CSU introduces Doctor of Medicine Program to stakeholders, public

Caraga State University formally introduced its Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program to the public and media partners in a stakeholders' forum streamed live via the official Facebook Page today, April 25, 2025.

The MD Program under CSU’s School of Medicine, also branded as the “home of Five-Star Physicians,” will be offered starting in August, the first semester of the Academic Year 2025-2026, with a target of 25-30 pioneering students. Its official website was launched earlier this week, highlighting the program and its online submission of requirements: som.carsu.edu.ph.

University President Rolyn C. Daguil, PhD, opened the forum with a message delivered by VP for Executive Operations Michelle V. Japitana, thanking the stakeholders for the sustained support leading to the realization of the MD Program, the first and only medical school in Caraga to date. 

He referred to the forum as “a progress report to the most important stakeholders (the public)” about the creation of the MD Program, and a “testament that visions do come true with the integral help of stakeholders and partners.” 

Presented in the forum are the community-based MD curriculum, the faculty lineup, and partners, all contributing to the SOM’s commitment to producing competent, service-oriented, and ethical professionals, as discussed by SOM Dean Dr. Teresita C. Brion. She emphasized the MD Program’s forward-thinking curriculum, which focuses on developing ‘Five-Star Physicians’—a model that responds to contemporary healthcare needs and moves beyond traditional educational paradigms.

Vice President for Academic Affairs Vicente A. Pitogo, DIT, presented the application procedure for the program, which opened on March 10 and will close on May 30, 2025. Meanwhile, VP for Executive Operations Michelle V. Japitana, D.Eng provided an overview of the scholarship opportunities for aspiring students, with emphasis on Doktor para sa Bayan Act (RA 11509). 

Questions from media partners and stakeholders who joined via Zoom and viewers of the simultaneous Facebook broadcast were also addressed. 

The offering of the MD Program is CSU's bold leap in contributing to the demand for quality healthcare in the region and competent healthcare professionals. SOM is now on the quest to nurture future doctors who are healers, health educators, social mobilizers, researchers, and leaders. 

This article is aligned with SDGs No. 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and No. 4 (Quality Education)