By Jennielou Pigao

The Mariano Marcos State University College of Medicine (MMSU-COM) won 1st place in the National Healthcare Innovation Competition at the 7th Association of Philippine Medical Colleges - Student Network (APMC-SN) National Convention, held May 3-5 at the UNILAB Bayanihan Center, Pasig City. The MMSU-COM team comprised first-year students Andrei Kelly Gomac, Alpha Kassandra Leonille Acain, Aira Kim de la Cruz, and Angelica Joy Garduque. Gomac was also named Best Speaker. 

Western Visayas State University and the University of Sto. Tomas placed second and third, respectively. The convention is the largest gathering of medical students in the Philippines.

Under the guidance of Dr. Phoebe Agcaoili and Dr. April Alimbuyuguen, the MMSU-COM team triumphed over ten other medical schools with their project, AdHEAR (Advanced Drug-Health Enhancement and Adherence Reminder),  an efficient technology-based application aimed at improving medication adherence among patients with ongoing medications. The team members said they wanted to put the best interests of the patient first while also considering the health providers involved.

Tired from travel and sleep-deprived, the MMSU-COM team remained focused and credited their success to teamwork, openness to feedback, and attention to detail. “We wanted to make MMSU prouder, but we never expected to clinch the championship as there were many good projects and presentations,” Gomac said. In April, their project also won first place at the 13th APMC-SN Luzon Regional Assembly hosted by MMSU. Another MMSU team also qualified for the national competition with their project, “The FEELipino project,” which aims to increase mental health awareness among students.

At the testimonial program for new physicians on May 8, MMSU President Shirley R. Agrupis heaped praises on the team, underscoring the significance of their achievements. She also encouraged them to patent their innovation. MMSU COM dean Policarpio Jove and associate dean James Patrick Peralta expressed immense pride in the students’ accomplishments, proving once more that “we are on par with the best medical schools in the country.” With the unwavering support of the administration and the entire university community, “the college will always hold high the Green and Gold.” 

Established in 2015, the MMSU College of Medicine has produced topnotchers in the Physician Licensure Examination, including a first placer.