News and Events
SLCM conducts Freshmen Orientation and General Student Assembly
St. Luke's College of Medicine ushered the opening of the school year by conducting a Freshmen Orientation and General Student Assembly last June 13 at the CHBC auditorium. Bishop Manuel Lumpias, Chairman of the Board of Trustees led the opening prayer which was immediately followed by a special message from SLCM President and Dean, Dr. Brigido L. Carandang, Jr. In his address, Dr. Carandang reiterated the school's vision of becoming the best in medical education by the year 2010. To get there, he emphasized the need for acquiring quality students and providing an academic environment with equally high standards. As a manifestation of this endeavor, he committed the continuous development of the curriculum and faculty. Knowing well that the support of the faculty is essential in providing quality education, Dr. Carandang stressed that the College through the support of the Board is moving towards improving faculty benefits, in appreciation of their loyalty. Furthermore, the Dean pinpointed that the College will strongly promote a culture of research within the College and as further improvement of student services, he also announced major changes in College facilities particularly the construction of the new library, auditorium and additional classrooms. Dr. Carandang concluded his address by acknowledging the full support of the Board of Trustees and his officials to the administration.
The next part of the program was an introduction of the members of the Board, Administration Officials, and Faculty Members. This was led by the master of ceremonies, Dr. Joanne De Ramos, the College Secretary.
Among those who present were Mr. Robert Kuan, Chairman of the Board of the Medical Center, Dr. Joven Cuanang, SLMC Medical Director and Dr. Manuel Mariano, Director of the Institute for Neurosciences. The SLMC President, Mr. Jose Ledesma, also graced the occasion.
Dr. Alejandro Ortigas, Associate Dean for Student and Faculty affairs proceeded with the introduction of scholars. Thereafter, the Dean's List and Top Ten Students were presented by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Dr. Maria Isabel Atienza . Enthusiastically cheered by their co-students, the honorees posed for pictures with the SLCM Officials.
To welcome the new breed of aspiring doctors, SLCM held its traditional presentation of first year students. There were a total of 33 freshmen coming from well recognized schools in the country. They bring with them impressive academic credentials as they vie to become the best in their chosen field with the able guide of their new alma mater, St. Luke's College of Medicine.
The morning program was concluded with the singing of the College Hymn led by selected students of the College.
After the activity, the freshmen orientation ensued which was opened by a message from Dr. Carandang. In his talk, the Dean challenged the freshmen to excel and promised to them that the College will provide an environment conducive to growth and excellence. A special part of the program saw Dr. Cuanang giving an inspirational message to the students. He congratulated them for choosing St. Luke's College because by doing so, they have chosen a very ideal place for honing their skills in medicine because the College and the Medical Center will provide them with the same standard an international medical school can provide. He further encouraged them to specialize and be active in research because according to him, learning never stops. The students were later provided with copies of the St. Luke's Journal through the efforts of Dr. Filipinas Natividad, Head of Molecular Biology & Basic Science Research.
The succeeding parts of the program were the orientation coming from the Registrar, Accounting Office, and Student Organizations. The student officers encouraged the freshmen to also participate in extra-curricular activities as a way of balancing study and personal life. Later on, the students were treated to lunch.
The afternoon schedule paved the way to a general student assembly as a way of setting up a common framework for all the students in relation to some restructuring in the College, particularly in curriculum and student policies. Dr. Atienza presented the reformatted curriculum while Dr. Ortigas explained matters pertaining to student policies.
Moving on, the Chief Librarian, Ms. Chie Halili toured the students through a presentation in the computer of what the new library would look. She also oriented them about the library facilities.
The last part of the program was an orientation on the College facilities. Mr. Jon Ortiz, HR & Admin Officer together with Mr. Nestor Remigio, Building Administrator and Engr. Alfred Aquino Jr. oriented the students on the safety and security measures of the College as a way of ensuring that they are well taken cared of while in the building premises.
It was a long day for the students indeed, a significant first step towards another year of renewed relationships with the College as the community marches towards the fulfillment of a dream, the dream of becoming the best.
