Controversy sparked with the sign atop Rizal building which states clearly ‘SLU INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE OF MEDICINE’. Issues were raised regarding the so-called new name of the College of Medicine. There were so many questions left unanswered.
Domantay clears issues
Dr. John Anthony Domantay, Dean of the College of Medicine cleared the issue regarding the misleading sign. He stated that it was supposed to be still Saint Louis University College of Medicine but with an International Division. He further stressed that he would request the Maintenance Department to re-paint the sign to prevent anymore confusions from students. In an interview, he said that he could
not give any details yet since the students are under the College of Natural Sciences. Dean Domantay assured that he will gladly be available for interview once the foreign students enter the College of Medicine.
COM – International Division
Located on the 4th floor of Rizal building is the International Division of the College of Medicine. This is where the foreign students lounged during their free periods. Portion of the 4th floor also houses their classroom with newly bought chairs and equipments. The office of Rameshkumar V, Chief Administrative Officer is also found here. There are 21 students enrolled in the Special BS Biology Curriculum for 10+2 Entrants. They are as follows: Kingsly Baskararaj, Yaseen Bhamjee, Nikhil J Kalathiveetil, Anoo Mangalapilly Prakasam, Ar Mattakkadu Raghavankutty, Surendra R. Naidoo, Anuj B. Roy, Paul R. Socrates Vijayakumar, Ramakrishna Tirukovaloor, Amal J. Tomy, Sujana Bhikam, Jaine Chennatt, Meryl George, Sheryl George, Ninu Thania Jacob, Nambi S. Lourdusamy, Dua’a J. Maqbool, Sharon Pereira, Ann Philip, Anu Philip.
Understanding the Special Bio Curriculum
Dr. Gaudelia Reyes, Dean of the College of Natural Sciences explained the Special BS Biology Curriculum for 10+2 Entrants. She said that the curriculum is applied for those who had 10 years preparatory education then junior to senior high school-the curriculum of most western countries. The foreign students enrolled in the Special BS Bio program takes Biology for a period of 2 years – trisemester. The curriculum is condensed so as to accommodate the needed number of units in the allotted time possible. For their first year, the first trimester started last November 5, 2007 and ended last February 29. They are taking up 28 units with the following subjects Biochemistry, basic Computer Science, Basic Economics with Taxation and Agrarian Reform, College Algebra, Plant Morphoanatomy, Animal Morphoanatomy, Physical Fitness, Logic and General Psychology with Drug Prevention. Their second trimester starts on March 17 and ends on June 28. Students are taking a total of 29 units with the following subjects taken Animal Physiology, Systematic Biology, Plane Trigonometry, Basic Statistics, Rhythmic Activities, Ethics, Plant Physiology, Sociology, Anthropology with Family Planning, Population and HIV/ AIDS Education, Science, Technology and Society and World Religions. The third trimester starts on July 14 and ends on October 18. The students are taking up a total of 29 units with the following subjects Cell Biology and Molecular Biology, General Histology and Histotechnique, General Entomology, General Ecology, Aquatic Biology, Applied Biotechnology, The Literature of the Philippines, Calculus and Analytical Geometry, Individual/ Dual Sports/ Games and Politics and Governance with Philippine Constitution. Their second and final year starts on October 30 and ends on February 28, 2009. The students are taking up 29 units with the following subjects Genetics, Developmental Biology,Organic Evolution, Invertebrate Zoology, Fungal Biology, Economic Biology, Life and Works of Dr Jose Rizal, Microbiology and Parasitology, Team Sports/ Games and Special Problem.After Biology the students are to take the National Medical Admissions Test (NMAT) in preparation for their Medical studies. If in due course they did not pass the exam they are given the prerogative to return to their country of origin or re-enroll in the program again.
Behind the Issues
Rameshkumar V, Chief Administrative Officer of Universal Empire International (UEI) said in an interview that they chose SLU from the schools in the Philippines because of the following reasons; the school is located in Baguio where the weather is pleasant, SLU has a remarkable background, people has good English speaking skills and the school is highly complimented. UEI proposed a 20 year contract under the close supervision of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Candidates for the program were scouted through the use of advertisements. Also, foreign students opted to study in the Philippines because of the high cost of medical education in their countries. Dr. Freddie T. Bernal, CHED-CAR Regional Director said that SLU was autonomous for it to handle an International Division of the College of Medicine. The school provided CHED with the MOA and provisions. “SLU wasn’t violating anything…based on our guidelines”, according to Dr Bernal. He further stressed that Medicine is a dying profession that it needs to be redeemed. SLU made a great leap when it signed the contract between UEI because they are trying to promote the Medical profession in any way possible.
Show/Hide comments