The MD-PhD program in Molecular Medicine highlighted a scholar’s journey during its first hybrid annual summit held last 4 October 2022, with the theme: “Dagitab: Damhin ang Kislap ng Haraya.”

Organized by the University of the Philippines Manila – College of Medicine (UPCM), with support from the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD), the annual event serves as an avenue to celebrate the achievements of the program’s scholars and orient its newest batch. This year’s summit welcomed a total of eight new scholars from the 13th batch.

In his welcome message, DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Dr. Jaime Montoya explained how the summit serves as a platform to share a glimpse of the life of the scholars and a testament to their hard work and achievements. “I hope that this will not only spark inspiration among their colleagues in the program, but also inspire others to pursue a career in health research,” he said.

Meanwhile, UPCM Associate Dean Dr. Coralie Therese Dimacali emphasized how the program already made significant strides from where it started, 12 years ago. “While we are still far from realizing our dream of establishing that community of dedicated physician-scientists who collaborate with clinicians towards uplifting the quality of healthcare of the Filipino people, we are slowly getting there, one baby step at a time,” she said. “Remember that every MD-PhD graduate contributes to that effort,” she added.

Philippine General Hospital (PGH) Infection Control Unit Chair Dr. Regina Berba also underscored how the scholars may also face difficulties during their journey. “Our lives as medical persons are never easy,” she said. “But I think the MD-PhD program will help you tremendously so that your lives will be less difficult.”

The annual summit was attended by a total of 41 participants from all 13 batches of the MD-PhD in Molecular Medicine scholars both virtually and onsite.