Mapúa University, renowned as one of the country’s top engineering institutions, has expanded its academic offerings to include medicine programs.

In an appearance on DAILY TRIBUNE’s Straight Talk, Dr. Malaya Pimentel-Santos, the newly appointed dean of Mapúa’s School of Medicine, highlighted this significant milestone that was made possible because of the university’s longstanding reputation for excellence.

“Many are surprised to learn that Mapúa now offers medicine and other health-related programs. We’re extremely proud of this achievement,” Pimentel-Santos said.

Sixteen students make up the inaugural batch of the School of Medicine.

Pimentel-Santos said the school is powered by cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technology, which will play a key role in enhancing students’ learning experience and prepare them for successful careers in the medical field.

Mapua has partnered with Arizona State University in the implementation of AI education. ASU, Pimentel-Santos said, was “a leader in AI use not just in education but in many other areas, including healthcare.”

“Our collaboration brings in three things: one, digital mastery, we want our students to not just be digitally literate, we’d like them to go beyond. Second is global readiness, we need to learn cross-cultural collaboration. Third is advanced and immersive learning,” she said.

Under advanced and immersive learning, Pimentel-Santos said there is a whole floor of simulation laboratories. “This is to make sure that our students are practice-ready.”

Mapua’s School of Medicine currently offers medical programs in psychology, nursing, medical technology, biology, pharmacy, and physical therapy, and provides a 10-percent pioneering discount on tuition fees.