Manila City Hall approves face-to-face clerkship for PLM medicine students

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso officially approves PLM College of Medicine's gradual reopening of the clinical clerkship program following a meeting with (R-L) University President Emmanuel Leyco, College of Medicine Dean Dr. Angeline Alabastro, and Ospital ng Maynila Medical Director Dr. Karl Laqui on Wednesday, March 3, 2021. (Contributed photo)

CALOOCAN CITY, March 4 (PIA) -- Students of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila's (PLM) College of Medicine may soon pursue their clinical clerkship at the Ospital ng Maynila to fulfill their requirements for graduation.

Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso approved PLM's request for the gradual reopening of the clinical clerkship program for aspiring doctors. They will render rotating duty at the city-funded medical institution as part of their final course requirements.

Mayor Domagoso officially approved PLM College of Medicine's proposal on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 following a meeting with University representatives. Data show that 107 out of 110 senior medicine students have signified their interest to start their clerkship duties this year.

"We are thankful to our beloved Mayor for allowing PLM's medicine students to pursue their clerkship amid the COVID-19 pandemic. We believe that this hands-on training will ensure that our future doctors will be of good caliber," PLM President Emmanuel Leyco said.

"Their deployment at the Ospital ng Maynila will also boost the number of healing hands that will serve the city's patients,” he added.

“PLM is committed to do its share in ensuring the continuous flow of health care professionals to serve the Filipino people, particularly during these most challenging times,” President Leyco said further.

Mayor Domagoso endorsed the PLM College of Medicine's request for approval by the Commission on Higher Education. He met with Ospital ng Maynila medical director Dr. Karl Laqui, President Leyco, and College of Medicine Dean Dr. Angeline Alabastro on Wednesday morning.

The College of Medicine targets to start infection control training for the students on March 8, in anticipation of securing final approval from CHED.

PLM hosted a consultation with students, parents, and faculty about the planned clerkship activities on February 19, 2021. There, College of Medicine Assistant Dean Marita Fuentes assured that students will not be assigned to the emergency room, outpatient department, or COVID-19 wards of the Ospital ng Maynila. (PIA NCR)

Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)