Being a doctor in a nutshell

I'm guessing this post would be helpful to a lot of aspiring doctors in the Philippines. If you are contemplating of going into med school, here are a few stuff you need to know: (Note that I am a prospective med student myself, and these information are what I have gathered first hand--thus far that is)

A. BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN
This would be the most important pointer I could give anyone. Signing up for med school ambivalent is no gift to your parents or to yourself. ONLY fill out that application once you are absolutely sure that you want to study for another five years (after finishing up you pre med), and endure the rigorous education and training required of a doctor. It is no secret that med education in the Philippines dehydrates pockets, wallets, bank accounts and piggy banks.

B. RESEARCH
Most of the data I know came from researching, reading forums, and more reading. As I have I said before, it is better to go through this head on, than half blind. Know what you are getting yourself into. Doctors in the Philippines do not really earn gazillions in one sitting. Why would a lot of them study Nursing instead? Some even say that being a doctor is almost an act of charity. Know the real face of medicine in the Philippines, then decide with outmost rationality.

The website I have found most helpful would be:
Pinoy MD (Read their forums)

C. BE PREPARED
Medicine is not just a course you apply for then play handy dandy afterward. Unless you are intelligent enough to get into INTARMED (UP's Medicine program which shortens the normal length of med education by two years), then you must know that to enter medicine, you must pass the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) after finishing your pre med course of four years. Most reputable med schools require a cut off percentile--which many place at 90. Thus you cannot just be accepted immediately. Also, a lot schools place importance on your grades. A hefty load of singkos won't bid well for you.

The NMAT is given every April and December. So if you really want to get a headstart, take it around April (of the preceeding year you are planning to enroll). Also most med schools stop accepting applications by January. If you are procrastinating like me, you can try FEU-NRMF and ST. LUKE'S, since they are the only ones who accept 'to follow' NMAT results. Note however that your application would be second priority since you would be handing in you result late (I will be taking my NMAT this April--same year I am trying to apply). You must still hand all the requirements by January though, to ensure that you will be slated for the upcoming school year. UP College of Medicine only accepts NMAT results one year from the upcoming school year. Which means that if you are graduating, you must have taken it in your third year.

See this website for the NMAT: Center for Educational Measurement

MED SCHOOLS in MANILA:
UP College of Medicine
FEU Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation
St. Luke's College of Medicine- William H. Quasha
UE Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center
Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health
University of Santo Tomas
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila College of Medicine
Perpetual Help College of Medicine
(**Please tell me if the links are broken)

These are what I have gathered in my prelude journey to med school. I would add more info once I become a bona fide med student. Wish me luck on this 'healing' path I have chosen.

Related post:
To be or not to be a doctor