Cebu Doctors’ University formally unveils accelerated pathway program for medicine, EXCEL-Med

Revolutionary figure Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Throughout history, doctors and medical professionals have played a vital and pivotal role in shaping communities by providing unwavering attentiveness, love, care, and assistance to those in need. Their hard-earned expertise and devotion to helping the people they have vowed to serve are paramount to maintaining a functional society.

It is of utmost importance that medical students are given the best education possible and, as soon as possible, become excellent medical and healthcare professionals. Cebu Doctors’ University continues to uphold its unparalleled standard of medical education as it formally announced its latest medical program, the Expedited Curriculum and Enhanced Learning in Medicine program (EXCEL-Med), on December 3, 2024.

Executives of the Cebu Doctor’s University answered questions during the press conference of the launching of EXCEL-Med

The seven-year accelerated program offers a groundbreaking, innovative, and faster route compared to the traditional medical program that usually takes nine years until students can take the Physician Licensure Exam. EXCEL-Med is designed for students who are passionate, driven, and eager to pursue a career in medicine and become excellent healthcare professionals, willing to serve and transform communities. The program offers an integrated curriculum that includes a comprehensive list of courses essential to fostering skilled and compassionate medical professionals.

The program complies with CHED Memorandum Order No. 11, Series of 2023, titled “Accelerated Pathway for Medicine (APMed) Program: A Pilot Implementation for Development of Future-Ready Physicians.” Being at the forefront of medical education, Cebu Doctors’ University prides itself on actively pioneering the implementation of this progressive initiative in the Visayas-Mindanao (VisMin) region.

President and chairman of the board, Dr. Philip Anthony S.D. Larrazabal, welcomed the pioneering batch of students under EXCEL-Med in his opening remarks.

EXCEL-Med is a combination of two years of integrated liberal arts pre-medicine courses, four years of regular Doctor of Medicine courses, and a one-year internship. In seven years, students will earn their Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree in their fourth year and a Doctor of Medicine degree in their seventh year.

EXCEL-Med is open to Senior High School graduates with the required general average of at least 80 percent. Applicants are also required to take the university’s entrance exams and meet the health and fitness requirements.

EXCEL-MED Batch 1, A.Y. 2024-2025.