Department of Medicine

Overview

THE USTFMS DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE LOGO

The Department of Medicine logo is composed of 10 interconnected pillars symbolizing the 10 subspecialties of the Department standing in semicircular position. Though the columns representing the subspecialties are different from one another, they are connected both in the base and the entablature on top representing the holistic aspect of the internal medicine specialty. The year 1927 is engraved on the top of the columns signifying the foundation year. In front of the 10 pillars is an open book, the symbol of knowledge. The left page features a stethoscope wrapped around a cross representing the Thomasian Internist. The right page shows a burning torch, symbolizing the burning desire for medical knowledge and education. On the upper left segment is the Rod of Asclepius, a serpent entwined pole symbolizing medicine and healing, and representing the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery. Occupying the upper right segment is the iconic structure of the University of Santo Tomas Main Building, which incidentally was also inaugurated in 1927, and also commemorates its 95th year together with the Department of Medicine.

The Department of Medicine Logo was conceptualized by Dr. Melvin R. Marcial and executed by Charles John Fortaleza, UST Medicine Batch 2024, and Anthony Joseph Marzan, UST Medicine Batch 2022

The Department of Medicine was established in 1927. The Chairs of the Department are as follows:

The Organizational Structure of the Department of Medicine

The Department of Medicine was established in 1927. The Chairs of the Department are as follows:

The Organizational Structure of the Department of Medicine

Courses

The teaching of Medicine in the undergraduate years is one continuous program from the second to the fourth year. There are three stages in the program:

Medicine I, Introduction to and

essentials of Clinical Medicine, Second Year

Medicine II, Problem-solving in Internal Medicine, Third Year

Medicine III, Clinical Clerkship in Internal Medicine, Fourth Year

A thorough background in Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry in first year is a prerequisite to the study program, thereof integrating basic and clinical subjects in the various levels.

MEDICINE I (INTRODUCTION AND ESSENTIALS OF CLINICAL MEDICINE) FOR SECOND YEAR LEVEL

Course Iinformation

Course Description

Medicine 1 is a one-year course wherein the students are taught how to elicit a complete history by asking the right questions, how to do a correct physical examination for every organ system, and how to consolidate these clinical manifestations in order to arrive at the most logical diagnosis. This will be accomplished using a hybrid format, employing virtual and face to face encounters, synchronous and asynchronous teaching and learning activities.

Rationale. A constructivist aligned outcome-based course to equip the students with the knowledge, skills, proper behavior, and attitude in obtaining a complete history and performing a thorough physical examination.

Focus. The focus is on eliciting a complete history and performing physical examination on virtual and actual patient volunteers, and, in actual patients once proficiency is attained.

Output. The students are expected to analyze and synthesize data gathered from history and physical examination to arrive at the most plausible organ system involvement and diagnosis.

A satisfactory performance in a practical examination per semester is required to pass the subject.

Instructional Design

The subject is handled by the Medicine 1 staff through instructive courses such as general lectures, classroom discussions, self-directed learning activities, role-playing, skills demonstration, and workshops. The subject is conducted 6 hours a week for a total of 432 hours/year. Around 85% of the activities are synchronous while 15% are asynchronous. The classes are divided into subsections for their classroom discussions and decury sessions. Evaluation of the knowledge and skills gained by the students include written exercises, short tests, practical examinations, OSCE, shifting exams, and final exams.

MEDICINE II (PROBLEM SOLVING IN INTERNAL MEDICINE) FOR THIRD YEAR LEVEL

Course Information

Course Description

Medicine 2 is a one-year course offered to 3^rd year medical students teaching the knowledge of the natural history, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approach and principles of therapy of all diseases included in the list of minimum curricular requirements with emphasis on those commonly found in the Philippines. Knowledge acquired in Medicine I such as the problem oriented history taking, semiology, recognition and interpretation of clinical signs, education in the techniques of physical examination and the use of common medical instruments in clinical diagnosis are continued and reinforced. Satisfactory completion of Medicine I is a prerequisite to admission to the course.

Students are provided a systematic exposure to the different subspecialties in internal medicine by quarterly rotation. An integrated problem-solving approach to actual cases is emphasized, likewise developing the attitude of self-learning among students.

Rationale: Medicine 2 is a comprehensive, constructivist-aligned, outcomes-based course designed to provide the third-year medical students with the knowledge, skills, proper behavior, and attitude that will serve as their foundation in diagnosing and managing common medical diseases among adult patients in the context of current practices; to include ethical and critical issues at hand. Medicine 2 utilizes a hybrid format, student-centered, employing virtual and face to face encounters, synchronous and asynchronous teaching and learning activities, with the main virtual platform being the Canvas.

Focus: Medicine 2 builds on the medicine 1 curriculum and further hones students’ skills on focused history taking and physical examination, and enhances their ability to generate logical diagnosis, differential diagnoses, choose appropriate ancillary tests, and formulate plans for optimal short-term and long-term treatment, with reinforcements on disease prevention and patient education. This course also teaches students how to integrate basic and clinical knowledge from the previous courses; and likewise emphasizes the relevance of research and evidence-based medicine.

interact and communicate with patients, learn bedside manners, and enforce the meaning of comprehensive, compassionate care.

Output : At the end of the course, the third year medical student is expected to become competent in consolidating clinical manifestations of patients, diagnosing and managing common medical diseases, and applying ethical principles to the different clinical situations that they may encounter.

Instructional Design

The course is presented as four modules; namely, Cardiology / Pulmonology, Endocrinology / Nephrology, Gastroenterology / Hematology/Oncology, and Infectious diseases / Rheumatology, with each module being covered over one shifting period. Teaching- Learning activities include face to face encounters, synchronous and asynchronous lectures, clinical case conferences, student group case discussions, and integration activities, as well as workshops which will touch on the utility and interpretation of tests and ancillaries. Virtual patients, and bedside teaching, allow students to learn to interact and communicate with patients, learn bedside manners, and enforce the meaning of comprehensive, compassionate care.

MEDICINE III (CLINICAL CLERKSHIP IN INTERNAL MEDICINE) FOR FOURTH YEAR LEVEL

Course Information

Course Description

Medicine 3 is offered in the 4th year of Medical school wherein the students are expected to be proficient in the art of direct history taking and clinical examination. Students are immersed in the clinical environment (virtual, actual patient volunteers and actual in patients and out patients in the ambulatory setting) and are encouraged to develop critical thinking in the synthesis of information in making sound diagnosis, developing diagnostic and therapeutic management.

This will be accomplished using a blended format, using virtual asynchronous self-directed learning activities and synchronous teaching and learning activities with the main virtual platform being the Blackboard Learning Management System.

Rationale. The Medicine Clerkship program is a competency-based course aimed at engaging students to the “must know” emergent and non-emergent cases in internal medicine thru blended learning (online and traditional methods).

Focus. Focus is on the fundamentals of diagnosis derived from proper and directed history taking and physical diagnosis including management, and prevention of common emergent and non-emergent diseases of the different subspecialties such as cardiovascular, endocrine, gastroenterology, hematology and oncology, infectious diseases, nephrology, pulmonology, and rheumatology.

Output. The students are expected to construct diagnostic and therapeutic management strategies in emergent and non-emergent medical cases based on pertinent history taking and focused physical examination findings, develop critical thinking skills during the entire process of online and actual engagements, comprehensively and professionally present in a conference setting, demonstrate effective communication strategies and ethical behaviors with patients, families and all members of the health care team in actual hospital and outpatient settings, and familiarize oneself to common (basic) technical procedures in internal medicine

Instructional Design

The subject is handled by the Medicine 3 faculty staff through a blended curriculum. A self-directed learning that includes asynchronous activities (15%) with recorded lectures of Specialty Facilitators, Uploaded recommended Clinical Practice Guidelines in Internal Medicine , and Uploaded educational materials (demo videos and pictures, ancillary result interpretation, and physical exam videos). The module also allows student to experience synchronous on line (15%) and face to face (70%) interactive case discussions with the facilitators, face to face encounters with actual patients and patient as teacher volunteers.

The subject is conducted for 2 months and around 85% of the activities are synchronous while 15% are asynchronous. The Modules are divided into: Internal Medicine-Cardiology, Internal Medicine-Pulmonology-Allergology, Internal Medicine-Endocrinology-Nephrology-Geriatrics, Internal Medicine-Gastroenterolgy- Hematology-Oncology, Internal Medicine-Infectious Disease-Rheumatology, and Internal Medicne Out Patient Setting (ACS). The students are divided into color groups of 6 with 13-15 students per group and they rotate to each module for 10 days. Their rotation are divided per module into ward duties, face to face and online case discussion, online conferences and asynchronous activities. Evaluation of the knowledge and skills gained by the students include case presentation evaluation 35%, Clinical skills lab performance 5%, Mini Revalida 20%, ePOrtfolio 10%, ward performance evaluation 10%, Attitude 5%, peer evaluation 5% and exit examination of 10% All of these would account for 100% of the final grade.

Vision and Mission

Goals

Contact Information

Vision and Mission

VISION

The Department of Medicine embraces as its vision statement the following;

By 2030, the Department of Medicine shall be the lead Department of the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, aligned with international educational standards exemplifying the core values of the University of Santo Tomas.

MISSION

The Department of Medicine embraces as her Mission statement the following:

The Department of Medicine commits itself to the pursuit of excellence in the delivery of Internal Medicine as both a basic and clinical course in the medical curriculum guided by Christian ethics and values.

The Department reaffirms its task in the contribution for the development and formation of competent, committed and compassionate Thomasian physicians.

Goals

GOALS

The Department of Medicine promotes and follows these goals:

To maintain a roster of efficient and knowledgeable faculty members who are dedicated to the pursuit of academic excellence in the field of Internal Medicine.
To develop an innovative, germane and thought-stimulating instructional design that cultivates self-directed learning, analytical proficiency, good communication skills and proper ideals of the student.
To ensure that students are will have a comprehensive knowledge in Internal Medicine.
To maintain a support system that can provide adequate assistance for the student or faculty member conducting basic and clinical studies in internal medicine..
To establish a strong and sustainable national and international networks and linkages with other national and international Departments of Internal Medicine

Contact Information

Recognitions

Updates

Recognitions

RECOGNITIONS GIVEN TO THE MEMBERS OF THE UST DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE

Department of Medicine Newsletter

OCTOBER TO DECEMBER 2021 ISSUE NO. 1

JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER 2022 ISSUE NO. 2

OCTOBER TO DECEMBER 2022 ISSUE NO. 3

JANUARY TO JULY 2023 ISSUE NO. 4

AUGUST 2023 SPECIAL ISSUE ISSUE NO. 5

AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2023 ISSUE NO. 6

History

UST DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE

The Department of Medicine has its humble beginnings. Despite the achievements and distinctions, its beginnings were not a smooth path that many people thought of. In fact, it evolved through the war-torn Philippines and had withstood the changes in the political scenario in our country. Through its wings, generations of distinctive, noble, and competent Thomasian physicians have emerged. The foundation laid by its pioneers paved the way to what is now known as the Premiere Department in the Faculty of Medicine & Surgery of the University of Santo Tomas.

FORERUNNERS OF THE DEPARTMENT

The Faculty of Medicine and Surgery was formally established as Facultad de Medicina y Farmacia on May 28, 1871. At that time, there were no departments/sections for the different subjects being taught. There were professors in-charge of subjects and they were responsible only to the Dean of the Faculty.

From 1871 to 1898, the teaching method was patterned after the European medical schools. Lectures were mostly translated into Spanish. The study of medicine then covered seven years, one year called preparatorio (forerunner of our pre-medical course) and six years medicine proper.

In the early years, the emphasis on the curriculum was on clinical surgery and surgical methods. It was only in academic year 1875- 1876 that Clinical Medicine and Pathology were taught for the first time. By this time, the first medicine class were now on their 4^th year of medical education. Clinical Medicine, combined with other subjects, served as forerunner subjects under the Department of Medicine. The other subjects were: Terapeutica, Materia Medicina y Arte de Recetar, Patologia Medica y Sifiografia, Clinica Medica Oftalmologia y Su Clinica Medica y Clinica Quirurgica, Medicina Legal y Toxologia, Dermatologia y Su Clinica. Sr. D. Francisco Capelo, Sr. D. Eduardo Solis, Sr. D. Felipe Bueno and Sr. D. Rufino Martin were some of the faculty members during those days. From 1898 to 1901, classes were suspended. Heroic Filipinos were in armed confrontation against Spanish forces.

At the turn of the century, after the Philippine Revolution, the teaching method was now patterned after the American medical school. In 1908, the Department of Medical Clinics was established with Drs. Gervasio de Ocampo and Dr. Guillermo Burke as directors

Among the subjects at that time were:

Guillermo Burke, MD	Professor of Tropical Medicine
Vicente Cavanna, MD	Professor of Clinical Diagnosis and Clinical Practice
Rudesindo Fernandez Cuervo, MD	Professor of Pharmacology, Toxicology, Materia Medica and Prescription Writing
Vicente Frias, MD	Professor of Hygiene and Laboratory Practices and Medical Jurisprudence
Joaquin Garrido (Lic. Pharm)	Professor of Qualitative Chemical Analysis, Toxicology and Laboratory Practice
Gervasio de Ocampo, MD	Professor of Medical Pathology (Tropical Medicine, Epidemiology, Neuropathology, Psychiatry and Clinical Practice)
Ignacio Ortigas, MD	Professor of general Physiology and Laboratory Practice and Clinical Microscopy
Ignacio Valdes, MD	Professor of Therapeutics, Electrotherapy and History of Medicine
Jose Paredes, MD	Professor of Hygiene and Legal Medicine

Physical Diagnosis was given in the third year together with Therapeutics, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Materia Medica and Arte de Recetar. It was in the academic year 1924-1925 that Physical Diagnosis was transferred to the second year (which at present still holds) and for the first time a rotating internship of 4 months in Medicine using the facilities of San Juan de Dios was commenced.

BIRTH OF THE DEPARTMENT

Dr. William Burke (1927-1938)

It was only in 1927 when the Department of Medicine was first formally organized. Dr. William Burke, a cardiologist and philanthropist, served as its head up to 1938, with Dr. Gervasio de Ocampo as Assistant Head. Dr. Burke is the one that introduced and installed the first electrocardiograph in the Philippines.

Dr. Gervasio De Ocampo (1939-1941)

Dr. de Ocampo succeeded Dr. Burke as head in the years before World War II from 1939 to 1941. The Department at that time was composed of the following sections: Physical Diagnosis, Pharmacology Therapeutics and Prescription Writing, Radiology, Psychiatry, Tropical Medicine, Communicable diseases , Dermatology and Syphilology, Clinical Pathology and Medical Pathology. It was also during this time that 1^st and 2^nd classes were held at the present España while clinical years remained in the Walled City of Intramuros, San Juan de Dios Hospital.

Dr. Ricardo Molina (1942-1944)

During World War II, December 8, 1941, San Juan de Dios Hospital was temporarily closed. In March 1942, the Japanese military forces ordered the transfer of Quezon Institute to San Juan de Dios Hospital. Clinical instruction then was transferred to St. Paul’s at Calle Juan Luna in Intramuros, run by Maryknoll Sisters until the liberation to Manila. During the Japanese occupation (1942-1944), Acting Rector Magnificus, Rev. Fr. Eugenio Jordan, O.P. appointed Dr. Ricardo Molina, an endocrinologist-cardiologist as Head of Medicine with Dr. Hermogenes D. Santos as Assistant Head. Classes and clinics were running smoothly until September 21, 1944 the building in Intramuros that housed the classes in Medicine and San Juan de Hospital was levelled to the ground.

POST LIBERATION ERA

Dr. Agustin Liboro (1946-1957)

Amidst the ruins of the war, the University re-opened its door in 1945 and a new University Hospital was installed at the España campus. On February 15, 1946, the Charity Service opened. Dr. Agustin Liboro became the Head of Medicine (1946-1957) with Dr. Mariano Alimurung as Secretary (1946-1947). Post-liberation years were characterized by the departure of some staff members for further study and training abroad. Dr. Antonio Samia succeeded Dr. Alimurung as Secretary from 1948 to 1951 with Dr. Carmen Salgado-Ora as Assistant Secretary. Dr. Ora succeeded Dr. Samia as Secretary from 1952 to 1957 with Dr. Pilar Nacu as Assistant Secretary. It was in 1947 when the different Sections under the Department were organized with their following respective section Chiefs: Dr. Pedro Lantin, Infectious & Tropical Diseases; Dr. Agustin Liboro, Gastrointestinal Diseases; Dr. Hermogenes Santos, Metabolic and Deficiency Diseases; Dr. Wenceslao Vitug, Respiratory Diseases; Dr. Isidro Pertierra, Cardiovascular, Renal and Endocrine Diseases; Dr. Victorino de la Fuente, Hematological Diseases; Dr. Leopoldo Pardo, Neurology & Psychiatry; Dr Paulino Garcia, Radiology and Physiotherapy; Dr. Ernesto Medina-Cua, Venereology & Dermatology; Dr. Antonio Gabriel, Legal Medicine and History of Medicine; and Dr. Hipolito Gatchalian, Therapeutics.

Dr. Hermogenes A. Santos (1957-1966)

In July 1957, Dr. Hermogenes A. Santos succeeded Dr. Liboro with Dr. Salgado-Ona as Assistant Head and Dr. Pilar Nacu as Secretary. Dr. Gregorio Moral succeeded Dr. Ora when the later left for abroad and Dr. Aurora Perez served as Assistant Secretary. During this time, Dr. Santos initiated innovations forming different committees for the improvement of the Department. Dr. Francisco Roman was chairman of the Organization and Planning Committee, and Student’s Promotion, Test and Measurement was headed by Dr. Hermogenes Santos. The Therapeutics and Diagnosis Committees were headed by Drs. Wenceslao Vitug and Augustin Liboro, respectively.

THE HOMECOMING

Dr. Francisco J. Roman (1966-1969)

On September 1, 1966, Dr. Francisco J. Roman became the Head of the Department and re-organized the Clinical Services into four major divisions ‒ Cardiovascular Diseases, with Dr. Mariano Alimurung as Head; Gastroenterology with Dr. Francisco Roman himself as Chief, and Dr. Ricardo Reyes as Officer-in-Charge; Infectious and Tropical Diseases with Drs. Aniceta Barcelon Guevarra and Joaquin Tinio as Chief and Officer-in-Charge respectively, and Internal Medicine with Dr. Hermogenes Santos as Chief. It was during this time when many returning physicians with specialty training in the subspecialties were appointed to the staff. It was also at this time that Neurology and Psychiatry separated from the Department of Medicine to become a new Department headed by Dr. Gilberto Gamez, with the blessings of Dean Buenaventura Angtuaco and Very Rev. Fr. Jesus Diaz, O.P.

Dr. Emmanuel T. Gatchalian Sr. (1969-1975)

On June 1, 1969, a new Chairman in the person of Dr. Emmanuel T. Gatchalian, Sr. took over with Drs. Gregorio Moral, Tarcila Mendoza and Tito P. Torralba as Secretary, Assistant Secretary and Special Assistant to the Chairman, respectively. During the term of Dr. Gatchalian, the Department had eight subsections, Cardiovascular Diseases with Dr. Mariano Alimurung as Chief, Gastroenterology under Dr. Francisco Roman; Infectious and Tropical Diseases under Dr. Bienvenido Alora, Internal Medicine under Dr. Hermogenes Santos; Clinical Pathology, headed by Dr. Ernesto Medina-Cue with the Sections of Dermatology, Legal Medicine and Radiology were headed by Drs. Perpetua Reyes Javier, Antonio Gabriel and Ananias Laxamana. The medical curriculum was revised to block system, as a consequence of this, Medicine II became a semestral subject and Therapeutics was abolished as a separate subject. A program of study was designed in order in order to extract the maximum benefit from the regularly scheduled clinical seminars and conferences. Drs. Nicolas de Jesus and Gregorio Moral, Jr. were supervisors in Medicine I and Medicine II respectively, while Dr. Librado Canicosa was clerkship supervisor.

Dr. Mariano M. Alimurung (1975-1980)

From 1975 to 1980, Dr. Mariano M. Alimurung served as Chairman with Dr. Helen Paulino-Abundo as Executive Officer and Dr. Gregorio Moral, Jr. as Secretary. Dr. Alimurung started fellowship program in Cardiovascular (CV) diseases. He initiated the admitting conferences, medical audit, mortality and morbidity conferences, chairman’s monthly meeting with residents and staff and monthly rounds. Regarding residency training, subspecialization was emphasized only in the last year of residency to assure a strong Internal Medicine (IM) background. Lastly, he introduced the Sectional Grand Rounds.

FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

Dr. Sol Z. Alvarez (1981-1987)

Dr. Sol Z. Alvarez succeeded Dr. Alimurung to become the Chairman from 1981 to 1987. Dr. Juan Torres served as Secretary with Dr. Aurora Padolina-Perez as Treasurer. The following physicians became Chief of their respective sections ‒ Dr. Aurora V. Cinco, Allied Specialties; Dr. Bienvenido Alora, Infectious Diseases; Dr. Francisco Dizon, Cardiology; Dr. Perpetua Reyes-Javier, Dermatology; Dr. Luz Alisangco-Gamez, Clinical Pathology; Dr. Lilia Lopez-Borja, Medical Oncology; Dr. Ernesto Brion, Forensic Medicine. During his term as chairman, Dr. Alvarez had a dual role, also serving as Chief of Section of Gastroenterology. He strengthened the Residency Program by having the hairman’s Audit, Admitting Conferences and Research Paper Presentation. He also initiated the Fellowship Program, with Drs. Ramon Carpio (Gastroenterology) and Oscar Naidas (Nephrology) as pioneers. Clinical and teaching fellowship was started during this time with Drs. Rosario Yabon and Sandra Teresa G. Victorio-Navarra. Dr. Alvarez paved the way to the separation of Dermatology, Clinical Pathology and Forensic Medicine from the Department with Dr. Tito P. Torralba as the Dean. He also started to rekindle the glorious days of the Department by holding Foundation Day celebrations. Dr. Alvarez continued the programs initiated by Dr. Alimurung, e.g. weekly chairman’s rounds, admitting conferences, audit, morbidity and mortality conferences. Presently, such activities are still being conducted. Dr. Alvarez renamed Residents’ Paper Presentation to Mariano Alimurung Research Paper Contest.

Dr. Gregorio A. Moral Jr. (1987-1993)

At the end of Dr. Alvarez’s term, he was succeeded by Dr. Gregorio A. Moral, Jr., who held the position from 1987 to 1993. Dr. Juan F. Torres was the Secretary with Dr. Aurora Padolina-Perez as Treasurer. Drs. Sandra Teresa Victorio-Navarra and Nerissa Calimon were Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer respectively. Chief of Sections were as follows: Dr. Aurora V. Cinco, Allied Specialties; Dr. Jesus Y. Perez, Gastroenterology; Dr. Rosario Angeles Tan-Alora, Infectious and tropical diseases and Dr. Victoria Edna Garayblas-Monzon, Cardiology.

Dr. Moral organized fund-raising Faculty Musical Variety Show for the Department and well as for indigent patients. He also allowed senior residents to admit patients in their service though decking system with consultants.

SUBPECIALTY SECTIONS

Dr. Tito P. Torralba (1993-1995)

Dr. Torralba envisioned to strengthen the subspecialties and to maximize the potentials of a highly trained subspecialty-based faculty staff. Dr. Teofilo O.L. San Luis served as his Assistant Department Chair. The Section of Allied Specialties was dissolved and five new sections were created : Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Nephrology and Endocrinology and Metabolism , making up the total of 8 sections under the Department including the already existing Sections of Cardiology, Infectious and Tropical Diseases and Gastroenterology. These Sections were headed by seasoned specialists such as Dr. Alberto Lardizabal, pulmonologist; Dr. Carmen Tanseco-Narciso, haematologist; Dr. Tito P. Torralba, rheumatologist, Dr. Libertad Nazareno-Rosales, nephrologist; Dr. Edna Garayblas-Monzon, cardiologist; Dr. Jesus Y. Perez, gastroenterologist; Dr. Juna F. Torres, endocrinologist and Dr. Angeles Tan Alora, Infectious Disease specialist The term of Dr. Torralba saw the renovation of the wards as well as the establishment of the Peritoneal dialysis Unit and the Research Laboratory now MIC (Medical Informatics Center). He also initiated the Conference on Therapy with the Department of Pharmacology and highlighted each Sections and specialty consultants through a well-prepared Medical Grand rounds. He also gave opportunity to newly graduates but deserving trainees by appointing them as Clinical Faculties.

PARADIGM SHIFT

Dr. Juan F. Torres Jr. (1995-2000)

From 1995 to 2000, Dr. Juan Torres served as Chairman with Dr. Johnny T. Go as Secretary, Dr. Maria Piedad R. Natividad as Assistant Secretary and Dr. Nerissa Calimon as Treasurer. During his term, Dr. Roberto Anastacio headed the Section of Cardiology, Dr. Virgilio Gonzales became the Section of Endocrinology, Dr. Jose D. Sollano served as Chief of the Section of Gastroenterology while Dr. Valorie F. Chan was the Section Chief of Hematology and Oncology. The Section of Infectious and Tropical diseases was headed by Dr. Remedios F. Coronel. Dr. Libertad Rosales was Chief of the Section of Nephrology and Dr. Tito P. Torralba was Section Chief of the Section of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology. Dr. Alberto Lardizabal was Chief of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine from 1995 until 1999 until Dr. Noel Bautista took over the role as Section Chief. Dr. Torres had an innovative curriculum through modules highlighting subspecialty sections. This time also witnessed the shifting of the Department into a new paradigm shift‒i.e., evidence-based medicine (EBM). Lastly, a compilation of all scientific researches of the Department was produced and was edited by Dr. Melvin R. Marcial.

Dr. Johnny T. Go (2000-2007)

Dr. Johnny T. Go served as the millennium Chair of the Department. The realization that the Department of Medicine is tasked to make the undergraduate medical student well versed in general internal medicine rather than the subspecialties led to a major reorganization in the medical curriculum. The subspecialty sections were de-emphasized by forming general module which focus on certain subspecialties in internal medicine. Also “vertical integration” from Medicine I to Medicine II was done through the reorientation of thrust on diagnostics in Medicine I and Therapeutics in Medicine II. Faculty members were requested to teach the subspecialty focus in each module regardless of his/her field of specialization. This proved one significant step towards de-specialization of internal medicine.

Dr. Go is ably assisted by Dr. Maria Piedad R. Natividad as Secretary, Dr. Melvin Marcial as Assistant Secretary with Dr Nerissa Calimon as the Treasurer. The Section Chiefs under Dr. Go’s term includes the following: Dr. Roberto Anastacio for Cardiology, Dr. Leilani Mercado-Asis for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Dr. Jose Sollano for Gastroenterology, Dr. Valorie F. Chan for Hematology and Oncology. Drs. Remedios Coronel and Libertad Rosales are the Chief of Section of Infectious Diseases and Nephrology respectively. Drs. Noel Bautista and Sandra Teresa Victorio-Navarra were appointed as Chief of Sections of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology respectively.

Dr. Bernardo D. Briones (2008-2010)

Dr. Bernardo D. Briones was Chairman of the Department of Medicine from 2008-2010. Dr. Marilyn Ong-Mateo served as Department Secretary. During his term, the creation of a textbook in Medicine I (Physical Diagnosis) was conceptualized with Dr. Melvin R. Marcial as the author. Moving forward, this textbook, Comprehensive Guide to Physical Examination, is now the reference book in Physical Diagnosis since academic year 2016-2017.

Dr. Briones also formed four committees during his term namely: Curriculum Development, Ethics, Professional Development, and Finance. He strengthened residency training in Internal Medicine including Geriatrics and Clinical Pharmacology. He initiated the addition of simulated patients for students. He was active in community development participation for the Department. He also ushered the renovation of the Outpatient Department. The Section Chiefs under Dr. Briones’ term were: Dr. Sol Alvarez: Gastroenterology; Dr. Gina V. Panuncialman: Hematology-Oncology; Dr. Libertad N. Rosales: Nephrology; Milagros E. Yamamoto: Cardiology; Dr. Isaias A. Lanzona: Pulmonary Medicine; Dr. Angeles Tan-Alora; Infectious and Tropical Diseases; Dr. Sandra Teresa V. Navarra: Rheumatology; and Dr. Leilani Mercado-Asis: Endocrinology.

Dr. Leilani B. Mercado-Asis (2010-2012)

Dr. Leilani B. Mercado-Asis served as first female Chairman of the Department from 2010-2012. Drs. Irene Dumalaog-Castillo and Estrellita Judan-Ruiz were the secretary and the treasurer respectively. The Section Chiefs under Dr. Mercado-Asis’ term were: Dr. Albert E. Ismael: Gastroenterology; Dr. Priscilla B. Caguioa: Hematology-Oncology; Dr. Elizabeth Angelica L. Roasa: Nephrology; Milagros E. Yamamoto: Cardiology; Dr. Isaias A. Lanzona: Pulmonary Medicine; Dr. Remedios F. Coronel: Infectious and Tropical Diseases; Dr. Sandra Teresa V. Navarra: Rheumatology; and Dr. Sjoberg A. Kho: Endocrinology. The subject supervisors were: Dr. Maria Victoria Garcia for Medicine I, Dr. Inocencio Alejandro for Medicine II and Dr. Ivan Villespin for Medicine III. After a PhD study in Endocrinology and Metabolism in Japan, she completed a Clinical Fellowship in the same field at the National Institute of Health (USA). Masteral studies in Public Health and Distance Education are two academic milestones of Prof. Mercado-Asis.

This was the start of the establishment of an international linkage with NIH and the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (FMS) for training of fellows. During her term, the POMR-MPL (Problem Oriented Medical Record-Master Problem List) was adopted in the Clerkship/Junior Internship curriculum. The POMR-MPL was later lectured to the third-year medical students and became a strategy in the discussion of cases. To improve the passing rate, 20 top bottom students after each shift were identified and had a face-to-face meet up with Prof. Mercado-Asis and discussed strategies to improve academic performance. Clinical skill enhancement program for clerks was established thru lecturing on the Triage Area of the Clinical Division of the OPD Department utilizing their self-made educational materials. The incorporation of the POMR-MPL as a teaching tool was made possible through the efforts of Dr. Ivan Villespin who is a staunch advocator of the POMR-MPL. Dr. Villespin introduced a pinning ceremony for incoming clerks in the department as a symbolic act for a medical student to move on to the clinical arena of learning. Another innovation for Med III was the introduction of the Clerks’ Portfolio (C-Port) previously known as Junior Interns Portfolio (JIP). Consisting initially of an 80-page document, it is a systematic collection of medical clerks’ work samples, record of tasks, performance evaluations, and conference rubrics for grading. The Clerks’ Portfolio (C-Port) provided a powerful approach in the assessment of a range of curriculum outcomes not easily assessed by other teaching methods. Indeed, this serves as a ground breaker in the adoption of the Outcome-based education (OBE) curriculum strategy of our department. The mentoring scheme of the Faculty staff to the medical clerks was another strategy implemented by the department. The clerks were required to report to an assigned faculty to help them cope up with their responsibilities and duties. A secondary uniform for medical clerks was introduced and later approved by DMER (Department of Medical Education and Research) of the hospital.

SEPARATE DEPARTMENT CHAIRS FOR FACULTY AND HOSPITAL

Dr. Marliyn Ong Mateo (UST HOSPITAL) (2010- 2020)

From February-May 2010, Dr. Marilyn Ong-Mateo acted as OIC (Officer-in- Charge) of the Department. While awaiting the appointment of the next chairman, Dr. Graciela Garayblas-Gonzaga, who was Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery and Internist, served as OIC (Officer-in- Charge) from June-October 2010. Both Dr. Marilyn Ong-Mateo and Dean Graciela Grarayblas-Gonzaga continued the projects of Dr. Briones foremost of which was the formation of the Curriculum Committee to validate examination questions in Medicine I and II. With the change in the landscape of medicine and healthcare and a strong need for realignment and strategic management of the hospital units and departments, a separate Department Chairman for the UST Hospital was appointed in 2011. Dr Ong-Mateo served and lead the Department of Internal Medicine in the hospital from 2011 until 2020., where she took the challenge of handling the biggest department with the greatest number of operating units.

Dr. Isaias A. Lanzona (2012-2019)

Dr. Isaias A. Lanzona was the 17^th Chairman of the Department of Medicine form 2012-2019. Dra. Irene D. Castillo served as interim secretary for a year. She was later replaced by Dr. Rhona Gatpandan-Bergantin as secretary. Dr. Marivic Garcia later assumed the position as secretary with Dr. Bergantin as the department treasurer. The Chiefs of Sections were the same except for Dr. Maria Piedad Rosales-Natividad as chief of Pulmonary Medicine. Drs. P. C. Natividad, M. Zacarias, and I. Villespin remained as supervisors of Med I, II, and III respectively. New appointments were done starting AY: 2015-2016 in response to the number of faculty who retired. The new section chiefs were GI: Dr. Estrellita J. Ruiz, Hema-Onco: Dr. Priscilla B. Caguioa, Pulmo: Dr. Piedad R. Natividad, Endo: Dr. Honolina S. Gomez, CV: Dr. Manuel Zacarias (replaced Dra. M. Yamamoto), Nephrology: Dr. Elizabeth L. Roasa, Infectious Diseases: Dr. Rhona G. Bergantin (replaced Dra. R. Coronel), Rheumatology: Dr. Sandra V. Navarra. The new set of supervisors were for Medicine I: Dr. Dr. Romina L. Navarro, for Medicine II: Dr. Sjoberg Kho, for Medicine III: Dr. Jomell Julian. Dr. Lanzona initiated several innovations in the curriculum during his term such as integration of ultrasound in medical education, implementation of the outcome-based curriculum in accordance with the Commission on Higher Education, collaboration with Stanford Medicine to enhance the teaching of bedside examination, introduction of the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), and the creation of team-based learning (TBL) modules to develop student’s interpersonal and team interaction skills. Dr. Lanzona conceptualized The SalinYaman interactive forum that honors the retired faculty members of the Department. Their achievements as professors, trainers, mentors, advisers, friends are highlighted in this activity. From the local lingual “SalinYaman”, gold nuggets of wisdom, knowledge, compassion, or any good act are poured out by the faculty for younger colleagues, doctors, and students to emulate.

Initial Salinyaman Honorees were Professor Nicolas J. de Jesus (December 14, 2016) Class ’53 UST FMS; Supervisor Medicine I; Professor Francisco G. Dizon (December 20, 2017), Class ’52 UST FMS, Head, Section of Cardiology, Professor Juan T. Torres (December 14, 2018); Class? UST FMS, Chairman, Department of Medicine; Professor Emeritus Tito P. Torralba (October 24, 2019) Class ‘55 UST FMS; Chairman, Department of Medicine

COVID 19 PANDEMIC

Dr. Maria Piedad R. Natividad (2019-2021)

Dr. Natividad’s initial thrust as Chairman of the Department was to increase activities that could boost the clinical learning experience of the students. She promoted activities that provided interaction among students and patients: “Patient Assist Program” (PAP) and “Patient as Teachers” (PAT), as well as the use of videos, “Video Assist Project “(VAP) that demonstrated the UST techniques, particularly in Physical examination, as well as mannequins “Dummy Assist Project” (DAP) that allowed the students to hone their skills in both Physical examination techniques as well as procedures that they would be doing as clerks. There was also an increase in the utilization of the Ultrasound, “Turn Up the Sound”, to enhance anatomical and clinical correlation. Team Based Learning TBL was also continued since this encouraged group participation and collaboration.

Dr. Natividad also started the Student Assist Program (SAP), where the Department Chair regularly reached out to talk to the students who were having difficulty in maintaining passing grades. These conversations made it possible to determine actions that could help the students, including referrals to the Guidance Councilor. Regular follow-ups were also done to ensure that the students continued to receive the assistance that they needed.

Community and environmental activities were also promoted, with virtual lay fora, participation in the medical mission of Simbahayan, as well as a Tree Planting activity as part of the Kalikasan, Kabuhayan, Kaibigan Project (KKK).

Dr. Natividad was still Chairman when the world was struck by the Coronavirus (CoVid-19) pandemic in 2020 and the university shifted to pure online classes to minimize exposure to the virus. The faculty adapted successfully, with quick modification of the curriculum and realignment of the modules to the virtual platform.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the “Patient as Teachers” (PAT) Project was continued virtually to meet educational challenges by leveraging technology and available resources while ensuring the safety of students and staff. Subspecialty sections incorporated telemedicine to provide actual patients for teaching modules. Some Modules also used virtual “patient encounters” that allowed the clinical clerks to “experience” the management of a patient from the ER, to the ward, to discharge, and even to a Telemedicine follow-up, simulating actual patient management as closely as possible.

Once on-campus activities were allowed, intensive workshops were held with strict physical distancing, where students used models and dummies to improve their physical examination and basic clinical procedure skills under the Dummy Assist Project (DAP). The Video Assist Project (VAP) was also continued, integrating standard physical examination technique videos into all physical exam lectures. Meanwhile, well-screened USTFMS support staff acted as model patients, allowing medical students to practice history-taking and focused physical examination skills safely.

These innovations ensured the continuity and quality of medical education during the pandemic and have established new standards that continue to benefit students and patients.

Dr. Sjoberg Kho served as her Department Secretary. Dr. Irene Vergara-Joson was the Medicine 1 Supervisor, Dr. Marie Stella Navarro was the Medicine 2 Supervisor, while Dr. Melvin Marcial was the Medicine 3 Supervisor. The section chiefs included Dr. Maria Victoria Garcia for Cardiology, Dr. Maria Piedad Natividad for Pulmonary, Dr. Porshia Comes-Natividad for Nephrology, Dr. Honolina Gomez for Endocrinology, Dr. Frederick Dy for Gastroenterology, Dr. Priscilla Caguioa for Hematology/Oncology, Dr. Julie Li-Yu for Rheumatology, and Dr. Rhona Bergantin for Infectious Disease.

Dr. Sjoberg A. Kho UST HOSPITAL (2020- )

Dr. Kho took the reins as Chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine of the UST Hospital leading the premiere department amidst the deadly pandemic. Under his guidance, the training of medical residents and fellows was modified and major changes were made in the operation of the hospital units, following guidelines during the pandemic and the new normal. He initiated several online/hybrid postgraduate courses under the department.

The section chiefs included Dr. MIlagros Yamamoto for Cardiology, Dr. Julius Dalupang Pulmonary, Dr. Romina Laguesma-Navarro for Nephrology, Dr. Sjoberg Kho for Endocrinology, Dr. Frederick Dy for Gastroenterology, Dr.Irene Castillo for Hematology/Oncology, Dr. Sandra Navarra for Rheumatology, and Dr. Remedios Coronel for Infectious Disease.

UST Hospital Unit Heads during this time were the following: Cardiovascular Catheterization Unit: Dr. Wilson Tan-De Guzman; Center for Kidney Diseases: Dr. Marie Stella L. Navarro; Center for Respiratory Medicine: Dr. Julius Caesar J. Dalupang; Diabetes Center: Dr. Sjoberg A. Kho; Endoscopy Unit: Dr. Frederick T. Dy; Heart Station: Dr. Eduardo Vicente S. Caguioa; Intensive Care Units (CCU/CVU): Dr. Milagros E. Yamamoto; Infection Prevention and Control Committee (IPCC): Dr. John S. Delgado, and Rheumatology Center: Dr. Julie Li-Yu. Dr. Julie Visperas served as the Residency Training officer succeeded by Dr. Cristina Maranon.

INTERNATIONALIZATION

Dr. Melvin R. Marcial (2021- )

Dr. Marcial succeeded as Chairman of the Department of Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine & Surgery in 2021. He led the institution to new heights during the transition from online to hybrid to face-to-face classes and initiated research projects in medical education. He fostered collaborations with international faculty from Stanford University, the National Institutes of Health, the University of Barcelona, and institutions in Singapore, as well as with Thomasian graduates affiliated with various international universities.

Under his leadership, the USTFMS Section of Geriatrics was established, with Dr. Wenceslao Llauderes as Section Chief, bringing the total to 10 subspecialty sections within the department. He spearheaded initiatives to preserve the heritage and legacy of the premier department by documenting its 95-year history, displaying posters of prominent figures in the Medicine Hallway, and publishing a special edition of the Journal of Medicine UST (JMUST) to commemorate the department’s 95th anniversary.

Additionally, a biannual department newsletter, MED E Scene, was launched during his tenure. The newsletter documents all academic activities and serves as a platform to highlight the academic and professional achievements of the faculty and staff. This initiative not only enhances the self-worth of the faculty and staff but also promotes the accomplishments of the department as a whole.

In a pioneering effort, the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery Department of Medicine held its first Stethoscope Tagging Ceremony for the second-year medical students of Batch 2026 at the beginning of AY 2023-2024. Personalized stethoscope tags were placed on the students’ stethoscopes by Medicine I professors during the ceremony, marking the beginning of their medical journey. The first Geriatric Week Celebration, a culminating activity for Medicine 1, was also initiated during this academic year.

To align with UST’s internationalization efforts, the individual academic profiles of all faculty staff were uploaded to the official UST and USTFMS websites. Faculty names can now be easily searched on Google, enhancing their global presence as academicians, clinicians, and experts in their respective specialties/subspecialties while being identified as Thomasian physicians.

Strengthening the department’s robust faith formation , Mary Untier of Knots was designated as the Patroness of the Department, with a daily 6 PM prayer habit in the department’s Viber group. To provide further spiritual guidance to medical students, an altar of Mary Untier of Knots was set up outside the department’s office, where students could access free prayer pamphlets. Additionally, a structured remediation program for students was initiated at this time.

A Leadership Book Club was initiated to encourage self-improvement among all staff, promote reading, and prepare younger faculty members for future leadership roles. This initiative aims to foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development, equipping the next generation of leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their careers and guide their institutions effectively.

In 2021, the Department was fortunate to be provided a new and spacious office space, featuring 8 electronic, height-adjustable working tables conducive to faculty work, as well as wellness amenities such as a massage chair. These enhancements were generously provided by the Anargyroi Foundation.

Dr. Marie Stella Navarro served as his Secretary. Dr. Irene Vergara-Joson was the Medicine 1 Supervisor, assisted by Drs. Julie Tapispisan and Caroline Bernadette Ignacio. Dr. Maria Diana Aileen Bautista was the Medicine 2 Supervisor, while Dr. Maria Faye Anne Gomez was the Medicine 3 Supervisor, assisted by Dr. Paul John Ablaza. The section chiefs included Dr. Maria Victoria Garcia for Cardiology, Dr. Julie Visperas for Pulmonary, Dr. Porshia Comes-Natividad for Nephrology, Dr. Sjoberg Kho for Endocrinology, Dr. Alvin Brian Velasco for Gastroenterology, Dr. Eugenio Emmanuel Regala for Hematology/Oncology, Dr. Julie Li-Yu for Rheumatology, and Dr. Rhona Bergantin for Infectious Disease. Dr. Charlene Balili served as the Endocrine Module leader, and Dr. Flordeluna Mesina as the Hematology/Oncology Module leader.