Davao
City, Philippines: In one of the largest graduating cohorts of Indian
medical students from a single overseas medical institution in recent years, 1,015
Indian-origin students were awarded Doctor of Medicine (MD) degrees at the 25th
International Medical Doctors Graduation Ceremony of Davao Medical School
Foundation Inc. (DMSF) held in Davao City.
The Doctor of Medicine (MD)
degree awarded by DMSF is equivalent to the MBBS degree in India,
marking one of the largest cohorts of Indian students graduating from an
overseas medical institution in recent years.
Over the years, the Davao Medical
School Foundation has emerged as a prominent destination for Indian
students seeking medical education abroad. Nearly 12,000 Indian students
have graduated from the institution, with many now practicing medicine across
India and internationally.
Students graduating this year
represent a diverse cross-section of India, with aspiring doctors travelling
from across the country to pursue their medical education at DMSF, reflecting
the institution’s growing appeal among Indian medical aspirants.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr.
David Pillai, CEO and Founding Chairman, Transworld Educare, said: “This
graduation ceremony marks a proud milestone for the students, their families
and the broader ecosystem supporting Indian students pursuing medical education
overseas. The Philippines has long been a trusted destination for Indian
medical aspirants due to its strong academic standards, English-medium
instruction and globally recognised medical training.
Seeing over a thousand Indian
students graduate from Davao Medical School Foundation this year reflects the
growing aspirations of Indian students seeking quality global medical education
and their commitment to strengthening healthcare systems in India and
worldwide.”
DMSF has also built a strong academic
reputation for its graduates’ performance in the Foreign Medical Graduate
Examination (FMGE) — the qualifying examination required for overseas
medical graduates seeking to practice medicine in India. Over the past decade, DMSF
graduates have consistently featured among top FMGE rankers, reflecting the
institution’s robust academic and clinical training.
The Philippines has emerged as an
important destination for Indian students pursuing medical education abroad due
to several key factors:
•
English-medium medical education, making it accessible for Indian
students
• Strong clinical exposure and hospital-based training
• Established Indian student community across several medical
institutions
• Relatively affordable education compared to many global destinations
The growing presence of Indian
students in Philippine medical universities reflects the strengthening
academic engagement between India and the Philippines, particularly in the
field of medical education.
Erwin Rommel N. Hontiveros, OIC Dean of
Colleges, Davao Medical School Foundation said: "For decades, Davao
Medical School Foundation has welcomed Indian students and supported them
throughout their journey to becoming skilled medical professionals. The
achievements of our graduates, including their performance in the FMGE
examination, reflect the strong academic and clinical training provided by the
institution."
The graduation ceremony brought
together academic leaders, faculty members, graduating students and their
families, celebrating the achievements of Indian medical aspirants and
highlighting the growing educational collaboration between India and the
Philippines.