CHED-X Regional Quality Assessment Team visits USTP College of Medicine

By Jomerl I. Gomez, USTP System STRATCOMM​
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As part of the preparation for offering the Doctor of Medicine program, the Regional Quality Assessment Team (RQAT) of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region X visited the College of Medicine of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines in Cagayan de Oro (USTP CDO) on May 11, 2022, to conduct an on-site inspection and validation of its facilities and support services.

The USTP College of Medicine (COM) was introduced by Cagayan de Oro Second District Representative Honorable Rufus B. Rodriguez through House Bill No. 8123 (later substituted with House Bill No. 9522). The University Board of Regents approved it through Board Resolution No. 141, s. 2021.

The COM’s mission is to offer innovative, evidence-based, and community-oriented medical education for deserving scholars who will provide quality healthcare to underserved populations. The college envisions a science, technology, and research-driven learning institution nurturing medical scholars to link healthcare with the community.

CHED-X organized the activity in coordination with Dr. Mitchel Dennis B. Gonzalez, Dean of the College of Medicine of USTP CDO, and Dr. Maria Elena L. Paulma, Vice President for Academic Affairs of the USTP System. It aims to evaluate the actual compliance of the college with the CHED minimum requirements for the Doctor of Medicine program and validate the information in their evaluation instrument.

L-R: CHED Supervisor Dr. Arlita Amapola B. Minguez and members of the CHED-RQAT Dr. Ruth S. Beltran and Dr. Gina S. Itchon during a post-conference session at the USTP CDO Board Room

The RQAT comprises Dr. Gina S. Itchon and Dr. Ruth S. Beltran, accompanied by CHED Supervisor Dr. Arlita Amapola B. Minguez.

During the campus tour, several USTP officials accompanied the CHED representatives to the various facilities designated for the USTP College of Medicine, including the laboratories for Anatomy, Histology/Microparasitology, and Biochemistry/Physiology/Pharmacology.

Biochemistry/Physiology/Pharmacology Laboratory, USTP CDO Science Complex

Histology/Microparasitology Laboratory, USTP CDO Science Complex

Anatomy Laboratory, USTP CDO Science Complex

They also stopped by the ongoing development of the new USTP CDO Clinic and the proposed USTP College of Medicine Building.

Construction site of the new University Clinic

Site for proposed USTP College of Medicine Building

They then visited the Faculty Office, Clinic, Library, Audio Visual Room (AVR), and other offices that will provide support services to the college’s faculty, students, and staff.

USTP College of Medicine Faculty Office, USTP CDO Science Complex

University Clinic, USTP CDO Science Complex

USTP CDO Graduate Library, LRC Building

AVR, ICT Building

After the tour, everyone returned to the USTP CDO Board Room, where the RQAT shared their observations and made suggestions for improving and better preparation for the USTP College of Medicine.

CHED Supervisor Dr. Arlita Amapola B. Minguez discussing the RQAT’s initial findings

Atty. Dionel O. Albina responding to the observations made by the CHED-RQAT

Atty. Dionel O. Albina then responded by assuring the CHED-X that the USTP System will do its best to comply with the Commission’s set requirements and open the Doctor of Medicine program the soonest time possible.

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