Mapúa University launched its medical school not just to build on its reputation as one of the country’s premier engineering schools, but also to help address the shortage of medical practitioners in the Philippines.

Dr. Malaya Pimentel-Santos, dean of the newly established Mapúa School of Medicine, said in an interview on DAILY TRIBUNE’s Straight Talk that while the school will prepare its students to work in advanced tertiary centers with cutting-edge technology, it would also ensure that their graduates will understand the need to serve in underserved areas where medical practitioners are scarce.

“We must not forget that a significant part of the country still lacks medical practitioners, that’s a reality. To fill that gap, we have this simulation that is reconfigurable to various settings called the Rural Health Center simulation. We can adapt it to any hospital and emergency room setting. Currently, we’ve configured it as a rural health unit so students can experience what it is like to work in local health centers,” she explained.

Pimentel-Santos emphasized that under the leadership of Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo, Mapúa is committed to contribute to the nation’s progress.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa had said the country needed 190,000 healthcare workers to address the severe shortage of health professionals, a critical barrier to achieving the country’s health goals.

“As an institution, we have a responsibility to help address the workforce crisis in the medical industry. It’s well-known that we lack healthcare professionals. We are addressing this by producing more and better trained health practitioners. In the field of medicine, this is what Mapúa is actively working on,” she said.

Last year, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa admitted the country needed 190,000 healthcare workers to address the severe shortage of health professionals, a critical barrier to achieving the country’s health goals.

He noted that numerous health programs had been delayed due to the lack of manpower.

Learning procedure

Pimentel-Santos said the school emphasizes an active learning approach, involving students in methodologies beyond simulations, such as discussions and fostering accountability for their learning.

“At the end of the day, medical practitioners don’t just learn from themselves but also from the patients they serve. That’s why active learning is embedded in our curriculum,” she said.

Currently, 16 students are enrolled in Mapúa’s School of Medicine.

Training educators

Pimentel-Santos highlighted that the faculty members at Mapúa’s School of Medicine are equipped with the skills to teach using digital learning tools. In addition, the Arizona State University worked with Mapua to establish the med school.

“For the past two years, Arizona State University brought in trainers for us professors. The use of digital tools was guided by them, and we’ve already integrated this training. Before the program was launched, our professors underwent rigorous preparations. Although we launched only months ago, significant efforts were made behind the scenes to ensure the program’s success,” she said.

At present, the Mapúa School of Medicine has a total of 40 faculty members, 20 of whom are full-time, as required by the Commission on Higher Education.

Mapúa’s new medical program emphasizes three key pillars: advanced and immersive facilities, global readiness, and digital mastery. These elements aim to broaden the students’ perspectives and prepare them for successful careers both locally and internationally.