Vidad

Setting Sail for a Pivotal Journey

The UP College of Medicine 115th Commencement Exercises

August 4, 2024 (Sunday) | 1:00 PM
University Theater, University of the Philippines Diliman

    Countdown to Graduation

    Vidad

    [vi.dád.]: to set sail (v.)

    As the UPCM Class of 2024 marks their culmination of years of pursuit of dedication, perseverance, and relentless pursuit of knowledge, these newly-minted doctors stand on the precipice of a vast and challenging sea of medical practice - like a ship embarking on an uncharted voyage. As the wind fills the sails, these graduates navigate the ever-evolving currents of medical practice and research, staying abreast of breakthroughs that promise to redefine the boundaries of healthcare. The UPCM Class of 2024 stands ready to weather the storms of challenges ahead, committed to the principles of equity, accessibility, and quality care. As they sail into the horizon of their medical careers, the UPCM Class of 2024 embodies the spirit of exploration and service. Their ship, laden with the promise of healing and the weight of responsibility, charts a course into a future where their skills, compassion, and dedication will undoubtedly make waves in the landscape of healthcare.

    A message from the

    UP Manila Chancellor

    My warmest greetings to the graduating class of my alma mater on the occasion of your recognition ceremony.I share your joy and excitement as you set sail and journey to a life of service. I am confident that the University has prepared you well with the necessary knowledge, skills and attitude to power your expedition. Like a strong wind, these will bring you to the port of your own choosing. Having been in this journey for the last 25 years, I myself am continually learning what challenges these “seas” bring, and what opportunities and meaning each “port” offers to the adventurous.First, let me assure you that your Alma Mater, through our faculty and alumni, will be here to be of service to you as experienced mentors. Some of us already have maps we can lend you while encouraging you to likewise chart your own.Second, consider a journey with people who share your goals. In my many years in this profession, working with people who share and complement my dreams, enthusiasm, and interests have proven most productive. Collaborate. Believe me, it makes us better. In UP, you have a whole community of experts before you – and this is just your point of origin. In the many destinations that await you, you will find many more who will be willing and able to help. Make the most of these expertise because they will make you better.Finally, remember to always carry the uniquely UP moral compass your mentors gave you as gifts. No, you will not see N E S nor W on it.Instead, you will find the words HONOR, EXCELLENCE, SERVICE and FILIPINO etched on its face to serve as a constant reminder of what should guide you as you set sail for a pivotal journey in life.

    MICHAEL L. TEE, MD
    Chancellor, UP Manila

    A message from the

    UP College of Medicine DEAN

    Congratulations UPCM Class 2024! In 2019 when you started your journey at our venerable college we all did not expect we would face such formidable challenges of the COVID 19 pandemic. Here you are now at the threshold of a new beginning, a new chapter in your medical journey. You all have proven your ability to endure, adapt and thrive in the face of adversity.Many of you may have questioned your decision to be doctors, had trepidation in the face of an uncertain future for the medical profession, but together with your parents, your teachers and mentors, and your patients who were your most important teachers in the communities and the wards of the PGH you made it!! It has certainly been a transformative journey with your skills honed, your compassion deepened along with empathy and knowledge needed to be doctors our country desperately needs. Indeed you all have a solid foundation to be the ‘six-star physicians’ we wanted you to be; physicians who will be not only clinicians but leaders, change agents and advocates, even scientists with a nationalist fervor.As our university has given all it can to support you in this journey, as you have been afforded the best medical education that can be offered in this country your spirit of resilience and dedication should remain even stronger as you step into the world outside of UP-PGH. As graduates of the UPCM, you will be respected and be sources of inspiration and upliftment by those who have less in life, the underserved. Your impact will be boundless but only if you know how to wield the power of prayer, and acknowledge the true source of all understanding and wisdom.The UP College of Medicine will always be your home for the rest of your lives. Your class will be a constant source of your pride and joy for many years to come and as my own UPCM Class 1985 would always ask in our prize-winning TRP song— you need to reflect on this important question--- Para kanino ka?Maraming Salamat at Mabuhay and UPCM Class 2024!

    CHARLOTTE M. CHIONG, MD, PhD
    Dean, UP College of Medicine

    A message from the

    UP College of Medicine Secretary

    Congratulations and cheers to UPCM Class 2024!You have come a long way since taking your baby steps in the hallowed corridors of Calderon Hall. You have grown, matured and are wiser. Bask in the gift and joy of the moment.Today, we send you off to the real world. It is the culmination of years of dedication, sacrifice, and burning the midnight oil in your relentless pursuit of knowledge. But, the learning should never stop. Continuously seek out new knowledge, remain curious, and strive for excellence. Hold dear the legacy of Medicine and contribute to its growth.Hopefully, you have learned not only the science but have also embraced compassion and empathy on your way to becoming a true healer. To be a physician is a distinct privilege - a great honor granted by one human being to another to care for them at their most vulnerable moment. Doctors can heal and change lives, but more importantly, are a constant source of comfort and hope. People will not remember you for your achievements, what you said or did, but rather, you will be long remembered for how you made them feel as you touch their lives.Wherever you go, carry your TATAK UP seal of honor and excellence in service with pride and dignity. Make the most of the privileges and opportunities that will come your way but always be cognizant of the great responsibilities such distinction brings. Always do the right thing the right way.No matter where your path leads you, remain humble and always choose to be kind. Be grateful to people who have nurtured you and were always by your side. Give back and make a positive impact. Your talents are gifts given you, what you do and how you use them are your gifts to the world.Today is the first day of another adventure. Enjoy your journey and celebrate each step, bringing with you all your life lessons, your purpose, and the values you hold dear. Don’t just do well, do good. There is no limit to what you can do - overbelieve and overachieve. Keep your eyes gazing at the stars and reach out for them, yet, keep your feet firmly planted on the ground. All the best!

    ABNER L. CHAN, MD
    College Secretary, UP College of Medicine

    A message from the

    Philippine General Hospital DIRECTOR

    Dear UP College of Medicine Class of 2024,On behalf of the entire Philippine General Hospital administration and staff, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on reaching this significant milestone in your medical career. Your dedication, perseverance, and hard work have brought you to this moment, and we are incredibly proud of your achievements.As you step into the professional world of medicine, allow me to share a few thoughts that may guide you on this journey. Medicine is not just a profession but a calling that requires continuous learning, empathy, and a commitment to excellence. The years spent studying, the sleepless nights, and the countless hours in the hospital have prepared you to face the challenges and rewards of this noble field,Remember that each patient you encounter is a unique individual with their own story, fears, and hopes. Treat them with the respect and compassion they deserve, for it is in these moments of human connection that true healing occurs. Your medical knowledge and skills are invaluable, but it is your empathy and kindness that will leave a lasting impact on the lives you touch.As you move forward, never lose sight of the importance of teamwork. Collaborate with your colleagues, learn from their experiences, and support each other. Medicine is a team effort, and together, we can achieve remarkable outcomes for our patients.In the face of adversity, whether it be a difficult diagnosis, a challenging treatment, or a national health crisis, remember why you chose this path. Your passion for helping others and your commitment to improving health will be your guiding light, Embrace innovation, seek out new knowledge, and strive for excellence in all that you do.We are confident that you will carry forward the values and lessons learned during your time with us, and that you will contribute to the betterment of our healthcare system. The journey ahead will be demanding, but it will also be filled with immense rewards and profound moments of fulfilment.Congratulations once again on your grad-uation. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors and look forward to seeing the incredible impact you will make in the world of medicine.With warmest regards,

    GERARDO D. LEGASPI, MD, FAFN
    Director, Philippine General Hospital

    SHOW SOME LOVE AND EXTEND YOUR CONGRATULATIONS!