Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health (ASMPH) Guide

The Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health (ASMPH) is one of the Philippines’ most respected medical institutions, combining medical education with public health and management training. It is part of the Ateneo de Manila University system, known for its excellence in leadership development and holistic education. Located in Pasig City, ASMPH trains future doctors not just to heal individual patients, but to manage healthcare systems and lead health reforms on a broader scale.

Overview of ASMPH

Established in 2007, ASMPH was founded to respond to the growing need for physician-leaders who can address the country’s healthcare challenges beyond the hospital. The school’s vision is to develop doctors who are both competent clinicians and effective managers, capable of creating sustainable health programs for communities and organizations.

Unlike most medical schools that focus solely on clinical practice, ASMPH integrates three essential disciplines: Medicine, Public Health, and Management. This makes its graduates stand out as “Doctor-Leaders” — professionals equipped not only to treat illnesses but also to design and implement health policies and programs that improve public health outcomes.

Location and Facilities

ASMPH is located inside the Ateneo Professional Schools complex in Rockwell Center, Pasig City, which also houses other Ateneo graduate schools such as law and business. Its facilities are modern and conducive to advanced learning.

Key Facilities Include:

• Lecture Halls and Classrooms: Equipped with multimedia technology for interactive lectures and presentations.

• Anatomy Laboratory: With cadavers, models, and digital tools for anatomy learning.

• Clinical Skills Laboratory: Simulates real-life hospital scenarios for hands-on medical training.

• Learning Resource Center: Houses medical and public health reference materials and access to online journals.

• Simulation Rooms: For practicing diagnostics, patient care, and emergency response.

• Community Health Centers: Used for public health rotations and field training.

The environment reflects Ateneo’s values — a blend of academic rigor, ethical leadership, and social responsibility.

Degree Program: MD-MBA

ASMPH is the only medical school in the Philippines that offers a Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Master in Business Administration (MBA) dual-degree program. This five-year integrated course combines medical science with public health and management disciplines.

Program Structure:

• Years 1–3: Focus on foundational medical sciences (anatomy, physiology, pathology, etc.) along with public health and management courses.

• Year 4: Clinical clerkship at affiliated hospitals, with continued integration of leadership and management modules.

• Year 5: Internship year and completion of MBA requirements, including a capstone project on health systems management or public health innovation.

Graduates earn two degrees: MD and MBA (Health). This prepares them for leadership positions in hospitals, government health agencies, NGOs, and private healthcare companies.

Admissions Requirements

Admission to ASMPH is highly competitive. The school seeks students with strong academic records, leadership potential, and a genuine commitment to public service.

Basic Requirements:

1. Bachelor’s Degree – Applicants must hold a degree in any field, though a background in biology, chemistry, or related sciences is advantageous.

2. NMAT (National Medical Admission Test) – Applicants must meet the NMAT cutoff score determined yearly by ASMPH.

3. Application Form and Essay – Applicants are required to submit an online application form, a personal statement, and essays detailing their motivation for joining ASMPH.

4. Recommendation Letters – Usually two, from academic or professional referees.

5. Interviews – Selected applicants undergo a panel interview assessing communication skills, leadership potential, and ethical judgment.

ASMPH also values diversity, welcoming applicants from various undergraduate backgrounds including economics, psychology, engineering, and management.

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

ASMPH is a private institution, and tuition fees are among the higher ranges for Philippine medical schools due to the dual-degree format. However, the education and leadership training are considered a worthwhile investment.

Estimated Costs:

• Tuition per year: ₱350,000 – ₱450,000

• Additional costs: Books, uniforms, medical kits, and laboratory fees (₱50,000 – ₱100,000 per year)

Financial Aid and Scholarships:

ASMPH offers several forms of financial support:

• Merit-Based Scholarships – For students with outstanding academic or leadership achievements.

• Need-Based Assistance – Partial grants for students with proven financial need.

• External Scholarships – Students may apply for aid from organizations like CHED, DOH, or private foundations.

Curriculum and Learning Approach

The ASMPH curriculum is integrated and systems-based, combining clinical knowledge with real-world application. Each course encourages students to think critically about health issues from both medical and societal perspectives.

Notable Features:

• Problem-Based Learning (PBL): Students work in small groups to solve clinical and public health cases.

• Leadership Development: Training in communication, ethics, and organizational management.

• Community Health Exposure: Students spend time in underserved areas applying their learning in real-life settings.

• Research Training: Emphasis on evidence-based medicine and health policy research.

• Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Encourages health system improvement through technology and business models.

By graduation, students are expected to demonstrate competence not only in patient care but also in managing healthcare systems and leading teams.

Clinical Training and Hospital Affiliations

ASMPH students undergo clinical rotations in partner hospitals during their fourth and fifth years. These institutions provide diverse case exposures and opportunities for hands-on experience.

Major Affiliates:

• The Medical City (Ortigas) – ASMPH’s primary teaching hospital, known for its high-quality patient care and advanced medical facilities.

• Ateneo de Zamboanga University School of Medicine – For community health and rural rotations.

• Government Health Centers and NGOs – For public health immersion and community service.

Students are encouraged to integrate clinical skills with public health planning and management practices, aligning with the school’s “Doctor-Leader” philosophy.

Career Opportunities for Graduates

Graduates of ASMPH are well-equipped to pursue a wide range of career paths beyond traditional hospital practice.

Possible Career Paths:

1. Clinical Practice: Become licensed physicians in hospitals, clinics, or private practice.

2. Public Health Leadership: Work in the Department of Health (DOH), WHO, or other health agencies.

3. Hospital Administration: Manage healthcare facilities or lead hospital departments.

4. Health Policy and Research: Engage in policy-making or academic research.

5. Health Technology and Entrepreneurship: Start health-related ventures using their MBA background.

6. International Work: ASMPH’s training and English-medium instruction allow graduates to work globally after completing licensing requirements abroad.

The dual MD-MBA credential positions ASMPH alumni as change-makers in both medical and corporate sectors.

Student Life and Community

ASMPH fosters a collaborative, mission-driven environment where students are encouraged to balance academic rigor with social involvement and well-being.

Key Student Organizations:

• ASMPH Student Council – Represents student interests and organizes academic and social events.

• Public Health Society – Focuses on advocacy and community engagement.

• Wellness Committee – Promotes mental health and peer support among medical students.

• Research and Innovation Clubs – Encourage participation in local and international conferences.

Culture and Values:

ASMPH’s community embodies the Atenean core values: magis (striving for excellence), cura personalis (care for the whole person), and being men and women for others.

Students are trained to see healthcare not just as a career, but as a vocation dedicated to service and nation-building.

International Recognition and Collaborations

ASMPH has established partnerships with international medical and public health institutions. These collaborations enrich student exposure and research opportunities.

Examples:

• Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health – Collaborations on health systems and leadership.

• University of Melbourne School of Population and Global Health – Research exchange programs.

• World Health Organization (WHO) – Opportunities for field projects and policy development.

Graduates are increasingly recognized worldwide for their unique combination of medical expertise and managerial acumen.

Why Choose ASMPH?

Here are the top reasons students choose ASMPH:

1. Unique MD-MBA Dual Degree – A rare combination in Asia.

2. Leadership-Oriented Curriculum – Trains doctors to become system changers.

3. Strong Clinical and Public Health Foundation – Blends individual care and community health.

4. Global and Local Relevance – Prepares graduates to work effectively in both Philippine and international settings.

5. Jesuit Education Tradition – Grounded in ethics, service, and excellence.

Conclusion

The Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health stands at the forefront of medical education in the Philippines, redefining what it means to be a doctor in the 21st century. Its graduates embody the ideal of a “Doctor-Leader” — skilled in medicine, committed to service, and capable of transforming the healthcare landscape.

Whether your goal is to practice medicine, manage a hospital, or shape public health policy, ASMPH offers a transformative education that equips you with the tools to lead and serve with integrity.

What makes ASMPH different from other medical schools?

Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health (ASMPH) integrates three pillars—Medicine, Public Health, and Management—into a single curriculum. Students graduate with an MD and a solid management foundation, preparing them to deliver excellent clinical care while also leading teams, improving systems, and designing population-level solutions. The school’s Jesuit values emphasize ethical leadership, service, and cura personalis (care for the whole person).

Does ASMPH offer a dual degree (MD-MBA)?

Yes. ASMPH delivers a fully integrated MD plus MBA (Health) pathway in collaboration with the Ateneo Graduate School of Business. Core management courses run alongside basic and clinical sciences, culminating in an MBA capstone focused on health systems, operations, or social innovation in healthcare.

How long is the program and what are the major phases?

The program typically spans five years. Years 1–3 cover basic medical sciences and foundational public health and management. Year 4 focuses on clinical clerkship across affiliated hospitals. Year 5 serves as the post-clerkship internship while students complete MBA deliverables, leadership courses, and a culminating capstone.

What is the teaching and assessment style at ASMPH?

ASMPH uses an integrated, systems-based curriculum with problem-based learning, team projects, simulation labs, and community immersions. Assessment blends written exams, OSCEs (Objective Structured Clinical Examinations), case presentations, research outputs, management projects, and leadership/reflective components that assess both competence and character.

What are the admissions requirements?

Applicants need a bachelor’s degree (any field), a valid NMAT score meeting the annual cutoff, transcripts, recommendation letters, a personal statement, and successful completion of interviews. The admissions committee evaluates academic readiness, leadership potential, service orientation, and communication skills.

Is a science undergraduate degree required?

No. A science degree is not strictly required. Many students come from biology or health sciences, but ASMPH also actively welcomes graduates of engineering, economics, psychology, management, and the humanities. Non-science applicants benefit from pre-med coursework or bridging modules.

Where is ASMPH located and where will I train clinically?

ASMPH is based at the Ateneo Professional Schools in Pasig City. Clinical training occurs at partner hospitals and health centers, highlighted by The Medical City for major clerkship rotations, plus community and public health placements that expose students to diverse patient populations and health system contexts.

How much are tuition and typical costs?

As a private dual-degree program, tuition is in the higher range among Philippine medical schools. Students should budget for yearly tuition and fees, books, uniforms, exams, equipment, and living expenses. Costs vary by year and individual choices; applicants should consult official channels for the most current figures.

Are scholarships or financial aid available?

Yes. Limited merit and need-based aid may be available through school-administered programs, donors, and external partners. Competitive national scholarships and private grants can also be pursued. Early inquiry is recommended, as funding cycles and eligibility criteria differ by source.

What does “Doctor-Leader” mean in practice?

Graduates are expected to excel in bedside care and in system leadership. In practice, this means using data, management tools, and public health perspectives to improve patient pathways, optimize operations, strengthen primary care networks, and advocate policies that reduce inequities and improve outcomes at scale.

What research and innovation opportunities exist?

Students engage in research methods, evidence appraisal, and applied projects aligned with public health and management. Opportunities include health services research, quality improvement, digital health pilots, and capstones with real stakeholders (hospitals, LGUs, NGOs, or startups) to test and implement solutions.

What careers do ASMPH graduates pursue?

Most become licensed physicians across hospitals and clinics, while many lead in health administration, policy, global health, academia, consulting, or entrepreneurship. The MD-MBA profile suits roles that blend clinical credibility with operational, financial, and strategic responsibility.

How does the MBA component help a clinician?

It equips physicians with tools in accounting, finance, operations, strategy, marketing, and organizational behavior—skills essential for managing departments, designing care models, scaling innovations, negotiating with payers, and sustaining quality-improvement initiatives under real-world constraints.

Is international practice possible after ASMPH?

Yes—subject to each country’s licensure pathways. Graduates may pursue examinations, residencies, or fellowships abroad. The strong clinical foundation, English-medium instruction, research exposure, and management training can be advantageous when meeting international standards and competitive selection processes.

What is student life like at ASMPH?

Student life balances rigorous academics with a collaborative culture, wellness initiatives, and service activities. Organizations host research forums, community engagements, and leadership workshops. The environment encourages reflection, mentorship, and peer support to build resilience and professional identity.

How competitive is admission and how can I stand out?

Admission is competitive. Standout applicants show consistent academic performance, meaningful service or leadership, clear motivation for the MD-MBA track, and evidence of teamwork and integrity. Strong interviews link personal experiences with ASMPH’s mission to serve persons and populations.

What kinds of community exposures are included?

Students participate in community-based programs, primary care work with local health units, health promotion, needs assessments, and implementation projects. These experiences foster cultural humility, systems thinking, and an understanding of social determinants that shape health outcomes.

How heavy is the workload and how do students cope?

The workload is demanding, combining clinical sciences, public health, and management deliverables. Students cope through time management, study groups, faculty mentorship, wellness programs, and early help-seeking. The culture emphasizes support and accountability over unhealthy competition.

Does ASMPH support residency placement?

Yes. Faculty mentorship, career advising, research outputs, and leadership experiences help strengthen residency applications. The program’s emphasis on systems improvement and teamwork aligns well with competitive training environments seeking well-rounded physician-leaders.

How do I get the latest official information?

Policies on admissions, tuition, calendars, and partner institutions can change. Always confirm current requirements and timelines through ASMPH’s official communications and authorized admissions channels before you apply.

Best Medical Schools in the Philippines (Local & International Rankings)