Medicine, A Lifelong Commitment, Indeed! My Journey From India To Davao Medical School Foundation, Philippines

I was excited to take my first step towards studying in the Philippines. I was unsure about the kind of people I would meet. However, within a few months, I realised that people here are extremely polite. Since English is widely spoken in the Philippines, communication was not a barrier. The support I received—from DMSF staff, administrators, wardens, and housekeepers—was incredible and helped me settle in quickly.

So one of the main reasons I chose the Philippines was the English medium of instruction and the excellent clinical exposure. Davao City has the largest government hospital— Southern Philippines Medical Centre—where we rotate through modules like surgery, paediatrics, and OB-GYN and engage directly with patients.

The cost of living is affordable, and the college fee structure is reasonable for most students. The medical degree here is globally recognised, and the quality of education is impressive. I had spoken to alumni who cleared the FMGE in their first attempt, which gave me confidence in choosing DMSF.

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Admission Process

The admission process was seamless and added to my excitement about starting my journey in the Philippines. The visa and admission formalities were professionally handled by the team at Transworld Educare—Dr David Pillai, Mr. Kadwin Pillai, and Dr. Charlie Paul. All we had to do was submit the necessary documents, and the team ensured that everything was completed quickly and smoothly.

Education System & Campus Life

Even before classes began, a few of us were interviewed by Dr. Erwin Rommel N. Hontiveros, the then Dean of the College of Medicine. The next day, I was appointed as the Batch President. Though we started as strangers, my classmates and I quickly bonded and supported each other. We continue to grow as a team. Our dean of all colleges, Dr. Erwin Rommel N. Hontiveros, has always extended unwavering support and guidance to us. We are truly grateful for his leadership and encouragement.

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Our current Dean of the College of Medicine, Dr. Marie Aimee Hyacinth Bretaña, has been equally dedicated. Her presence is consistently supportive to us IMD students, and her commitment to our academic and clinical growth is deeply appreciated. The lectures have been engaging since day one, and the faculty members are approachable and have a solid foundation in their respective fields. The medical education system in the Philippines is rigorous, with a higher passing percentage than in India. However, with hard work and commitment, meeting the expectations becomes achievable.

Clinical rotations are hands-on and thoughtfully structured. We are divided into small groups, each mentored by a dedicated doctor. We also have access to simulation mannequins that mimic real-life scenarios, which enhances our learning experience.

Struggles

Like every international student, I do feel homesick at times, especially when my family makes travel plans without me. Ordering food from outside helps lift my mood. Regular video calls with family and friends, staying immersed in academics, and participating in events like Ganesh Mahotsav, International Students Day, and inter-departmental competitions organised by DMSF make me feel more connected. With the support of friends, the Philippines truly feels like a home away from home.

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Food

For vegetarians, finding suitable food options can be tough. Our dormitories do provide both vegetarian and non-vegetarian Indian meals, although they don’t always match homemade taste. Occasionally, we dine out, but finding vegetarian options remains a challenge. The local food is milder compared to Indian cuisine. Fortunately, there are a few Indian restaurants that serve good food and offer some comfort from home.

Advice To Prospective Students

My advice to future students is to focus on core subjects like Anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and histology. These are the foundation of your medical journey—strong basics will lead to a smoother path ahead. Also, respect and humility go a long way— Filipinos are very respectful, and we should reflect the same values in our conduct. Prepare a monthly budget and track your expenses using mobile apps. Avoid overspending on nonessential items, and always keep some funds aside for emergencies. Smart spending and financial discipline go a long way when living abroad.

The author is pursuing Medicine from Davao Medical School Foundation, Philippines