The Commission on Higher Education – Office of Programs and Standards Development (CHED-OPSD) completed a thorough evaluation of the Doctor of Medicine Program to be offered by Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU). This rigorous examination sought to assure that DMMMSU’s medicine program meets the highest evaluation standards.
The evaluation, which ran from October 17 to 18, 2023, involved ocular and documentary assessments. The evaluation team was composed of Dr. Quennie Dyan Raagas and Dr. Christine Tinio, (Technical Panel for Medicine); Dr. Leilani Asis, Dr. Emelia Santamaria, and Dr. Dina Gonzales (Technical Evaluators for Medicine) and Ms. Sheila Jalbuena, Senior Education Progam Specialist, CHED- OPSD.
The team evaluated 12 areas, which are as follows:
- Board Resolution/s on the offering of the Doctor of Medicine Program,
- Program description, program type, program outcomes, goals and objectives,
- Curriculum outline and description of courses,
- OBE requirements,
- Profile of the Dean and Department Chairs,
- Faculty profile,
- Library resources,
- Laboratory and Facilities,
- Base hospital,
- Student admission and retention policies, and
- Physical Plant.
Of the 12 areas, DMMMSU has fully complied with the requirements in 10 areas. However, compliance requirements for the other two areas (faculty and base hospital) can be delivered in a month. Nonetheless, the CHED-OPSD team gave DMMMSU three months until January 2024 as a compliance period. After a two-tier evaluation by CHED en banc and Oversight en-banc, DMMMSU may finally start its operation in August 2024.
During his Pledge of Commitment, Prof. Enrico Dacanay, who represented SLUC Chancellor, Dr. Joanne C. Rivera, expressed his commitment saying: “We will uphold the highest standards of academic integrity, intellectual curiosity, and critical thinking; ensure that education is accessible to all, regardless of their background, abilities, or socioeconomic status; encourage and embrace innovation in teaching, research, and learning methodologies, striving to keep our education relevant and impactful; advocate for sustainable practices and awareness within our educational institution, as we prepare future leaders to address global challenges; participate in addressing societal issues, applying the knowledge and skills gained for the betterment of our communities; seek opportunities to engage with the global community, fostering international understanding and cooperation, and pledge to be an active participant in the pursuit of quality tertiary education, for it is the cornerstone of a brighter and more equitable future for all.”
Meanwhile, in her statement of dedication, Dr. Elsie M. Pacho, VP for Instruction and International Affairs, spoke passionately about how special the academic journey is to her “as this activity is a history unfolding to be told to generations to come. This is a program with magnificent stories of hope and love”.
“DMMMSU will continue the tradition of this vision – a statement of great hope in the power of excellent and quality education, and an investment in the development of the best minds who will enable future generations to take charge of their own careers,” she concluded.
Dr. Ricardo S. Guanzon, the inaugural Dean of the College of Medicine, expressed his gratitude to all the people of DMMMSU who have extended him kindness, to the evaluation team and to CHED-RO1 representative Dr. Danilo Bose. He especially emphasized that such endeavor in DMMMSU, the establishment of the College of Medicine, is being done for the “sake of humanity and the Filipino people.
During the first day of evaluation, the Members of DMMMSU Board of Regents and DMMMSU top management, University and Campus Officials, as well as Campus Chancellors and Units Executive Directors graced the Opening Program as a gesture of their support. The Officials were led by Dr. Jaime I. Manuel, Jr., joined the evaluation team during the first day of evaluation. (Text by Ayu) (Photos by Ms. Xena Josue)
Photos during the first day of evaluation
