MBBS IN PHILIPPINES

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT
WHY MBBS AT PHILIPPINES


What is the reputation of Medical Education in Philippines ?

Philippines is best known for medical education across the globe. Every year thousands of students come to Philippines to study there medicine program which are approved by WHO  and respective agencies in Healthcare. There are total of 39 medical colleges which are approved by Medical Council of India  as per session 2020. (https://www.mciindia.org/CMS/information-desk/for-students-to-study-in-abroad).

But like any other country there are different grades of colleges which vary in quality education for medical students at Philippines and it is important to careully understand the difference between the colleges. Almost two thirds of global nursing staff is from Philippines working in different countries which  clearly shows the kind of warmth, hospitality, care & acceptability Filipinos possess. This makes the environment and ecosystem very friendly for the students who want to pursue their education from this loving country of Philippines.

What is the name of the medicine course in Philippines?

Medicine program in the Philippines is known as BSMD which Is equivalent to MBBS in India. As Philippines follow USA pattern of Education course is divided in two parts BS + MD. BS stands for Bachelors in Phychology, Bachelors in Biology post which students is graduated to MD program. In USA and Canada same process is followed with MCAT exam after completing BS which is named as NMAT in Philippines.

It is important to note that students are generally misguided by agents that student are admitted to BS initially and it is difficult to get admission to MD program. It is important to understand the structure and conditions of NMAT exam to get a simple answer to this questiom. Please check the following video to get a detailed clarity about this issue of NMAT.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckS0yX_PkDY&t=49s

What is the validity of degree obtained in Philippines ?

MD degree of Philippines is very much valued across the Globe. Please understand that it is very difficult to get admission in Top Universities of Philippines which hold very high value and academic excellence and research.

Countries with 10+2 pattern can take Admission in BS-MD course. Generally BS is of One Year to One and a Half Year Degree course whereas MD is of Four Years Course.

MD degree is equal to MBBS in India so it should not be confused with MD/MS program in India. Post completing the MD program student can either come to India or can move to top countries like USA, UK, Australia to pursue post graduation or internship post clearing USMLE, PLAP, AMC Exams.

For a student who wish to pursue his PG from India there will be a provision of clearing (National Level Exit Exam) NEXT exam which will be mandatory for all candidates to pursue PG from India or Internship from India. This exam will remain common for all the aspirants who have completed MBBS from India or Abroad. An important focus will be to test candidates on on practical clinical learnings necessary to be a qualified doctor.

Is BSMD a dual degree course ?

Yes, BSMD is a dual degree program divided into 1.5 – 2 years of BS program and 4 years of MD program.

In Philippines school education finishes after class 10th for local Filipino students. Students have to pursue 4 years BS degree program.

For an Indian student who has studied in 10 + 2 education system and wishes to pursue medicine need to do his BS before entering into MD. BS stands for Bachelors in Phychology, Bachelors in Biology post which students is graduated to MD program.

What is MD Program and how is it different from MBBS program ?

In countries which adopted the Commonwealth system of education like India used the term “M.B.B.S” (Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery) for the medical degrees provided to the medical students.

For countries which adopt the American system like Philippines term “MD” is used (Doctor of Medicine). The level of qualification between the two are actually equal, and both will allow the holder of the degree to practice as General Practitioners or Grade Points as long as the country they practice in recognises the university that confers the degree to them.

The curriculum is almost the same with minor difference could be in the lessons conducted may be in a different sequence compared to the MBBS course. In the developed countries, both qualify the holders as General Practitioners who are allowed to engage in minor surgery and can also pursue post graduate courses and become medical specialists.

This can be understood more by considering difference between IELTS vs TOEFL, BS vs B.Sc, SAT vs GCSE, BA vs BBA etc. Despite different names all the above are generally considered equivalents.

What is the eligibility to take direct admission in MD course ?

For Indian students who have completed their graduation in any science program for eg. B.SC, B.Pharma, Bachelors of Physiotherapy, BAMS etc are eligible to apply for MD program.

  1. Applicants need to secure 50% marks in class 12th physics chemistry bio as mandatory subjects.
  2. Applicants must have 50% marks in undergraduate program.
  3. It is also necessary to qualify NEET exam to apply for MD program.
  4. Applicants have to apply for VISA  Embassy of Philippines
  5. Applicants have to write and NMAT Exam  which is conducted at Philippines
  6. Even in case applicants are not able to clear NMAT exam in first attempt they can give other attempts.

What are the Major Differences in the Educational Degrees of India & Philippines

MBBS in India (Medicine Baccalaureus and Bachelor of Surgery) and MD at Philippines (Doctor of Medicine) degrees are official graduate degrees in Medicine and awarded for physician and doctor.

In USA the medicine course is known by MD. Because the Philippines pursue American Education System medicine is also called as MD over there.

In India, MBBS is done after to 10 + 2 where in the Philippines it is done following BS (Bachelor of Science) as Philippines work on 10 + 4 education system. For 10+2 students one has to do BS course from the Philippines before pursuing four years program of MD. BS is a 10 to 18 months program which is purely dependent on the University you choose to pursue your medical education.

MBBS course includes detailed study in Human Physiology, Anatomy, Applied Pharmacology and Medical Biochemistry, Microbiology, Dermatology, Pathology, Pediatrics, Otolaryngology and General Surgery. The educational approach in the Philippines is mainly practical based learning. Their question paper models are objective based compared to MBBS program in India. There are weekly evaluations with trimester system at place compared to yearly exams at Indian Medical colleges.

What is the duration of BSMD course in Philippines ?

BSMD program is generally of 6 years with 2 years BS + 4 years MD. In some universities BS duration is of 1.5 years which is due to their autonomous accreditation.

BSMD includes theory and laboratory/practical lessons. By the end of the programme, students undergoes clinical rotations or interships when studying MBBS in Philippines. In clinical rotations students are be attached to selected hospital departments and treat live patients under the guidance and supervision of a practising doctor.

Can a student earn while pursuing MBBS at Philippines?

No students are not allowed to get employment while studying since they are residing on a student VISA.

What is clinical rotations and where will the clinical rotations be conducted?

In the fourth and final year students are provided opportunities of experiencing higher clinical skills in various affiliated hospitals of Philippines. Students are required to complete rotations of two months each of Internal Medicine, Surgery, Family medicine, Pediatrics & Obstetrics / Gynecology along with two weeks each of Otolyrangology, Psychiatry, Ophthalmology and Infectious Diseases.

In some good colleges the students have can avail option to pursue elective periods in Foreign countries if they want to get work experience abroad. There is a duty of 24 hours in various hospitals which provides good clinical experience to students as they can observe, interact with the locals and learn to manage different rare diseases & patient cases.

What is the teaching method and curriculam of Medicine in Philippines ?

In Philippines the medicine program is of 4 years which includes 3 years of academic studies and one year of clinical rotation. For basic science curriculum comprise subjects like Anatomy Neuroanatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Psychiatry, Family Medicine, Neurology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Medical Ethics, Psychiatry and Parasitology.

In 3rd year subjects are focused on clinical sciences consisting of Dermatology, Family Medicine, Gynaecology, Legal Medicine, Radiology, Surgery, Surgical Anaesthesia, Rehabilitation, Internal Medicine and Applied Nutrition.

In the fourth and final year students are provided opportunities of experiencing higher clinical skills in various affiliated hospitals of Philippines. Students are required to complete rotations of two months each of Internal Medicine, Surgery, Family medicine, Pediatrics & Obstetrics / Gynecology along with two weeks each of Otolyrangology, Psychiatry, Ophthalmology and Infectious Diseases.

In some good colleges the students have can avail option to pursue elective periods in Foreign countries if they want to get work experience abroad. There is a duty of 24 hours in various hospitals which provides good clinical experience to students as they can observe, interact with the locals and learn to manage different rare diseases & patient cases.

Lectures are conducted in powerpoint presentations English as the pure media studies. Skilled faculty members and professors are highly specialised in the respective domains and always available to assist students to resolve their queries. Rigorous training,  super specialised faculty members,  great hospitals along with our friendly learning environment makes the environment pleasant to motivate students to strive for excellence.

How is the weather at Philippines ?

Philippines has a tropical Maritime climate in which weather generally remains hot and humid similar to the climate at Indian city like Mumbai. Average temperature in Philippines range between 21 degree Celsius to 32 degree Celsius with average yearly temperature coming to be 26.6 C.  Evenings are generally sunny with pleasant winds running to the mainland.

Philippines is an exotic country beautiful beaches, wildlife, ecology, greenery, natural resources and tourist destination. This similarity in climate of Philippines and India gives Indian students a good exposure to learn with the same disease pattern which helps them when they practice back in India.

What is a NMAT exam ? Is it really difficult to clear NMAT Exam ?

The NMAT Exam (National Medical Admission Test) in Philippines is a national level exam which is a prerequisite for entry into any Medical program in the Philippines. NMAT is conducted twice in a year i.e. April and October. NMAT Exam in the Philippines is conducted by CHED which is the governing body of Medical Education in the Philippines similar to MCI in India.

Students who complete  their BS have to to appear in NMAT Exam to move to MD. Also science graduates from India can directly apply for 4 year MD program after writing NMAT Exam.

In government colleges it is mandatory to clear NMAT first to get admission in MD program but in colleges like AMA School of Medicine,  University of Perpetual Help,  Lyceum International University, Our Lady Fatima University students are given multiple attempts.

NMAT Exam is divided into two parts.  Part 1 consists of Verbal, Inductive Reasoning, Quantitative, Perceptual Ability whereas Part 2 consists of subjects like Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Psychology.

NMAT was developed by Philippines to screen competent candidate who are equipped to pursue medicine program with fundamental clarity of concepts. The purpose of this exam was to improve quality of medicine programs in Philippines which will ensure quality doctors are produced so as to promoting the medical profession to excellence. For an Indian student NMAT is relatively an easy exam as PCB is of class 12th level just that they have to prepare more for paper 2. Also there is a flexibility given to candidates of writing multiple attempts in NMAT making it easy for the students to pursue their BS+MD and clear NMAT simultaneously.

What is the schedule of holidays and vacations for MBBS students at Philippines ?

The medical universities in Philippines normally contains two semesters per year. The academic year begins from 1st of September and ends till June.

  • First Semester: Begins from September till February.
  • Fall Semester: Begins from March till June.

After end of each semester there are three to five examinations to check the performance of the students. Holidays are scheduled two times per year at Philippines for Medicine students.

  • Summer Holidays: Summer vacations are in the month of July.
  • Winter Holidays: Winter vacations are for 15 days in the month of November. It is purely on the student whether he/she wants to go to India or stay in Philippines during vacation time.

How is the practical learning of MBBS students at Philippines

In the fourth and final year students are provided opportunities of experiencing higher clinical skills in various affiliated hospitals of Philippines. Students are required to complete rotations of two months each of Internal Medicine, Surgery, Family medicine, Pediatrics & Obstetrics / Gynecology along with two weeks each of Psychiatry, Ophthalmology and Infectious Diseases.

In some good colleges the students have can avail option to pursue elective periods in Foreign countries if they want to get work experience abroad. There is a duty of 24 hours in various hospitals which provides good clinical experience to students as they can observe, interact with the locals and learn to manage different rare diseases & patient cases.

What is the relation between Philippines and USA in the education system ?

The relationship between USA and Philippines has been very strong and is described as a special relationship. Philippines is one of the oldest Asian partner’s of United States of America and strategic major NON NATO Ally.

Philippines became the first USA colony after Spain left the island in 1898. Philippines is very much influenced by USA especially in Music and Sports.

A majority of Filipinos are invited to United States each year because of their fluency in English speaking and hospitable and kind nature. Maximum number of nursing staff in United States is supplied by Philippines every year.

Education system of Philippines and USA is highly interlinked. Philippines follow the same education system in medicine (BS+MD) as that of United States of America.

Hospitals in USA frequently come up with internship opportunities for which there is always a preference of medicine students from Philippines. Students prepare for USMLE to pursue their postgraduate studies at USA.

In nutshell we can say medicine education from Philippines gives students a direct access to USA provided they have good command in their academics because USA has its own strict screening criteria to give VISA.

What are the advantages of MBBS in Philippines for Indian students ?

There are many reasons why students prefer Philippines over other countries. Following are the major advantages of studying MBBS at Philippines:

  1. Education system is quite similar as that of the pattern followed by USA
  2. Medical colleges are listed in WHO, ECFMG, IMED.
  3. Philippines is one of the largest English speaking population. There is no need to learn any local language.
  4. Mode of teaching is strictly English.
  5. Tropical climate same as that of India  with  give exposure to practice with same disease pattern as of India.
  6. Average tuition fees ranges quite reasonable apx 16-20 lakh for the complete program.
  7. Students are eligibile to practice in India after passing next exam and MCI registration.
  8. Economical food and accommodation.
  9. Wide variety of Indian food ranging from South Indian to North Indian recipes.
  10. Filipinos are very friendly and helpful people and it always feels like you are just at home  all the times.
  11. Philippines is a very advanced country with world class shopping centres, biggest shopping malls of Asia, Tourist destinations, beautiful ecospaces etc.
  12. Philippines is a very very safe country  good security systems at place.

With so many benefits it highly advisable to seriously explore Philippines as a dream destination for medicine studies.

Are Indian grocery stores available for Indian receipies and food products ?

Yes there are many Indian grocery stores with almost all the Indian products and brands. Be it Parle-G, Haldiram, Britannia, MTR, MDH and south Indian spices, Basmati Rice, Aashirvaad Besan, Sooji etc almost every thing is available.

To your surprose you will find our favourite Golgappa and Samosa also at the Indian departmental stores. Students will never feel like away from home.


Is Indian food available for students.

Yes there are many Indian Mess in Philippines and almost each provide quality and nutritious food to the students.

There are multiple options for every student depending on their choice. For Vegetarian students proper Veg kitchens are operated separately. For South Indian students authentic recipes are available.

Also their are Tiffin services for the students who prefer their food in their college or home.

Generally a proper schedule is maintained by Mess to have a healthy mix of foods for the students.


What is cost of Food and Accomodation of students at Philippines ?

Average food cost in Manila comes to be around INR 5000  per month.

A good apartment in Manila costs approximate INR 9000 to INR 12000 per month depends upon the location and amenities.

Apartments are very secure with strong security systems. Other amenities are also available for the students.

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