If there’s one thing that the COVID-19 pandemic has proven, it’s that the efforts, dedication, and passion of our doctors and healthcare workers keep our healthcare system afloat, whether that be during prosperity or through a cataclysm and lacking conditions. They are definitely proof that not all heroes wear capes. With the ongoing situation, interest in pursuing a medical career has only grown in the past year with numerous students and graduates hoping to save lives by dedicating their own.
Studying medicine and becoming a full-fledged doctor may be a noble and selfless pursuit, but for many, it does not come with ease. Even the initial leap to take the NMAT and enroll in medical school is daunting. Every year, there is an increasing number of individuals from different parts of the country taking the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT), a nationwide standardized test required for entrance to Philippine medical schools. However, due to the emergence of the current global public health crisis, academic institutions were forced to shift to a remote learning setup, and thus, the first-ever online NMAT was administered last August 2020. Since then, there are still no available physical review classes for NMAT and the resumption of physical NMAT remains a sheer possibility due to the evolving threat of COVID-19 transmission. Hence, there is a need for an online conference that would cater to the questions and information needed by the incoming medical students on their preparation for medical school. With this, the UPLB Society of Pre-Med Students presents the re-launching of its Med Talk entitled, “Be Med Ready 2021.”
The UPLB Society of Pre-Med Students, also known as SPS, established in August 15, 1990, is an academic-civic organization composed of students from UPLB, belonging to different degree courses. To serve through knowledge is our main purpose in which we give our fullest capabilities in helping out others. With this, we are not only extending meaningful service, but we are also striving to change for the better, to develop critical thinking, and most importantly, to develop a sense of leadership and camaraderie. In addition to that, SPS is also one of the founding members of the Alliance of Philippine Pre-Medical Societies.
Be Med Ready 2021 is a two-day online conference to be held on October 16-17, 2021, at 3:00 PM, via Zoom. It aims to help aspiring medical students to prepare for a medical career by discussing frequently asked questions (FAQs) about NMAT, medical school CV making, medical school interview tips, online and physical NMAT tips, the road to medical school journey, medical school tips, and sample NMAT questions. In line with the organization’s continual pursuit to provide its members and the community with opportunities for a medical career, Be Med Ready 2021 is a means for participants to gather while adhering to COVID-19 health protocols.
Due to insistent public demand, the event will be open to the public via livestream on UPLB Society of Pre-Med Student’s Facebook page.
Aside from the representative speakers of the partner organizations, among the highly esteemed individuals sharing their insights and stories about their medical school journey are Geraldine Zamora, MD., Jomel Lapides, MD, RN. , Robert Dominic Gonzales, MD, RPh, Jamaica Ponce, Princess Ira Gaiser, and Jan Matthew Tolentino.
For more information about the organization and the event, you may visit the official Facebook page of the UPLB Society of Pre-Med Students (fb.com/uplb.sps) and their Instagram and Twitter account (@uplb_sps).
