The fifth batch of MD-PhD in Molecular Medicine Program scholars signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), at the Alvior Hall of the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) last September 5, 2014.

The MD-PhD in Molecular Medicine Scholarship Program is a joint initiative of UPM and the DOST that aims to train aspiring physician-scientists for careers in basic and applied biomedical research towards the advancement of health from individual to global levels. It is the first and pioneering degree program in the Philippines that combines the MD and PhD courses in one.

Known for its very steep admission requirements, only applicants who have finished their undergraduate degrees with honors (Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Summa Cum Laude) and have achieved National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) rating of 95 and higher are conferred with the scholarship.

This year, nine new scholars qualified into the program, two of whom garnered an NMAT rating of 100.