Ever wonder where the first medical school in the Philippines was established? That honor belongs to the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery in Manila. It stands proudly as a beacon of medical education.
The UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery’s story began in 1871. It was initially known as the Facultad de Medicina y Farmacia. This makes it the oldest medical school in the country.
In 1682, there was already a petition to create colleges for medicine and pharmacy. Financial and technical problems prevented this. The Spanish government finally approved the faculty’s establishment in 1871.
The faculty first held classes in the Intramuros campus. It later moved to its current location after the war. The St. Martin de Porres Building now houses the faculty. It features lecture halls, laboratories and museums.
King Alfonso of Spain decreed an affiliation with San Juan de Dios Hospital. This provided clinical training. Later, St. Paul’s Hospital also offered clinical experience.
Interestingly, UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery began accepting female students in 1932. By 1937, about 30 women had graduated as physicians.
The UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery consistently ranks high among medical schools. Its curriculum has evolved over the years. It has integrated traditional and problem-based learning methods.
The UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery offers a four-year Doctor of Medicine degree. It also offers a six-year accelerated program. This is known as the Learning Enhanced Accelerated Program for Medicine or LEAPMed.
Many notable figures have studied at the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery. This includes Jose Rizal. He is the national hero of the Philippines.
The Research Center for the Health Sciences is another important part of the faculty. It supports research in various medical fields.
The Journal of Medicine, University of Santo Tomas promotes medical research. It publishes original research papers and clinical studies.
The UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2020. This milestone reflects its long history. It shows its commitment to medical education.
So here at the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, tradition meets innovation. The faculty continues to shape the future of medicine in the Philippines.