Doktor para sa Bayan

The Doktor Para sa Bayan: Academic Excellence, Research, and Community Service

Batch Primacordis is the first graduates of the CNU-VSMMC College of Medicine with 22 medical scholars conferred with a medical degree.

Marc Jebrick Ilustrisimo is the first and sole cum laude and a recipient of several academic awards.  

“CNU-VSMMC was not just a school, it was a promise, that no matter your background, you deserve a fair shot at becoming a doctor.  The chance to pursue medicine did not come for free as it was paid for by the taxes of jeepney drivers, kasambahays, teachers, OFWs, and by the hundred million Filipino taxpayers.”

A Solidarity Drive for the medical students of the CNU-VSMMC College of Medicine made me realize that I would want to continue teaching these students even without salary.  Hearing the aspirations of our students to become future doctors and healers is very inspiring, giving me hope to seeing the universal health care become a reality someday... 

The "Doktor Para sa Bayan" Act (Republic Act No. 11509) was enacted with clear, ambitious goals to address long-standing challenges in the Philippine healthcare system. The expected outcomes are centered on improving the country's doctor-to-population ratio and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services, especially in remote and underserved areas.

A "Doktor Para sa Bayan" is expected to be a well-rounded physician—academically competent, community-oriented, resilient, and deeply committed to serving the Filipino people, especially those who need it the most.

A "Doktor Para sa Bayan" is a unique individual who combines intelligence, compassion, and a strong sense of duty. They are a beacon of hope for communities that have long lacked medical care and are a vital part of improving the health and well-being of the entire country.

Dean Jarungchai Vatanagul shared that the three pillars of the college of medicine include: (1) academic excellence and accountability; (2) research and advocate for evidence-based health policies; (3) compassion and commitment to service.

Join us tonight on Blue Sky at 9PM MLA time on #HealthXPH to discuss the "Doktor Para sa Bayan": Academic Excellence, Research, and Commitment to Service

T1.  In your opinion, what attributes do you expect a "doktor para sa bayan" to have and how do they manifest these characteristics?

T2.  How should these "doktor para sa bayan" be trained differently from other medical students?

T3.  Aside from legislation, what other kind of support do you think the "doktor para sa bayan" would need?