The USeP School of Medicine competed with eight teams representing four regions (Luzon, NCR, Visayas, and Mindanao) and secured the 5th spot as well as the first reserved member position for the semi-final round in the National Interscholastic Medical Debate Competition on May 4, 2024 at the Unilab Bayanihan Center, Pasig City.
The debate team consists of first speaker Ram Manlatican (2nd year), deputy speaker Straรฑa Fe Villacis (2nd year), and whip Erika Mendoza (1st year). The discussions centered on vaccination during a public health crisis, and the country’s widespread practice of self-medication.
The USeP School of Medicineโs debate team made a remarkable achievement by representing the university on a national level in their first full-time participation in the Association of Philippine Medical Colleges – Student Network (APMC-SN) academic competitions. The team was accompanied by Student Council Adviser Dr. Maryrose Rendon and Sinag President Glorybel Tatoy.
The team qualified for nationals after competing as grand finalists in the same academic competition during the recent APMC-SN Mindanao Regional Assembly last February, 2024 in Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro City.
As future community doctors, the team aims to establish a strong debate culture, to promote open-mindedness, and to hone public speaking skills within the medical school, focusing on relevant healthcare issues that impact policies, values, and norms.