MEDICINE | CDU

COLLEGE OF MEDICINE

After successfully establishing Cebu Doctors’ Hospital, its core founders conceived the opening of a school of medicine as another venue of service that will have a significant effect and contribution to the welfare and progress of the nation.

Through hard work and sheer determination, the Board of Directors of Cebu Doctors’ Hospital unselfishly devoted their time to secure from the Department of Education and Culture a permit to operate a medical school to be called Cebu Doctors’ College of Medicine.

On April 21,1977, the Cebu Doctors’ College of Medicine (CDCM) incorporation papers were signed and its status as a non-stock, non-profit foundation was approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 21,1977.

CDCM formally opened its doors as a medical institution in June of Academic Year 1977-1978. Out of the numerous applicants, only eighty pioneer freshmen were accepted. Since then, its Board of Trustees has pursued a program of expansion which continues to this day enabling CDCM to grow and earn its mark as one of the best medical schools in the country.

In 1997, CDCM started developing the modules for integrating domestic and family violence issues in the medical curriculum in partnership with the Task Force on Social Science and Reproductive Health of the Social Development Research Center of De La Salle University, and successfully implemented them starting Academic Year 2000-2001. The Commission on Higher Education subsequently endorsed these modules to be used by all Philippine medical schools that were using the traditional method of teaching.

With CDCM’s decision in 2002 to utilize Problem-based Learning (PBL) as its teaching-learning strategy, the Medical Education Unit (MEU), together with its support committees, was established. The MEU organized and conducted the intensive and comprehensive faculty training needed to implement the innovative strategy. Starting Academic Year 2003-2004, CDCM adopted PBL as its teaching-learning strategy. There has been a significant increase in the performance of CDCM graduates in the Physician Licensure Examination beginning with the first graduates of the PBL curriculum as documented by the Professional Regulatory Board of Medicine.

On November 23, 2004, Cebu Doctors’ College attained University Status and was renamed Cebu Doctors’ University (CDU). Cebu Doctors’ College of Medicine, one of CDU’s component colleges, was renamed Cebu Doctors’ University College of Medicine (CDU-CM) and its main teaching hospital was renamed Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital (CDUH).

During Academic Year 2009-2010, the mentoring program for medical students was started to give timely counseling and support, as well as inspire, encourage, and motivate students in their studies, and monitor their academic progress by means of the student portfolio. The Subcommittee on Mentoring, under the MEU Committee on Student Affairs, was organized to manage the activities of the mentoring program, including the orientation and training of mentors, as well as monitoring the activities of the mentors.

In the pursuit of an outcome-based quality assurance system and for the purpose of rationalizing medical education in the country, with the end in view of keeping pace with the demands of national relevance and global responsiveness, the Commission on Higher Education issued CHED Memorandum Order No. 18 Series of 2016 entitled Policies, Standards, and Guidelines for the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) Program. Through this issuance, CHED set forth the program outcomes specific to the Doctor of Medicine program. Thus, CDU-CM implemented and applied the principles of Outcomes-based Education (OBE) into its curriculum starting Academic Year 2016-2017.

During Academic Year 2018-2019, blended learning was introduced. PBL tutorial (small group discussion) triggers, schedules, references, handouts, and announcements were disseminated to the students online via Google Classroom ahead of the individual class schedules. Similarly, modules for the different courses were made available to the faculty facilitators online ahead of the individual class schedules. Submission of portfolios by students and checking of portfolios by mentors were also done online. Google Meet was used to allow faculty and students to hold classes virtually as needed.

When the COVID-19 pandemic was declared in March 2020, total lockdown was imposed by the government, and face-to-face academic activities were not permitted. Cebu Doctors’ University made the decision to institute a pure online teaching strategy. To prepare for this, CDU embarked on an intensive training program for the faculty members of all academic units during the summer of 2020 for them to use the newly acquired online learning management system (LMS). Brightspace by D2L, the chosen LMS, was rebranded CeLo+, the acronym for CDU’s electronic Learning online and more. CDU-CM’s Medical Informatics Committee, composed of highly computer literate faculty members, was organized to provide leadership in the integration of advances in information and communication technology (ICT) with the ever-increasing medical knowledge. This committee was tasked with the instruction of faculty members, students, and non-teaching support staff on the use of CeLo+, Google Classroom (later upgraded to Google Workspace for Education Plus), and various online video conferencing platforms needed for pure online teaching, learning, and evaluation. Before the start of Academic Year 2020-2021, CDU-CM was ready for pure online learning. With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions during the Second Semester of Academic Year 2021-2022, and with CDU-CM realizing the advantages of ICT in education, it gradually shifted from pure online back to blended learning.

Cebu Doctors’ University College of Medicine applied to the Commission on Medical Education of the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) for external accreditation. PAASCU and the Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines (FAAP) granted CDU-CM Level I accreditation status on November 25, 2022.

On March 24, 2023, Cebu Doctors’ University, including the College of Medicine, obtained its ISO 9001:2015 certification and was subsequently re-certified in 2024.

The Commission on Higher Education granted Cebu Doctors’ University College of Medicine approval to offer the Accelerated Pathway for Medicine (APMed) Program, which CDU-CM branded as EXCEL-MED or EXpedited Curriculum and Enhanced Learning in MEDicine, starting Academic Year 2024-2025. This innovative academic program allows exceptional Senior High School graduates to obtain two academic degrees, a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree and a Doctor of Medicine degree, in as short as 7 years and be eligible within the same year of graduation to take the Physicians Licensure Examination.

Cebu Doctors’ University College of Medicine continues to mold learners to become physicians skilled in the science and art of medicine, true to its vision of producing transformational physicians. It also ensures that the latter achieve the ten program outcomes of the Doctor of Medicine program as enumerated in the Commission on Higher Education Memorandum Order Number 18, Series of 2016.

In full support of Cebu Doctors' University College of Medicine are nine affiliate institutions:

Cebu Doctors' University Graduate School
Cebu Doctors’ University College of Dentistry
Cebu Doctors’ University College of Optometry
Cebu Doctors’ University College of Nursing
Cebu Doctors’ University College of Rehabilitative Sciences
Cebu Doctors’ University College of Allied Medical Sciences
Cebu Doctors’ University College of Pharmacy
Cebu Doctors' University College of Arts and Sciences
Cebu Doctors’ University Senior High School

Vision

A globally recognized health- and service-oriented college of medicine dedicated to producing transformational physicians

Mission

To develop exemplary, compassionate, holistic, and resilient physicians who practice the Cebu Doctors’ University shared values of wellness, integrity, service, and excellence in response to local, national, and global demands

Objectives

1. Develop a comprehensive medical curriculum with emphasis on
1.1. Prevention and treatment of common local and global diseases
1.2. Nutrition, breastfeeding, responsible parenthood, and awareness of gender-based family and domestic violence issues
1.3. Patient safety
1.4. Universal health care
1.5. Digital literacy
2. Develop clinically-competent learners through innovative teaching-learning strategies
3. Promote generation, utilization, and innovation of new knowledge through scholarly research responsive to local and global needs
4. Provide opportunities to become effective communicators, educators, and social mobilizers in a rapidly changing society
5. Train learners who will lead, manage, and work collaboratively with other professionals in providing optimal health care locally and globally using a systems-based approach
6. Foster personal and professional development while adhering to national and international codes of conduct and legal standards that govern the profession
7. Inculcate social, cultural, ethical, and moral awareness and accountability
8. Ensure quality education for the learners by implementing a comprehensive faculty development program
9. Establish a cordial atmosphere among the learners, faculty, non-teaching staff, and the administration through regular social and recreational activities
10. Provide scholarships and incentives to learners and graduates with outstanding performance

The Medical Library of the College of Medicine is a special type of library that houses Medical collections to serve the research and Medical Education needs of the students, staff of Cebu Doctors’ College of Medicine, Medical Interns, Post Graduate Interns, Resident Physicians, and Consultant staff of Cebu Doctors’ Group of Hospitals in Cebu.

The Library upgraded automation software to Follet Destiny Manager 13.0 in February 2016. It allows library clients to create their own accounts in the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) for easier access to the available resources.

In 2018, The Medical library was renovated to a place more conducive for learning. There are collaborative spaces, Discussion rooms with Smart TV, Beautiful lightings, and more seating capacity were installed.

Vision

The Medical Library shall be a hub for high-quality resources and innovative information services for all students and faculty of the College of Medicine

Mission

The Medical Library serves to be the bridge for achieving the VMG of the College of Medicine and its stakeholders by providing high-quality of blended learning resources and services

Goals

1.To provide all students and Faculty of the College of Medicine with updated and online resources that support their needs in line with the curriculum of the College
2.To provide the teaching and research needs of the College of Medicine by making available the necessary information in any format (print, non-print, online resources)
3.To conduct Library Orientation and Instruction to help students and Faculty identify and understand the Library resources and utilize these effectively
4. To provide high-quality service through the implementation and enhancement of the library policies and guidelines
5. To provide a safe and conducive learning environment through excellent physical facilities

Library Collections:

1. 10,535 number of Titles
12,958 Numbers of Volumes Updated Yearly through ALBASA and Indent Orders
2. Subscribed to Ebcohost Platform with Three Online Databases:
● Dynamed Plus
● Medline Complete
● Ebook Clinical Collection

Library Sections and Services:

1. Circulation and Reserved Section Services;
● Reference and Information services
● Loaning in and out of Books
● Book drop services
● Interlibrary loan Services

2. Technical Services
3. Computer and Internet Access
4. Ask A Librarian Online services
5. Photocopying Services
6. Collaborative spaces
7. Discussion Rooms

Policies of the use of Medical Library Facility

1. Wearing of School of ID is necessary inside the Library
2. Do not leave your bags or any important things unattended, the library is not responsible for the loss of your belongings
3. Observe Silence at all times. All cellular phones must be set to silent mode before entering the library.
4. Answering and making calls must be done outside the library.
5. Leave books on the table after use (except for reserved books that must be returned to the circulation counter).
6. Use the Library materials properly. Do not tear page(s) nor underline part(s) of the book, as these are forms of vandalism.
7. Eating, smoking, and drinking canned drinks, coffee, etc., other than water is prohibited.
8. Doing class projects (drawing, cutting, lettering, etc.) or anything other than reading and researching is not allowed
9. Cleanliness must always be observed, do not leave scratch papers or trash on the table, and push back the chairs after using.

Note: The Library may pass additional rules and regulations, which after posting, shall form part of the foregoing. Students who are unable to follow any of the foregoing rules may be summarily excluded in the library.

Elective Rotation

Cebu Doctors’ University College of Medicine accepts final year medical students from foreign countries who want to do their elective rotation for two weeks or more in a private teaching hospital or in a rural community . We regularly have students from the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany doing their elective rotation with us. The application to do the elective must be received at least two months before the start of the planned elective rotation.

Available departments

Elective rotations are done at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, the main teaching hospital of Cebu Doctors' University College of Medicine. It has the following departments that accept final year international medical students who wish to do electives: Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radiology, and Anesthesiology. In addition, the College also accepts students for a Community Medicine rotation at Kauswagan, its community outreach program.

Activities

The rotation at Cebu Doctors University Hospital includes the following: going on rounds with the residents and attending physicians, attending conferences, taking the medical history and doing the physical examination of patients, assisting at surgical operations and deliveries, and doing other medical activities that may be assigned. These, basically, are the usual activities of our fourth (final) year medical students. Regular hours are from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily except on Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays during which hours are from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM only. Overnight duties every three or four days are optional for international students unless required by their university.

For the elective rotation in Community Medicine, students are assigned to Kauswagan Community Clinic and Social Center, our rural community outreach project at Barangay Cabangahan in the town of Consolacion, Province of Cebu. The site is about 15 kilometers from Cebu Doctors University Hospital. Activities during this rotation include fieldwork consisting of home visits, community survey, outpatient clinic work, daytime house calls, and lectures for family health classes. You will be serving adults and children in the rural villages north of Cebu City. The educational attainment of the residents in the area is usually elementary and high school levels although a few had gone to college. The income level of the families is between US$60-120 per month. Eighty-five percent of the residents are Roman Catholics. They are mostly farmers, laborers, public utility vehicle drivers, and employees. The majority speak and understand the English language. At all times, the students are under the supervision of a resident physician. The international students will be working together with the fourth (final) year medical students of Cebu Doctors’ University College of Medicine and the Post-graduate Interns of Cebu Doctors University Hospital.

Dress Code

A white clinical gown over smart casual clothing should be worn when seeing patients in their rooms or in the wards, when in the outpatient clinics, and in the conference rooms. Scrubs are required in the operating room, labor room, delivery room, post-anesthesia care unit, and the neonatal intensive care unit.

For the Community Medicine elective, light casual clothing and comfortable footwear for walking are recommended to be worn while in the community. A short white coat or clinical gown may be worn when seeing patients at the community clinic.

How to apply

Send an email to the Dean, Cebu Doctors’ University College of Medicine, at cdu-cm@cdu.edu.ph at least two months before the planned start of the elective rotation, stating your request to do your elective rotation in a particular department or departments. Include the proposed starting and ending dates for each one and the duration (not less than two weeks duration in each department). Elective rotations must start on a Monday. Because of the number of applications we receive and the fact that we only accept two international medical students at a time in each clinical department, it would be best if you could choose two or more departments and specify your order of preference for them.

Requirements

The following are the documents that you must email before you can be accepted:
1. Dean’s certification that you are expected to be enrolled as a final year student in the medicine program of your university during the time that you will have your elective rotation
2. one copy of your Transcript of Records
3. one letter of recommendation from one of your current professors
4. a 2” x 2” colored identification photograph with a minimum resolution of 400 pixels per inch in JPEG format

Notice of acceptance

You will be notified of your acceptance by email.

Matriculation

The current elective fee for Academic Year July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 is six thousand eight hundred ten pesos and seventy-two centavos (PHP6,810.72) per student per week, minimum of two weeks. There is usually a 5-10% annual increase in the fee. The elective fee is computed from the total number of weeks the international student is accepted for. The elective fee is due for payment at the Business Office of Cebu Doctors University Hospital before the end of the first week of the elective period and is non-refundable.

Lodging

Several hotels and pension houses are available within walking distance of Cebu Doctors University Hospital. You may make your own arrangements with them online.

Students who will do the Community Medicine rotation may also arrange for lodging near Cebu Doctors University Hospital. All students assigned to Kauswagan will be brought to the community by shuttle from the hospital at 7:00 AM and brought back to the hospital at 4:00 PM.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

PHILIP ANTHONY S.D. LARRAZABAL, MD, MBA

President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees

ENRICO B. GRUET, MD

Vice President of the Board of Trustees

ZENAIDA S.D. LARRAZABAL, BSC

Secretary of the Board of Trustees

POTENCIANO S.D. LARRAZABAL III, MD, MAHAd

Treasurer of the Board of Trustees

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

MARINELA TERESA L. CARCEL, DMD

Trustee

BETTINA ANNE L. VELOSO, MA/IHSM

Trustee

JOSE ANTONIO S. QUITEVIS, MD

Trustee

MA. ASUNCION d.P. TREMEDAL, MD

Trustee

CESAR G. ESTALILLA JR., MD

Ex-officio Trustee

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

ENRICO B. GRUET, MD

Dean and Trustee

TERESITA E. CHIU, MD, MHPEd

Associate Dean for Medical Education and Research

LYDIA A. BIGORNIA, MD

Associate Dean for Administration and Student Affairs

OFFICE HEADS DIRECTLY UNDER THE OFFICE OF THE DEAN

ROSERIE T. QUISUMBING, MD

Head, Awards, Recognition, and Scholarships Office

MARY CARMEN Y. MANCAO, MD

Head, Medical Informatics Office

GRACIA NIÑA R. BONGABONG, MD

Head, Quality Assurance Office

COMMITTEE CHAIRS UNDER THE ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH

FRANCES ANGELIQUE A. TEQUILLO, MD

Chair, Committee on Curriculum Development

ROSERIE T. QUISUMBING, MD

Chair, Committee on Testing, Evaluation, and Statistics

BRIAN M. DENNEY, MD

Chair, Committee on Faculty Development

JACKLYN R. SAN GABRIEL, MSc, RPh

Chair, Committee on Research and Development

GRACIA NIÑA R. BONGABONG, MD

Co-Chair, Committee on Research and Development

YEAR LEVEL COORDINATORS

MARIA CECILIA A. ESPINO, MD

Coordinator, Year Level I

JORDAN PHOEBE B. LETABA, MD
Coordinator, Year Level II

LYDIA A. BIGORNIA, MD
Coordinator, Year Level III

NORA ASUNCION A. REDULLA, MD
Coordinator, Year Level IV

BASIC SCIENCE DEPARTMENT CHAIRS

ERWIN PRAGUE P. EVALES, MD

Chair, Department of Human Biologic Structures

TERESITA E. CHIU, MD, MHPEd

Chair, Department of Human Biologic Functions

ROSERIE T. QUISUMBING, MD

Chair, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology

LYDIA A. BIGORNIA, MD

Chair, Department of Pathology

CHERISH B. SONGCO, MD

Chair, Department of Pharmacology

CLINICAL DEPARTMENT CHAIRS

JULIET A. CHUA CHONG-NOEL, MD

Chair, Department of Medicine

MARIA CORAZON R. MENDEZONA, MD

Chair, Department of Pediatrics

ANDREI IGNACIO T. YU, MD

Chair, Department of Surgery

MA. ASUNCION d.P. TREMEDAL, MD

Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

POTENCIANO S.D. LARRAZABAL III, MD

Chair, Department of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology

ROMERO MARIO A. VILLAR, MD

Chair, Department of Radiology

LYDIA A. BIGORNIA, MD

Chair, Department of Pathology

CHARLES CHLOE C. PARILLA, MD

Chair, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine

COMMITTEE CHAIRS UNDER THE ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR ADMINISTRATION AND STUDENT AFFAIRS

TERESITA E. CHIU, MD, MHPEd
Chair, Committee on Admissions

ERWIN PRAGUE P. EVALES, MD

Chair, Committee on Physical Plant and Logistics

ROMERO MARIO A. VILLAR, MD

Chair, Committee on Library and Multimedia

MARIA CECILIA A. ESPINO, MD

Chair, Committee on Student Affairs

MEDICAL LIBRARY

JOLLY ANN N. ESPINA, BSLS, RL

Head, Medical Library

EXCEL-MED PROGRAM

NELDA R. PE, MD

Coordinator, EXCEL-MED Year Level I