Hyperion and Ardor: New TORCHbearers

Congratulations to the new members of CIM's org, Total OutReach for Community Health (TORCH). Batch Hyperion of TORCH Brotherhood and Batch Ardor of TORCH Sisterhood underwent more than one month of initiation to prove themselves worthy of joining the said org, now celebrating its 25th year of existence. TORCH continues to fulfill their mission of reaching out to communities through different projects like feeding programs and operation tuli, to name a few.

Indeed, the most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire.

Cimphony of Love: A Benefit Concert for the Children of the Coast Foundation

Cimphony: CIM's premier chorale after their benefit concert

CEBU CITY -- Amidst the looming threat of Typhoon Ruby, Cebu Institute of Medicine's resident choir Cimphony pushed through with its 2nd annual benefit concert titled "Cimphony of Love". The concert was held for the benefit of the Children of the Coast Foundation.

The event was an intimate gathering of family, friends, and guests at the EMVM Hall, from 5:30 to 9:00 P.M. Aside from the 17 songs presented by the choir, CIM's Spectra Flow and Ms. Carmelli Fernan graced the stage with their dance and violin presentations, respectively.

Cimphony was founded on 2010. It is funded and supported by the CIM administration, under the leadership of Dean Dr. Thelma L. Fernandez. Their choirmaster is Mr. Maurice Dan Geroy.

CIM's Annual Recognition Ceremony

Cebu Institute of Medicine held its annual mass in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Main Social Hall. It was followed by the annual recognition of students who excelled academically, the PLE 2014 topnotchers, the faculty members who served CIM for 25 and 59 years respectively, as well as this year's Most Outstanding CIM Alumni (MOCA) awardee.

Our heartfelt congratulations goes out to all our achievers. It is our privilege to rub elbows with you and more importantly, to study medicine from and with you.

Here is a rundown of this year's awardees:

ENTRANCE SCHOLARS, A.Y. 2013-2014

MAGNA CUM LAUDE: Gorme, M., Masorong, A., Mayol, L., Pableo, E., Tan, J., and Maglinte, B.
CUM LAUDE: Atay, L., Barluado, N., Calingacion, A., Canete, M., Cortes, R., Cu, D., Digamon, E., Dongallo, J., Doro, H., Duray, F., Gantuangco, J., Gulay, J., Habajab, V., Jaranilla, Y., Micarandayo, K., Nacita, E., Ohata, A., Perez, R., Pinpin, K., Salang, E., Suerte, J., Tamsi, L., Villacarlos, D., Yanong, R., Yarra, M., and Yecyec, J.

RECIPIENTS FOR EDUCATIONAL GRANTS, A.Y. 2013-2014

1st year: Lisondra, E.; 2nd year: Dinoy, E., Soco, M.; 3rd year: Cercado, G., Tejam, C., Luzano, J.; 4th year: Bonghanoy, A., Rabor, J., and Fabiola, J.

 EXCELLENCE IN THE STUDY OF ANATOMY A.Y. 2013-2014

(From R-L in photo, from Rank 9 to 1): Mirhan, C., Kuizon, B., Co, C., Co, J., Po, M., Maningo, J., Osmena, K., Ong, A., and Zanoria, M.

 TOP STUDENTS IN THE BASIC BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE, A.Y. 2013-2014

(From R-L in photo, from Rank 6 to 1): Osmena, K., Kuizon, B., Maningo, J., Po, M., Ong, A., and Zanoria, M.

 TOP STUDENTS, INTEGRATED CLINICAL SCIENCE I, A.Y. 2013-2014

Rank 1: Mondido, S., (not in photo) Rank 2: Yano, M.

TOP STUDENTS, INTEGRATED CLINICAL SCIENCE II, A.Y. 2013-2014

(From R-L in photo, from Rank 1 to 8): Borromeo, K., Lucero, K., Tan, P., Bonghanoy, Ad., Cheng, K., Varquez, C., Quijano, J., and Rabor, J.

COLLEGE SCHOLARS (TOP 2 STUDENTS PER YEAR LEVEL)

(From R-L in photo): Romero, P., Lucero, K., Borromeo, K., Mondido S., Yanong, R., Perez, R., Ong, A., and Zanoria, M., (not in photo): Yano, M.

PLE 2014 TOPNOTCHERS

(Guy in red): PLE 2014 Top 1: Raymund Li, (not in photo) PLE 2014 Top 5: Debbie Tanengsy

25 YEARS SERVICE AWARDEES

Dr. Rudy A. Amatong (in white coat) and Dr. Kenneth S. Chan (in blue polo)

 50 YEARS SERVICE AWARDEES

Dr. Gloria C. Bacay, Dr. Paz L. Lim, Dr. Virginia P. Mesola, and Dr. Virginia S. Paradela

 MOST OUTSTANDING CIM ALUMNUS 2014

Dr. Amado M. Layno Jr.

CIM Students' Night: Blood Moon

Photo from CIM Blood Moon's Facebook like page

MANDAUE CITY -- The supernatural beings rose from the underworld for a gathering unlike any other. This year's CIM Students' Night with the theme "Blood Moon: A Night of Shadows and Folklore" held last December 3, 2014 at the Oakridge Pavilion, Banilad, Mandaue City was especially organized by Batch Asterion. 

It was well-attended by the different batches: Vertex, Spectra, and Asterion. Highlights of the event included Warsong of Sirens, Thread of Gold, and the awards given to the best dressed attendees.

Relive the moments from one of the most anticipated events of the Cebu Institute of Medicine by watching the trailer video and by liking the Official Facebook Page of the CIM Blood Moon.

CIM Participates in the TOWNS Second Young Women Leaders' Forum

Participants from CIM with TOWNS awardees

Cebu Institute of Medicine was invited to participate in the Second Young Women Leaders' Forum, organized by The Outstanding Women in the Nation's Service (TOWNS) Foundation Inc. Eleven young women from CIM attended the event held earlier today from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., at the University of Southern Philippines Foundation Tourism and Hotel Management Hall Auditorium.

This year's theme; "Women Responding to Disaster: Conversations with TOWNS 2013 Awardees" featured talks by some of the awardees who excelled in their respective fields and on how their expertise could contribute to enhancing the efficiency of response during disasters, namely:

1) Ana Karina de Leon Brown for Sports who talked about staying fit physically and mentally

2) Noraida Adang Abdullah Karim for Social Work who shared her experiences in organizing the communities of internally displaced persons

3) Dr. Ma. Amihan Ramolete for Theatre Arts who imparted her knowledge about coping with disaster through creative expression

4) Ma. Rachelle R. Gerodias for Performing Arts who sang and spoke about surviving with music-making

5) Dr. Maricor N. Soriano for Applied Physics who gave tips on do-it-yourself gadgets in times of disaster

The activity was sponsored by the Metrobank Foundation. Its ultimate goal was to inspire and to empower young women in taking the lead for nation building and improving the status of our country.

Written by Dena Mae Amor N. Desabille of Batch Spectra

The Road Less Traveled By

Cebu City, Cebu -- The Cebu Institute of Medicine (CIM) hosted a forum on public health entitled, "The Road Less Traveled By," on October 8, 2014. Four alumni of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine (Ermita, Manila) were the principal speakers. The two-hour event was divided into three parts: a chronological narrative of the speakers' journey leading to a career in public health, including the qualifications and skills essential in the field; and the health situation in the Philippines and its current challenges.

Dr. Katherine Ann V. Reyes (Batch 2005), founding member, Executive Director of the Alliance for Improving Health Outcomes, Inc. (AIHO), independent consultant and adjunct faculty member in the UP Open University, represented the private sector involved in providing health services. Essentially, her talk emphasized the role of doctors as managers of human health resources.

Dr. Michael S. Caampued (Batch 2010), Municipal Health Officer of Polillo, Quezon, squared on idealism, voluntarism, initiative. Since obtaining his physician's license and his subsequent installment in the local government unit, he had authored numerous ordinances, policies, and other papers. His deep understanding of health systems, governance and financing enabled him to effect important changes in Polillo.

Dr. Katerina N. Abiertas (Batch 2008), first doctor in and Municipal Health Officer in Zumarraga, Western Samar, was formerly part of the Doctors to the Barrio program. Through her efforts, a total transformation of the health situation of her hometown was realized. She became an active proponent of One Island, One Sea Ambulance, among other projects. Of all aspects in public health, her talk stressed the value of understanding health financing and governance.

Dr. Lester Sam A. Geroy (Batch 2005), founding member of AIHO and team leader of the World Health Organization Cebu Field Office, facilitated the forum.

For the first time in many years, the CIM-SSC organized such activity intended to increase awareness and participation of the students and faculty members in societal issues.

Written by Elizabeth Hernani of Batch Asterion

CIM Wins First Prize in Oratorical Competition

Dr. Melfer Montoya (second from left) and Christopher Co (third from left) with members of the Cebu Medical Society.

CIM was awarded the First Prize in the Oratorical Competition of the 57th Annual Medicine Week with the theme "Kapit Bisig para sa Pagbabago... sa PMA at sa Bayan" and with Cebu Medical Society's sub-them "Harmony and Unity in Diversity." The event was held earlier today at the CMS Building in Banilad.

CIM's Representative was Mr. Christopher Co of Batch Spectra. The contestants were tasked to talk about the topic: "The Effectiveness of Either Traditional Teaching Method of Instruction in Medical School Versus Problem-based Learning from a Student's Point of View."

Other winners were medical student representatives from University of the Visayas (2nd prize), Southwestern University (3rd prize), and Cebu Doctors University (4th prize).

Watch the video of his oration here.

Written by Dena Mae Amor Desabille of Batch Spectra

Photo and video courtesy of Abby Niles Cuenco of Batch Spectra

Merienda Cena en Cebu: The Public Health Heart

CEBU CITY - In celebration of its 4th founding anniversary, CIM's school choir Cimphony organized the first-ever Merienda cena en Cebu in cooperation with the Alliance for Improving Health Outcomes. The event was held on September 8, 2014 from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the conference room of Mcdonald's Jones. There were 35 medical students in attendance, from CIM and from SWU-MHAMCM.

Public health issues and opportunities were the main topics of the merienda cena, with Dr. Lester Sam A. Geroy of the WHO Cebu City Field Office and Dr. Grace Fe Buquiran, Executive Assistant of the DOH Undersecretary of Health Gako. The said speakers presented to the participants the Philippine current health statistics and situation such as:

• The Philippines is now classified by the ASEAN as a low middle income country, in lieu of being called as a developing country. However, efforts are now focused on making the country a high income country by 2025.
• The top diseases in our country are the non-communicable diseases (such as hypertension, diabetes, and cancer), HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis.
• The health care sector is focused on enhancing the health facilities of the country.
• A trend of brain gain is now observed in the country, instead of brain drain that started in 1986 (Martial Law era). 
• There are also plans to improve the quality of health care in the country, such as: ASEAN integration, more local and national investment in health, more funds from tobacco taxes, PhilHealth covering more people and benefits, an interconnected health information system, further regulation of medicine prices, and Philippine foreign policy and institution on international health aid, among others.

It was emphasized in the talks that the public health heart of idealism, adventure, and community service are needed by our country. Public health doctors look beyond the patient's disease, integrating the roles of the family, community, and different health systems in the prevention and the cure of disease. The essence of public health lies in the provision of the best possible service, with meager resources. Contrary to popular belief, there are numerous opportunities in public health such as research, mental health, public health law, health informatics, and health systems.

Photo ops with the speakers- SSC President, Stacey Militante (leftmost) with some officers of Cimphony: Cyrus Tejam, Bede Ilano, Alfred Angulo, and Mark Magallon

Student Leaders from CIM and SWU-MHAMCM with the speakers

Dr. Buquiran asked a resonating question; "Instead of asking, why don't you make a stand?"

Instead of complaining about the quality of health care in our country as an outsider, why don't we help improve the system from the inside out as a physician with a heart?

Written by Dena Mae Amor N. Desabille of Batch Spectra
Photos courtesy of Cyrus Tejam of Batch Asterion

CIM Tops the PLE 2014

CEBU CITY - Cebu Institute of Medicine's Batch Syncytia is the top performing school with a 100% passing rate in the recently concluded Physician Licensure Examination (PLE) 2014. This marks the eighth consecutive year for CIM's 100% passing rate in the PLE.

Batch Syncytia also produced two topnotchers: Raymund Martin Li (Top 1) and Debbie Rose Tanengsy (Top 5). Li garnered a board rating of 89.58, while Debbie Rose Tanengsy garnered a board rating of 89.17. 

The complete list of PLE 2014 topnotchers

The long hours of studying and reviewing for the exam were paid for in full by the examinees, with the guidance of esteemed doctors who took time in their busy schedules to hold small group discussions for the final courses and cases. Batch Syncytia proved that they not only gave more for their success, they also earned it in every possible way.

Written by Vergil Dominic Sanchez

Editor's Note: Watch out for the upcoming Mezzanine Matters featuring Batch Syncytia and this year's CIM PLE board topnotchers. 

Blackout Blacklight

     What do you get when you put together a group of nearly 200 med students, a no-strings-attached weekend, and a black light?

     Definitely one hell of an acquaintance party.

     Coming straight out of the gates of District 13, Tartarus, and Azkaban combined (that's Hell Week, for you non-readers), THE party to be in took place right next door to Narnia. At least, that's how it felt like getting there. And that night was definitely as close as it could get to being magical. Hosted by our very own talented bunch of fellow Freshmen, the show proved itself to be in excellent hands.

     The audience laughed! The audience cried! The audience even ended up singing to Backstreet Boys. Go, Group 12! Surprises abounded in every corner of the acquaintance party, with everyone ready to cut loos and have an awesome night to reward themselves after an exhausting week of studying, studying, and let's not forget studying.

     You could see everyone was aiming to make the best of that night, as everyone had prepped up for the evening. I'm sure every boy, man, and romantic alike swooned at the sight of the ladies, beautiful and all dressed up to the nines. A few of the guys probably still have stiff necks from that night, as I'm sure. Kudos to you, ladies!

     Never short of talent, the Freshmen proved to be a truly creative bunch, be it in playing the piano, or holding balloons between their chins. These party animals were no slouches on the dance floor as well, as the after party would tell you. But that's another story for another time. (Now, THAT WAS FUN).

     All in all, that acquaintance party was the perfect way to get rid of the built-up stress over the week. There's no better way to cool off than to heat it up, all the way to the top, with BATCH VERTEX. Great job, guys.

     P.S. Thanks to everyone who helped prepare and clean up the party. You guys just showed what it is to really work together as a Batch that's headed for the top.

     Venue: The Garden Pavilion, Canduman, Mandaue City

     Date: August 16, 2014

Written by Vergil Dominic Sanchez of Batch Vertex

CIM Wins Third Place in 8th PNHRS Student Research Category-Oral Presentation

     The 8th Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) Week Celebration was held in Radisson Blu Hotel, Cebu City from August 12 to 14, 2014. This year's theme was "Research and Innovation in Health for Disaster and Emergency Management". The 8th PNHRS Research Contest Oral Presentation for the Undergraduate Category was held on August 12, 2014 as part of the 8 parallel sessions of the day.

The Winners of the 8th PNHRS Research Contest Oral Presentation
(c) Dr. Narciso Tapia

     Two out of six contenders in the said event were from CIM. The research presented by Geraldine Cercado from the Cebu Institute of Medicine entitled "Antidevelopmental Effects of Callistemon viminalis (Weeping Bottlebrush) Leaf Extract on the Early Development of Tripneustes gratilla L. (Sea Urchin) Embryos" took home the third place award. Another research presented by Elizabeth Grace Alcazar entitled "Mangosteen Extract, A Comparable Anti-angiogenic Substance to Bevacizumab on Duck Chorioallantoic Membrane" made it to the list of finalists.

The trophy and certificate of recognition awarded to the winner.
(c) Geraldine Cercado

     The research presented by Sheriah Laine M. de Paz, from the University of the Philippines-Manila (UPM), entitled "Not All Taua-Tauas Are Alike: A Morphological, Molecular, Genetic, Phytochemical, and Anti-thrombocytopenic Profiling of Different Euphorbia hirta Linn. Plants from the Philippines," won 1st place while Jonnel Poblete, also from UPM, with the research entitled "Nephroprotective Effects of Cogon (Imperata cylindrica) Root Aqueous Extract on Sprague-Dawley Rats with Gentamicin-induced Acute Kidney Injury" garnered second place. Cash prizes and plaques were awarded to the winners in the fellowship dinner later that evening. CIMphony graced the said fellowship dinner attended by esteemed guests of honor from different institutions of the country (DOH, DOST, and PGH, to name a few) by singing the invocation song "Light of a Million Mornings" and the Lupang Hinirang.

(c) PNHRS 2014

Written by Elizabeth Grace Alcazar of Batch Asterion

CIM-SSC Holds First General Elections

(c) CIM-ComElec

CEBU CITY – With the ratification of its new constitution, the Cebu Institute Medicine - Supreme Student Council (CIM-SCC), along with the CIM – SCC COMELEC,  held its first ever student body general elections on July 24, 2014.

(c) CIM-ComElec

(c) CIM-ComElec

The general elections saw new student council officers chosen by the whole student body for the first time in CIM’s history. Before the passing of the its new constitution, the CIM – SCC has traditionally selected new student council officers by way of closed representative elections among the student officers of each batch and students interested to run for a position. With the new constitution, the CIM – SCC has changed the election process to that of general elections wherein all students are given the opportunity to vote for their new leaders.

“This gives the students a chance to be more involved in school affairs” says Vincent Rodriguez, a 3^rd year student. “I believe that this is a good way of giving the students a say in their education.”

(c) CIM-ComElec

The elections were overseen by the CIM – SCC COMELEC and were held at the Main Social Hall. Designated times were given for each the 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd years to vote. Voters were asked to bring their library card or school I.D. for proper identification. Numbered ballots were then given to each voter and they were given allocated seats for them to fill-up the ballots. The completed ballots were then given to the COMELEC officers for tallying.

The CIM Commission on Elections A.Y 2014-2015
(c) CIM-ComElec

Of the 501 students enrolled for the academic year 2014-2015, there was a total ballot count of 297, with 29 invalid ballots.

Stacey Kaye Militante, a 3^rd year student who ran for a position of President, says: “It gives the students the chance to know who they are selecting as their Student Council officers, since in the past, the students didn’t really know who their Student Council officers were due to the way the elections were held.  This also gives them the means to elect those who they think can best serve them as their new student leaders.”

This is indeed a historic event in the Cebu Institute of Medicine, and hopefully the newly elected student leaders will be able to serve their fellow students to the best of their abilities.   

Official Number of Votes of the SSC A.Y. 2014-2015:

President: Stacey Kaye N. Militante (257 votes)

VP Internal: Kiara Natalie B. Roble (252 votes)

VP External: Elizabeth E. Hernani (249 votes)

Secretary: Kathleen Joyce C. Del Carmen (253 votes)

Treasurer: Withunan Sriamporn (254 votes)

Auditor: Kathleen Charisse P. Raynes (252 votes)

PIO: John Mar D. Dangane (246 votes)

Written by Hans Matthew Lua of Batch Asterion

CIM Sportsfest 2014: Pad to Playground

The students of Cebu Institute of Medicine closed their books and opened the playing fields to practice sportsmanship and camaraderie during the CIM Sportsfest 2014, with the theme; "Pad to Playground: Promoting Health Through Technology and Sports" last August 23, 2014. The said event was hosted by Batch Spectra.

The games ranged from parlor games like Catch the Dragon's Tail and Minute-to-win-it mini games to ball games such as volleyball and basketball. There was also the most-awaited search for Mr. and Ms. CIM whose winners will represent the school in this year's Medlympics.

The overall champion for this year's Sportsfest is the third year Batch Asterion. The new Mr. CIM is Albert Ian Villegas of Batch Spectra and the new Ms. CIM is Clarice Elaine Radoc of Batch Vertex. The dance contest champion is Spectra Flow.

This year's Sportsfest's Over-all Champion: Batch Asterion

Mr. and Ms. CIM 2014

Dance Contest Champions: Spectra Flow

This is yet another evidence that CIM students not only excel in academics but also in sports; that in celebration of camaraderie and school spirit, medical students will not hesitate to leave their highlighters behind and play some ball!

Written by Zuriele Arambulo of Batch Spectra