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The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (FMS) is one of the oldest and most prestigious medical schools in the Philippines. Established in 1871, UST Medicine has produced generations of doctors who have become leaders in healthcare, education, and research both locally and internationally. If you\u2019re planning to pursue your medical education in the Philippines, this comprehensive guide will help you understand everything about UST\u2019s medical program \u2014 from admission and curriculum to facilities, tuition, and campus life.<\/p>\n
UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (UST-FMS) is part of the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, the oldest existing university in Asia, founded in 1611. UST-FMS upholds a tradition of academic excellence, Christian values, and community service. It consistently ranks among the top medical schools in the Philippines based on board examination performance and academic reputation.<\/p>\n
The faculty is housed in the St. Martin de Porres Building within the UST campus in Sampaloc, Manila \u2014 a central location close to the University of Santo Tomas Hospital (USTH), the main training ground for medical students.<\/p>\n
The UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery was established in 1871<\/strong>, making it the first medical school in the Philippines to be founded under a Catholic university. It has trained countless physicians, many of whom have become notable figures in Philippine medical history, including former Health Secretaries, deans, and hospital directors.<\/p>\n Over its 150-year history, UST-FMS has developed a reputation for combining academic rigor with compassionate care \u2014 a philosophy encapsulated in its motto, \u201cVeritas in Caritate\u201d<\/em> (Truth in Charity). This guiding principle reflects the UST mission to form competent, ethical, and compassionate Thomasian doctors.<\/p>\n UST offers a Doctor of Medicine (MD)<\/strong> program, which is a 4-year professional degree<\/strong> following the completion of a pre-medical course (usually BS Biology, BS Psychology, BS Medical Technology, or BS Pharmacy).<\/p>\n The MD curriculum follows a vertical and spiral integration<\/strong> approach that builds upon foundational knowledge in the basic sciences before transitioning to clinical application.<\/p>\n Year 1: Pre-Clinical Phase<\/strong> Year 2: Pre-Clinical Continuation<\/strong> Year 3: Clinical Phase<\/strong> Year 4: Clinical Clerkship and Internship<\/strong> The primary training institution for UST medical students is the University of Santo Tomas Hospital (USTH)<\/strong>. Established in 1946, USTH serves as a tertiary teaching and training hospital<\/strong> offering a wide range of specialties and subspecialties.<\/p>\n UST students may also undergo clerkship and internship programs in other accredited hospitals for broader exposure, including public health centers and specialty hospitals in Metro Manila.<\/p>\n Admission to the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery is highly competitive<\/strong>. Each year, only a select number of applicants are accepted based on academic performance, entrance examination scores, and interview results.<\/p>\n Bachelor\u2019s degree in a pre-medical course<\/strong> (e.g., BS Biology, BS Psychology, BS Medical Technology, BS Pharmacy)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n General Weighted Average (GWA)<\/strong> of at least 85% or equivalent<\/p>\n<\/li>\n National Medical Admission Test (NMAT)<\/strong> score (preferably in the 80th percentile or higher)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Good moral character and health clearance<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Online Application:<\/strong> Through the UST Medicine online portal.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Submission of Documents:<\/strong> Transcript of Records, NMAT result, recommendation letters, and other supporting papers.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Interview:<\/strong> Qualified applicants are invited for an interview with the Admissions Committee.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Results and Enrollment:<\/strong> Successful applicants receive an official notice of acceptance and proceed with registration.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n The tuition at UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery varies slightly per year level, but students can expect an estimated cost of:<\/p>\n \u20b1180,000 to \u20b1220,000 per semester<\/strong> (tuition and miscellaneous fees)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Annual total: around \u20b1360,000 to \u20b1440,000<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Other expenses include laboratory materials, uniforms, books, and living costs (especially for non-Manila residents). While tuition is higher than some state universities, UST\u2019s value lies in its strong reputation and board exam track record.<\/p>\n UST offers a range of scholarships and financial assistance<\/strong> to deserving students:<\/p>\n San Martin de Porres Scholarship:<\/strong> For academically excellent but financially challenged students.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n UST Alumni Association Scholarship:<\/strong> Sponsored by alumni groups.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Private Donor Scholarships:<\/strong> Endowments from charitable foundations and individuals.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n External Grants:<\/strong> Eligible students may also apply for scholarships from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) or other institutions.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n UST-FMS provides students with state-of-the-art facilities that support hands-on learning and research:<\/p>\n Anatomy and Dissection Laboratories<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Medical Simulation and Skills Laboratories<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n UST Medicine Library and E-Library Access<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Lecture Halls with Audio-Visual Equipment<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Research Centers and Laboratories<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n UST Hospital (Training Facility)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n These facilities ensure that students are exposed to both traditional and modern approaches in medical education.<\/p>\n The UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery boasts a roster of highly qualified professors, clinicians, and researchers. Many of them are board-certified specialists with years of teaching and clinical experience.<\/p>\n Academic support services include mentoring programs, peer tutoring, and wellness activities to help students manage the demands of medical school life.<\/p>\n UST consistently ranks among the top-performing medical schools in the Philippines<\/strong> in the Physician Licensure Examination (PLE) administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).<\/p>\n The school\u2019s strong curriculum and rigorous training contribute to its high passing rate<\/strong>, often above 95%, with many graduates achieving top 10 rankings nationwide.<\/p>\n Beyond academics, UST Medicine encourages holistic student development through involvement in various organizations and community projects.<\/p>\n UST Medicine Student Council<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Medical Missions and Outreach Programs<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n UST-FMS Chorale and Cultural Groups<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Interest-Based Organizations (e.g., Surgery Club, Pediatric Society)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n UST-FMS students participate in regular medical missions<\/strong>, health education drives, and charity events \u2014 reinforcing the Thomasian doctor\u2019s mission of service to humanity.<\/p>\n UST maintains academic collaborations with medical institutions abroad, allowing for student exchange programs<\/strong>, research collaborations<\/strong>, and continuing medical education<\/strong> opportunities. These partnerships help students gain exposure to global healthcare standards and practices.<\/p>\n Choosing UST-FMS means joining a long-standing tradition of excellence. Here are key reasons why many aspiring doctors select UST:<\/p>\n Historical prestige and strong Catholic values<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Excellent medical facilities and hospital training<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n High board exam passing rate<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Extensive alumni network<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Commitment to compassionate and ethical practice<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Graduating from UST not only grants a world-class medical education but also connects you to one of the largest and most respected medical alumni communities in Asia.<\/p>\n UST is located along Espa\u00f1a Boulevard, Sampaloc, Manila<\/strong>, within a large and secure university campus. The environment blends historic architecture with modern facilities. Students have access to dormitories, cafeterias, study lounges, sports complexes, and chapels \u2014 all within walking distance.<\/p>\n Nearby establishments include bookstores, medical supply stores, and affordable eateries catering to students.<\/p>\n Official Website:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.ust.edu.ph<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n
\nDegree Program and Curriculum<\/h2>\n
Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program<\/h3>\n
Curriculum Structure<\/h3>\n
Focus on basic medical sciences such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and histology. Students also start early exposure to patient interaction through simulation and problem-based learning.<\/p>\n
Advanced studies in pathology, pharmacology, microbiology, and parasitology. Students begin correlating laboratory results with clinical findings.<\/p>\n
Students start clerkship rotations within the UST Hospital and its affiliated institutions, gaining exposure to major clinical departments \u2014 internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and psychiatry.<\/p>\n
The final year involves full-time hospital rotations, hands-on clinical experience, and case presentations. Students are expected to handle patients under supervision and apply ethical decision-making in real settings.<\/p>\n
\nAffiliated Training Hospitals<\/h2>\n
\nAdmission Requirements<\/h2>\n
Basic Requirements<\/h3>\n
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Application Process<\/h3>\n
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\nTuition Fees and Expenses<\/h2>\n
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\nScholarships and Financial Aid<\/h2>\n
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\nFacilities and Learning Resources<\/h2>\n
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\nFaculty and Academic Support<\/h2>\n
\nBoard Exam Performance<\/h2>\n
\nStudent Life and Organizations<\/h2>\n
Student Organizations<\/h3>\n
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Community Engagement<\/h3>\n
\nInternational Exposure and Partnerships<\/h2>\n
\nWhy Choose UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery?<\/h2>\n
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\nLocation and Campus Environment<\/h2>\n
\nHow to Contact UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery<\/h2>\n
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