University of Perpetual Help Rizal – JONELTA Foundation School of Medicine: Complete Guide to the MD Program, Curriculum, Admissions, and Student Life

Overview: What This Medical School Is Known For

The University of Perpetual Help Rizal – JONELTA Foundation School of Medicine is a private medical school located in Las Piñas City, Metro Manila. It is part of the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, a well-established private university network in the Philippines offering programs in medicine, allied health, business, and education.

The School of Medicine focuses on training future physicians through a structured Doctor of Medicine (MD) program that balances academic foundations, clinical exposure, and professional values. Its educational philosophy emphasizes competence, discipline, and service to the community, aligning medical education with real-world healthcare needs in the Philippines.

Location and Campus Environment

The School of Medicine operates within the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA campus in Las Piñas, a residential and commercial area in southern Metro Manila. This location provides students with access to urban amenities while still offering a relatively quieter environment compared to central business districts.

Being part of a large university system allows medical students to benefit from shared facilities, administrative support, and student services. Access to libraries, study spaces, food services, and transportation options contributes to a stable and convenient campus life throughout the demanding years of medical training.

Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program Overview

The core academic offering of the School of Medicine is the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, the required professional qualification to pursue physician licensure in the Philippines. The MD program follows a multi-year structure that integrates theoretical instruction with progressive clinical exposure.

The program is generally divided into:

• Pre-clinical years focused on foundational medical sciences
• Clinical years emphasizing hands-on hospital training
• Clerkship and supervised patient care in major medical departments

Pre-Clinical Curriculum: Building the Foundation

During the pre-clinical phase, students focus on acquiring a strong grounding in the biomedical sciences that underpin clinical medicine. Instruction typically combines lectures, laboratory work, small-group discussions, and examinations.

• Anatomy, including gross anatomy and neuroanatomy
• Physiology and integrated organ system function
• Biochemistry and molecular medicine
• Histology and cell biology
• Microbiology and Parasitology
• Pathology and mechanisms of disease
• Pharmacology and therapeutics
• Preventive and Community Medicine

At this stage, students also begin learning basic clinical skills such as patient interviewing, vital sign measurement, and introductory physical examination techniques.

Clinical Years: Transition to Patient-Centered Learning

The clinical phase shifts the focus from classroom learning to real-world medical practice. Students spend increased time in hospitals and clinical settings, learning directly from patients under faculty and physician supervision.

• Internal Medicine
• Surgery
• Pediatrics
• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Psychiatry
• Family and Community Medicine

Assessment methods during clinical years often include written examinations, oral case presentations, practical skills evaluations, and professionalism assessments.

Clinical Training and Hospital Exposure

Clinical training is a critical component of medical education. Students gain experience through hospital rotations where they observe, assist, and gradually participate in patient care. These rotations help students develop clinical reasoning, diagnostic skills, and professional confidence.

Prospective students are encouraged to ask about:

• Affiliated hospitals and training sites
• Student-to-patient ratios during rotations
• Faculty supervision and teaching structure
• Opportunities for hands-on clinical procedures

Facilities and Learning Resources

Medical students have access to classrooms, laboratories, and study facilities designed to support intensive academic work. Skills laboratories may be used for practicing physical examinations, basic procedures, and clinical simulations.

Additional resources often include:

• Medical libraries and digital learning platforms
• Group study and discussion areas
• Student support and academic advising services

Admissions Requirements and Application Process

Admission to the MD program typically requires completion of an undergraduate degree and submission of academic records. While requirements may change, applicants should generally prepare the following:

• Completed application form
• Official academic transcripts
• Personal identification documents
• Certificates of good moral character
• Entrance examination and/or interview

Applicants are advised to contact the admissions office directly to confirm current requirements, deadlines, and intake schedules.

Tuition Fees and Cost of Attendance

Tuition and fees for medical programs vary depending on the academic year, enrolled units, and additional laboratory or clinical charges. Students should request an official and updated fee breakdown from the university.

In addition to tuition, students should budget for:

• Laboratory and miscellaneous fees
• Clinical rotation costs
• Books and digital subscriptions
• Housing, transportation, and daily living expenses

Accreditation and Recognition

The School of Medicine operates within the Philippine medical education framework and follows national standards for MD programs. Students planning to pursue postgraduate training or licensure abroad should independently verify recognition and eligibility requirements with the relevant authorities.

Student Life and Academic Culture

Medical school life is academically demanding and time-intensive. Students often balance lectures, examinations, self-study, and clinical duties throughout the week. Despite the workload, many students develop strong peer relationships and collaborative study habits.

Time management, consistency, and resilience are essential traits for success. Support systems, including classmates and mentors, play a significant role in helping students navigate the challenges of medical education.

Who Should Consider This Medical School

The University of Perpetual Help Rizal – JONELTA Foundation School of Medicine may be a suitable choice for students who:

• Prefer studying medicine in Metro Manila
• Value being part of a large private university system
• Seek a structured MD program with progressive clinical exposure

Tips for Succeeding in Medical School

• Build a strong foundation in basic sciences early
• Use active study methods such as practice questions and case reviews
• Maintain healthy study-life balance to avoid burnout
• Engage actively during clinical rotations

Final Thoughts

Choosing a medical school is a significant commitment that requires careful consideration of curriculum quality, clinical training, financial investment, and personal learning style. The University of Perpetual Help Rizal – JONELTA Foundation School of Medicine offers a Metro Manila-based MD pathway within an established private university system.

Prospective students are encouraged to conduct thorough research, communicate directly with the school, and, if possible, speak with current students before making a final decision.