The University of the Philippines Mindanao has officially opened its School of Medicine, following the approval of the UP Board of Regents, April 30. It is accepting applications to the Doctor of Medicine program until May 31.
“The initiative aims to increase the number of physicians serving communities in Mindanao,” UP President Angelo Jimenez said.
With some areas in the region having among the lowest physician-to-population ratios in the country, the UP BOR approval to launch SoMed represents 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 emphasized.
According to the announcement of UPMin, the first year of med proper will begin in August. A total of 35 slots is allotted to the inaugural batch.
Applicants must be Filipino citizens aged 35 years or below; a graduate of a science or health science degree with a National Medical Admission Test score of at least 90; or a graduate of the UP Manila School of Health Sciences 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. The curriculum 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 students from Muslim communities.
In crafting policies for SoMed, UPMin conducted benchmarking with key 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.
Through this initiative, UPMin aims to produce a new generation of physicians dedicated to building a more equitable and accessible healthcare system for all Mindanaoans.
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