smashing/ ruining/ banging stuff like an Xbox or an acoustic guitar. Crazy, right? And I came into a conclusion that that guy has a problem because you won’t normally ruin things just for the sake of it. Right? Right!
You, guys, I would want to let you know that I am now an AlDub fan (no judging, okay). Gosh, they’re just so adorable and I feel kilig all over the place. I just can’t. Plus, my friends are very supportive of this fandom because they themselves enjoy and love watching AlDub and even their parents watch it, too. That got me wondering if my parents, especially my home who stays at home, watches AlDub, too. I still await the day that Alden and Maine would get to see each other in person.
And oh, I am also losing my mind over The Voice Kids 2. Please vote for Sasaa. And, can I just say that Bamboo is sooooooo handsome I wanna make him into a keychain!
Ending my long weekend quote and quote, tasks, was the MMK episode that was aired yesterday. I don’t have any plans of watching the episode but my highschool friend told me that I resembles my story and a story of another friend (who isn’t straight or maybe not idk really). Plus! Plus, the main character’s name is Zyrah whose dad is a retired personnel of the AFP, same as mine! That’s why I was intrigued and watched it. No regrets, i had fun watching Manolo (male protagonist).
Now, I think I should be reading Bates’ because I have an upcoming ward work tomorrow. This if for my patient tomorrow and for my future patients! Good night, lovelies!
Guide and tips for incoming first year students of the PLM-College of Medicine
Disclaimer: I am just an average student but I wanted to help out incoming first year students so here are the bits of information you need to know for each subject.
1. Biochemistry. This is the most difficult subject for me because you need to understand and memorize concepts and minute details.
Professors. There are four professors in the department. Doc Tengco is the best professor for many students plus, her exams are reasonable. Doc Menorca, on the other hand, has leveled up from using acetate to powetpoints. His exam questions were quite difficult but my classmates likes how he constructs his questions. When he is your lecturer, you should be early because he doesn’t like late students. Doc Rio is the chairman of the department and she isn’t that considerate when it cones to grades. Lastly, Doc Hilario is one of the faculty members who gives the longest lectures but he’s very helpful when it comes to research.
How to study: Transcriptions are helpful but it is a must that you read Harper’s so you can understand well the concepts. Study the figures becuase thay practically summarizes a lot of concepts.
2. Anatomy. Well, I must say, this is one of the subjecta that isn’t that toxic. They only give one lecture per meeting and their relatively short.
Professors. All the professors in this department teaches well.
How to study: Most of the time, I only study the transcription because Anatomy is all about familiarization, memorization and knowing relationships. It’s a must that you have your atlas for practical exams. You can also read Snell if you still have time. But as I have said, the transcriptions are reliable.
3. Physiology. Ha! One of the most toxic subjects. Expect pre-laboratoty quizzes, post-lecture quizzes, post-case quizzes, laboratory and case conferences. Seriously, studying for physiology will eat up your time and energy.
Professors. Doc Solidum is the best lecturer in the department for me. He always smiles and radiates good vibes. His exam exam questions though are difficult. When Doc Munnariz lectures, it feels like you’re reading a book. Yes, that’s how extensive her lectures are. However, she’s quite scary when she gets mad during small group discussions. Third, Doc Razon, gives relatively short lectures because he expects that you’ve already read what he is yet to lecture to the class.
How to study. Read Guyton. Read Berne and Levy. They will be your ever-present companions. You must learn how to read and comprehend fast becuase you will be reading a lot of things. I discourage studying the transcriptions because it is difficult to understand concepts using them. It’s also helpful to write notes so you can easily retrieve concepts that you might forget.
4. Neuroanatomy. It’s quite easy to pass this subject though you must strive to get good grades in your quizzes and exams because they’re the only source of your grades.
Professors. The professors in this department gives short lectures.
How to study. Transcriptions are helpful. Just study well the terms and concepts and you’re good to take an exam.
5. Histology. Classes usually start at 8am. This subject is quite easy but the practical exam items are confusing.
Professor. Doc Tolentino is the onlt lecturer in the department though sometimes, her mom, Dra. Tolentino comes to class and teaches important things to remember about the specimen.
How to study. It’s helpful that you take notes while Doc Tolentino gives his lectures. Bring your books so you will have a guide when you are viewing under the microscope. Take pictures of the slides and label them.
There, I will just edit this post to add sections for FCM, Medical Ethics and Medical Research. If you have any questions, don’t be shy and hit my askbox.
Super sorry for this late reply to all messages, anyway let’s do this!!! :D
If you have personal questions na maraming follow-up, ask me on twitter or fb na lang. I reply din dun. :)
UPDATE: NMAT REVIEWERS DROPBOX LINK
1. Hi Miss Carla. :) I visited the site of PLMCM with a high hopes of viewing the academic curriculum of college of medicine, unfortunately, I didn't see any. Would you mind to give me some details about your school's curriculum, I particularly the subjects offered for every year level. It would help a lot! Thanks Miss Carla, and by the way, congrats on passing the promo boards. :)
I promise to make a separate blog entry for thiiiiiis!
2. Ate Carla, do you think mataas ang chance na makakapasok ako ng PLMCM even though 'di kataasan yung NMAT ko (84 lang huhuhu, I was aiming for 90+ though :(), cum laude, manila resident with a voter's ID and I guess I did well naman (yata? sana.) in MCAT. Salamat po! :)
Yup!!! 84 is a great score!!! You definitely have a high chance of being admitted! Just be patient and wait for the results. Sobrang tagal lang talaga nila magrelease e! Around late May siguro. :)
3. Hello po Ate Carla. Congratulations nga po pala sa promotion nyo!! :D (Hope I could do the same kapag nakapasok ako sa PLMCM) So ayun nga po, I'm planning to go to PLMCM and I just wanted to ask what are the books you're using po in first year? Para din po maestimate ko yung money na kailangan ko isave for it. Salamat po nang marami and god bless in your studies. :D
Hiiiii! Basically here are photos of the booklist for the whole stay in med! I’ll make a separate entry for everything PLM na lang soon.
4. @apple1samy said: hi, i saw your blog post about mt pulag. :) nice pics!
Thank you for appreciating!!! :D
5. Hello po Ate Carla. I took the NMAT last March 29, 2015 and I did everything you said from one of your blog entry about NMAT. Kahit di ko pa nalalaman yung results sobrang salamat pa din po talaga! :"D Napansin po nga ako ng nagbabantay sa amin at tinignan nya ako ng masama nung nakita nya yung 5 erasers ko and 4B pencil at lalong lalo na yung pag-ikot na ginawa ko sa paper sa perceptual acuity part. Sorry po Ate Carla TMI, I just want to share lang hihihi :D Good luck po sa Med and salamat ulit
Awww. Thank you! Hope it helped you! If okay lang you sa iyo, can you PM me your result just so I can assess if helpful nga ba talaga yung tips ko haha. After this, med school hunting naman! :) Good luck and thanks!!! :D
6. Hello po.. I stumbled upon your blog while I was searching for some NMAT related tips since I'm planning to take next year. (Better ready) Hahahaha. Hindi ko po madownload yung dropbox link.. it says "Link not found". Btw ate thanks for the tips! It was really helpful and I hope I could get access to your reviewers. Thanks po talaga :)
Yeah sorry for those na naghahanap nung reviewers ko. I recently fixed my desktop to remove clutter pero ibabalik ko yun ASAP so don’t worry. Good luck with NMAT!!!
7. Hi! Wala na yung files mo sa dropbox for nmat reviewers :(
I’ll fix it very very soon, I promiiiiise. Just stay in touch sa blog ko!
8. brokenheartheals said:Hi! Im planning to take NMAT this year.... I was trying to download your personal review materials but it wont open.... Can you please link/send it to me please please please :)
Again,I ‘m sorry but aayusin ko yun! :D
9. Hi ate! Anong advice ang pwedeng ibigay mo sa'kin kasi gustong gusto maging doktor at sabi ng parents ko baka di namin ma-afford (middle class kami), saka may dalawa pa akong mas batang kapatid. By the way, incoming ba applied psychology freshman ako sa updepp at balak ko magshift to bs psychology sa upd) :)
Hello!!! Feeling ko applicable sa iyo itong blog entry ko, particularly yung case nung sa St. Luke’s and sa PLM. I suggest nga na magshift ka sa UPD. Btw, ano yung updepp? hehe kami rin middle class lang but if ngayon pa lang first year ka ay makausap mo na yung parents mo and sabihin mo talaga na gusto mo para makapg-ipon sila kasi true na hindi mura mag-med. That, I am telling you. Kahit minsan scholar ko, may living expenses ka pa din plus books and uniforms. Pwede ka rin mag-ipon ngayon pa lang for books. Pero best is, i-condition mo na yung minds nila na gusto mo talaga. Be good sa studies mo. Malayo ang mararating ng latin honors, I tell you. :) Update me na lang whatever happens or message me if you have other questions. :)
10. Hi Ms. Carla, I'm really thankful that i happened to stumble upon your blog when looking for med school stuff. You've really been a great help. I just want to ask if, in your opinion, i even have a chance of getting in to PLM-CM. I have a 90+ NMAT rating but my GWA is 2.3 something only, and I am not a Manila resident nor am I a graduate of any Manila universities. I really want to get in at PLM-CM. i hope that counts. Thank you! :)
Hmmm, your NMAT is high and if you did well sa MCAT then there’s a high chance na makapasok ka. Look dear, since PLM is the last med school to release the results, the tendency is for people to forego their slots forcing the college of medicine to post another list. More or less I think you can make it! Basta if you have questions, don’t hesitate to message me and I’ll try my best to answer.
11. Hello do you have tips for MCAT (PLM)? :)
Hello, you can try this entry of mine but I heard the MCAT now is different from what we took. Similar daw siya with NMAT plus a lot of psych exams. Good luck, though! I think same na lang with NMAT ang gawin mong review! ;)
12. Hi ms. Carla, I just want to know more about your part-time job in unaterra. Is it real that its just 300 a day for 16 essays? For real? Ganun kababa???
Yuuuuup! That’s why I quit after 3 days. Super not worth it. In my opinion lang naman. Hindi ko pa nga nakuha yung salary ko e.
13. ate :) I just read your blog ngayon lang kahit last last year pa sya. It is really helpful dahil ang dami ko talagang questions about sa NMAT. I am a junior medtech pero next year pa ata ako magtetake kasi I have a one school year allowance since magtetake pa ako ng board exams. Do you think okay lang kung ganong time ako magtake? And though science based yung course ko Im still not confident about the exam kaya I want to apply sa review centers, may irerecommend ka ba ate na maganda? thank you
Hello, thank you for that feedback sana makatulong siya for when you take the NMAT. I think that is perfectly fine. If you afre not rushing, mas maganda na RMT ka na! :) Review centers? Hmmm, BRAINS yung pinopromote sa school namin before and PICS. I think okay naman sila from the results of my classmates who went there. 90+ sila halos lahat :)
14. Hi Ate Carla! After reading your entry about NMAT and saw how well you did idol na kita ngayon hehe. Anyway, could you suggest any review centers in Manila that are really good in preparing their students for NMAT? Is it okay if you ask feedback from your friends who took review centers which one is the best? :) Huhu pampalakas lang ng loob para sa upcoming NMAT. Thank you Ate!! ^_^
Review centers? Hmmm, BRAINS yung pinopromote sa school namin before and PICS. I think okay naman sila from the results of my classmates who went there. 90+ sila halos lahat :) but I tell you, hard work talaga yan simula pa lang start ng college mo. Plus sariling sikap na review! And skills sa pagsagot :) I have tips on my NMAT blog entry na I think makakatulong haha
15. Hello Ate Carla! :D Para sa mga graduating lang po ba ang pagtatake ng NMAT? Yung friend ko po kasi tinawagan nila yung CEM and they asked about the NMAT then sabi sa kanila bawal pa daw kapag 3rd year e :( Nakakapanghinayang naman po yung ibabayad ko if ever hina bawal talaga na hindi pa graduating student tapos pinush ko pa din. Thank you po sa help! :D
I heard they’re stricter now and they really implement nga na dapat graduating. Better na sure kesa masayang yung money. :( okay pa din naman kahit graduating e. At least mas madami kang alam and more time to prepare. Just make sure na November/December batch ka para hindi hassle if the next year mo gusto mag-med. :D
PLM College of Medicine Application Process & Tips + Med Life + Culture + Tuition
EDITED AS OF: MAY 27, 2016
Okay, since you know me as a person who says what she has in mind let me tell you a little secret: I initially hated the idea of going here. Srsly. Coming from UPM and MaSci, it was sort of already expected that if I wont' go to UP this would be the next best option. Government school kasi. But I was still in denial since I hated the comfort rooms in PLM -- shallow as it may sound but that is my main concern, don't worry PLM is getting renovated and we have SM-level CRs already. So it took me almost a semester to finally grasp the idea that my stay isn't for a seminar and that I have to call me PLM my new home.
Here are some general details from the official site first before ako magkwento ng mga tips, chikabels, what's in it for you if you go sa PLM, etc...:
The College of Medicine accepts applicants for incoming first year medical students during the first semester of each school year. Lateral entrees from other medical schools are not entertained (that means, PLM does not accept drop-outs/transferee). Previous applicants may not apply.
The MCAT applications are opened in November of each year, but applicants may already present their documents to the College staff for evaluation as early as August, so that the applicants are afforded ample time to produce necessary documents that are currently not in their possession.
Criteria for Admission
1. Must be a natural Filipino citizen
2. Must have complied with all academic preparations
3. General Weighted Average of 2.50 or its equivalent or better
4. Must have an NMAT of 45 or above
5. Must have no failure in any subject in the undergraduate course (NEW!)
6. Must have no record of having been dropped from any medical school
7. Must have no record of having been denied admission in the PLM-CM
8. Must have no record of conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude
9. Must pass the MCAT
10. Must have passed a panel of interview
11. Willing to sign a memorandum of agreement to serve in the community designated by the College
Academic Preparations - Biology majors does not have any problems with this. If you are from another course though, I think you have to take classes during the summer or second semester! PLM recommends crash course schools so better ask the staff na lang. :)
1. He/She must be a holder of Bachelor’s Degree conferred upon by a duly recognized education institution.
2. He/She must have earned credits in the following areas, and must have satisfied the required minimum numbers of units in the subject specifically enumerated herein:
Sciences: 35 units
Chemistry: 10 units
Inorganic Chemistry: 5 units
Organic Chemistry/Biochemistry: 5 units
Natural Sciences: 15 units (5 units should at least be Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy or Human Anatomy and Physiology
Physics: 5 units
Microbiology or Elem. Genetics: 5 units
Mathematics: 6 units
Algebra: 3 units
Elementary Statistics/Biostatistics: 3 units
Language and Communication: 9 units
Social Sciences: 9 units
(Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, History, Anthropology)
Humanities: 3 units
(Art Appreciation, Logic, Philosophy)
How to apply:
1. Submit original and duplicate copies of the following for initial screening:
» Birth Certificate (NSO copy)
» Official Transcript of Record/Special Order No.
» 2 Letters of certification of Good Moral Character
» Certificate of General Weighted Average from the Registrar/College
» Diploma/Certificate of Graduation
» NMAT Result
» Manila Voter's ID/Voter's Certification issued by the COMELEC
» Student's residence certificate (cedula)
» Baranggay Clearance in the place of residence
» NBI Clearance
» Any other document to prove Manila residency
» Parent's latest Income Tax Return (ITR) and/or Affidavit of Support and ITR of benefactor
» Enrollment form for supplemental subjects required
» Self-addressed stamped envelope
» Long brown envelope and long file folder
2. If qualified to take MCAT, get certification from the college and pay MCAT (Php 3190.00) fee at the Cashier's Office.
3. Get application form and MCAT permit at the College of Medicine office.
4. Take the MCAT exam as scheduled and present yourself for interview. Interview schedule will be given after the MCAT exam.
Note: Application will not be processed unless documents are completed.
The Dean reserves the right to invalidate the result of the MCAT if the applicant has not satisfactorily met the admission criteria and has not complied with all the above requirements, in which case the applicants shall be denied admission to the College of Medicine.
Let me share you a fact: PLM admits students based from their score sheet tally. Now let me share you a secret: The next four areas that I will be discussing are the components on how they will rate you. As in rate because they give you scores. This is actually our medical research topic so lucky youuuu!
1. The National Medical Admission Test (NMAT)
First things first, NMAT. Okay so I do hope you already have your result by now! PLM won't accept to follow results from this April's exam so dapat you've taken the exam last November (2014) or April 2014 or November (2013). If you found this entry through my NMAT post then hello hello I'd like to hear from you!!! Okay so if you get 90+ no need to worry cos PLM's cut off is just 45. Easy breezy! Well, NMAT is easy it's just that it is in percentile so it doesn't depend on you but the batch you're taking the exam with! For tips about this if you haven't taken the exam, I made a blog post years ago so you can just read and good luck! For those with average NMAT scores, well there are still other components for you to excel in!
2. The PLM-MCAT
Don't confuse this with the international one that you take abroad, NO. This MCAT is different. I mean really different cos I cannot really understand (and remember) what happened. It was really fast and very easy na you don't need to even study. Good thing, I didn't. It was pure common sense and general knowledge. Like, what the hell why did I pay Php 2000 for that? Then there was a psych exam. I hated that. It was 100 items as far as my med-stuff saturated brain can remember and it was very confusing. I think they just want to see if you're sane and depressed or suffering from any mental condition that will be deterrent in pursuing your medical career. Basically that's it for MCAT. Oy, bring pencils even if they say all you need is a black pen. Trust me.
3. The Interview (with the vampire... joke lang hehe, so much for my humor na non-existent nga pala)
Alrightie. Sooooo requirements, check. MCAT, check. Now they'll ask you to place a convenient time (2 dates to be exact) in the logbook for your interview. Tip ko lang is to come early. I misread the time when I had mine! I thought 9 am but 8 pala! So I came in late and had to be fourth from the last. I swear hassle siya if you come in late. Ganito kasi yun. They have around 10-20 applicants each day then am-pm. So from 8-12, first come first serve!!! Usually an interview is about 10 minutes so may waiting time talaga, unless you are super lucky! You can make friends naman. Make sure to wear something presentable. Hmm, I think I should make a separate entry for this very very soon!
4. General Weighted Average (GWA)
PLM is currently unsure of what it wants regarding students with FAILED MARKS. During my batch, they did not want to accept students with failed marks but the year after, they became more lenient with the rule. They accepted students just as long as their GWA is better than 2.5. For SY 2016-2017 though, they again changed their minds and did not accept those with failed marks. Anyway, just wait for updates regarding this matter. Malabo talaga sila e.
RESULTS
So for the results, hahaha ang masasabi ko lang is PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE. Ito, to get your hopes up sinasabi ko na never lose hope if ever you are not a first lister. I have classmates who are called in kahit first week of classes na just to fill in slots. May second list din na released after the confirmation duration is finished. So around May ang release of results. PLM holds the record ng pinaka-last na nagr-release so the tendency of other students is to put in reservation fees sa ibang schools like UE and St. Luke's of about Php 20,000-30,000. Tapos they wait for the results. If they don't get in, at least nakapag-reserve na. But for those who passed ASMPH and UST, nako 2 weeks lang kasi ang confirmation then enrollment na agad so no chance of waiting, you have to decide. Sayang yung mga ganung students na matatalino and deserving. But oh well, destiny. So in short, patience na lang if PLM or nothing ka.
PLMCM CULTURE
PLMCM usually admits 150-170 students (super konti if ic-compare mo sa UERMMMC or sa ASMPH and DLSUHSI or FEUNRMF lalo na sa USTFMS). Our population is really small kasi subsidized siya ng Manila government so relatively cheaper ang tuition fee. Kaya madami rin ang naga-apply ay because of the fees. We'll get to that later... alam ko diyan ka curious e. :))))
As I was saying, small population lang with the majority of the students coming from UP campuses (Manila, Diliman, LB), UST (usually psych and bio), and PLM (usually bio and nursing). ITO HA, PLM IS NOT A BURGIS SCHOOL. Sobrang simple lang ng mga tao dito. What I love about the composition of the population is the diversity! We have students na nakapag-work na sa hospitals, research facilities, as professors/instructors sa universities, med reps, call center agents, and students with families already. Super daming kwento at life experiences ang matutunan mo from them. Sobrang Grade Conscious din ang students pero talented and sporty din. And mind you, very very creative. If you ever choose to go here for med, hindi mauubos ang events! May parties din courtesy of your council, soro, frats, and organizations!
Ito pa ang isa sa pinakagusto ko about PLM -- yung cheap food. For as low as Php 35 meron ka ng chicken chops with drinks (mag-endorse ba!) huhu sarap nun kaya mahaba ang pila palagi. May mojos diiiiin! Madami kang options na mura talaga. Coming from UP Manila, jusko po tambay kami sa Rob Manila every lunch since we don't have a caf inside the campus and pls lang kaubos ng money yun. PLM has a lot of photocopying services (around 3) and printing services plus may computer shop pa sa mismong loob ng school. May bilihan ng kape sa faculty room ng medicine so if you have 10 minute breaks from long lectures you can just come by the office and buy for only Php 10!
The staff and professors are really really nice. What I like about them is sobrang totoong tao sila. And they made me realize the worth of good values. The professors really reiterates the value of education, service to the marginalized, and being a doctor with a good heart. As always, passion... passion... passion! We also have a chapel where you can spend time alone if nahihirapan ka na talaga kasi admit it or not sometimes it feels good na may kakampi ka na higher power. Alam mo na yun.
PLM EDUCATION
PLM is really competitive. Tapos dito, and favorite expression namin is: "HAPPY ARAL" cos it's what we do almost all the time! First year classes usually start at 8am and ends depending on the subjects for that day. Subjects ng first year ay: Biochemistry, Physiology, Gross Anatomy, Neuroanatomy, Family and Community Medicine, Histology, and Medical Research. Students usually hangout in coffee shops to study. As in sobrang cool lang na infiltrated yung nearby places like JCo and coffee shops like Starbs Roxas/UN, CBTL Adri/Rob, and Coreon. We love studying by groups for reports and SGDs.
Students usually stay in apartments inside and outside Intramuros. Uso din sa condominiums like Adriatico Towers, Adriatico Grand Residences, Mayfair, Sunview Palace, and Le Mirage. Oh bother looking into those if you ever decide na mag-PLM. A lot of students ay nagc-commute din even those from Cavite/Bicutan/QC/Makati. Some bring their cars, too.
Tuition Fee
Ito na, usapang bayarin na. So if you want quality education na mura lang, this school is for you. Compare with contemporary schools hindi 6-digit sa PLM. Probably the cheapest of all, it offers superb faculty plus so or so facilities. I'm okay with the facilities (if microscope ang usapan, hmmm, we have a few bifocal ones na magaganda na we use). Fully air-conditioned kami except for the laboratory.
So ganito kasi yan. May Categories na 1-4 (based sa residency, school na pinanggalingan, achievements) then within categories may sub categories na based naman sa income tax return ng parents.
Category 1. Php 7,000-10,000 (Scholar - may community service in summer)
This is where I currently belong (pero feel ko mawawala siya huhu) since I am a legit Manila Girl (Manila Science HS, UP Manila, Manila voter, Manila resident, 2x nag-vote).
Category 2. Php 15,000-20,000 (Scholar - may community service in summer)
Graduates inside Manila from Private Universities+ Manila voter’s license/ID.
Category 3. Php 75,000-80,000
Non-Manila voters and Non-Manila college graduate either private or public.
Category 4. Php 7,000-10,000 (Scholar - may community service in summer) Magna/Summa cum laude
Category 5. Php 15,000-20,000 (Scholar - may community service in summer) Cum laude nung undergraduate studies. 1.75 or better na GWA.
Partial Scholarship
For 2nd year students if GWA is 2.00 or better. Ito ang pinaghihirapan ng mga non-Manila people para category 2 level ang tuition nila.
College Scholarship
Minimum GWA requirement is above 1.75, and the tuition will be same with Category 1.
If you have questions, contact the PLMCM office anytime from 8am to 5pm through this number: (02) 527-9067 or hit the question part or just comment below!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for considering PLMCM! I do hope you get in and that I get promoted!!!!!!!! :))))
