The Ateneo de Zamboanga University School of Medicine once again turned up with an impressive performance in the latest Physician Licensure Examination given by the Board of Medicine last February 8, 9, 15 and 16 in the cities of Manila, Cebu and Davao. The university garnered an 81% passing rate (17 out of 21 examinees) significantly higher compared to the national passing rate of 64.51%. (1087 out of 1685 examinees)
The 17 new doctors are Dr. Mohammad A. Abutazil, Dr. Augusto Manolo G. Alpichi, Dr. Mae Angelica L. Arevalo, Dr. Rouella A. Balagot, Dr. Ruzenda C. Bellen, Dr. Sitti Nurusammi A. Casalin, Dr. John Paul T. Cuevas, Dr. Elgie J.F. Gregorio, Dr. Moherna I. Ibbin, Dr. Joseph E. Lim, Jr., Dr. Allen A. Mabano, Dr. Janet L. Macni, Dr. Sheryl S. Obaidy, Dr. Aisa R. Presas, Dr. Dara Joyce P. Revantad, Dr. Norhaina G. Sinarimbo, and Dr. Abdugafar P. Salialam, Jr.
They underwent 9 months of intensive review offered by Ateneo in preparation for this board examination. Meanwhile, two other new doctors, Dr. Joelyn M. Logatoc and Dr. Rufaida E. Aming also took their review at the Ateneo with good results.
The Ateneo de Zamboanga University is the first medical school in the country to introduce an innovative medical education. It pioneered Problem Based Learning (PBL), Community Oriented and Based Curriculum and Competency Based Evaluation. PBL is now considered one of the most significant and relevant innovations in medical education.
The school’s mission is to help solve the health problems of the region; part of the school’s goal was to produce graduates to serve the doctorless areas in Region IX and ARMM. At present, 60% of its alumni are serving as Municipal Health Officers and Medical Officers in once doctorless municipalities throughout Region IX; nearly 40% are into private practice or doing Specialty Training in Zamboanga City Medical Center; and 6% are having their Specialty Training outside of Zamboanga.
Fr Antonio F Moreno SJ, President of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University and Dr. Fortunato Cristobal, Dean of the School of Medicine are confident that the infusion of these young doctors along with the school’s dynamic faculty, will prove a bright future for medicine and health development in Western Mindanao.
The Oathtaking Ceremony of the new Physicians will be on March 5, 2009 at the Roof Deck of Garden Orchid Hotel.
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |
