freshman year survival guide 2015 (short)

WHY AM I IN MEDICAL SCHOOL?

WHAT ARE MY GOALS IN MEDICAL SCHOOL?

HOW WILL I ACHIEVE MY GOALS?

WHAT KIND OF PERSON/STUDENT/DOCTOR DO I WANT TO BE?

Those who know their desire and refuse to kill it, or refuse to act as though they dont need help, they are the ones who live by faith. Those who do not ask do not trust God enough to desire, they have no faith.

John Eldredge

Getting Started

ELECT YOUR CLASS OFFICERS

President Someone with loads of patience, a team player and is dependable. He/she makes sure all things run efficiently including, but not limited to, the mess of changing schedules, dealing with different college departments, overseeing class working committees and events. The president is responsible for the whole class welfare.

Vice Presidents [one per section] They make sure their respective sections are heard. Obviously, they assist the president in programs and activities and head certain committees.

Secretary Responsible for managing all documents of the class including, but not limited to, attendance sheets, notes and cloud storage. He/she also makes communication letters when needed.

Treasurers [one per section] They are the ones accounted for the class funds.Auditor Well, somebody has to do the checks and balancesPIOs [one PIO per network service provider] Someone with unlimited messaging and

responsible for disseminating important announcements.Class Representatives [one per section] Liaisons to the Medicine Student Council

(MSC).

P.S.: Submit a copy of your elected officers to your Class Adviser and to the MSC. Elected officers, feel free to approach the upper class for more tips.

CREATE A CLASS NAME

You have to be creative! This name will be with you forever. Make sure it represents your class well. Hint: It doesnt have to be Latin! Here are the recent class names:

Class 2014: ServiamClass 2015: JAX (Juventus Aestimat Excellere)Class 2016: SGD (Soli Gloria Dei)Class 2017: ExcelsiorClass 2018: MD (Medicus Devoveo)

DESIGN YOUR CLASS LOGOThis is for your documents, banners, t-shirts, and more.

CREATE SOCIAL MEDIA GROUP AND CLOUD STORAGEFacebook, Dropbox, Google Drive, or any other platform you are comfortable with.

Here is where you will be posting announcements, photos, soft copies of your notes, books to share, and other files.

ORDER NAMEPLATESYour nameplates will serve as you ID. COM students are not asked by security guards

for IDs as long as you wear your nameplate. You will use them by August.Place an order as a class through Suarez Bros. at Jalandoni St., near University of

San Agustin. It costs around Php 160 each. Try negotiating for a discount since youll be buying in bulk.

The nameplate should have a silver background with a tiny WVSUCOM logo in green and gold outline. Allow one to two weeks for final product.

2015 FRESHMEN SURVIVAL GUIDE 32015 FRESHMEN SURVIVAL GUIDE 3

KNOW WHY YOU ARE HERE AND DREAM BIG Know why you went to med school in the first place. If you have a clear view of your

target, you can simply zero in and go for it. Make it a point to set your expectations and priorities early on and go forth with a

powerful motivation at the outset. These things will keep you going no matter the difficulty.

The first year is always the hardest (for some). Between moments of uncertainty and at times when you might want to quit, think why you started in the first place. Just stay humble but always endeavor to be better than who you were the day before.

Dont get jealous. Compete with yourself and not with others. Be a better person not a bitter person.

You have to learn how to stretch your frustration tolerance. Nobodys perfect! Have a spirit of acceptance not matter how painful the outcome of your exam is.

Whats important is to set a goal in your mind of what you want to achieve at the finish line. Four years ago at a freshmen orientation program, the top medical students were

recognized and I said to myself, It would be nice if a year from now Ill be the one receiving the award in front. Indeed, I ranked second in my class at the end of Level I

But, we should never forget that we study medicine to learn and have a basic knowledge in treating patients and not just to top module, block and comprehensive exams

There is no secret to success. Its just hard work and sheer determination, plus a little bit of luck and a great deal of Divine intervention

BEST OF LUCK, CLASS 2019!

Gwyn CeloValedictorianJuventus Aestimat Excellere, Class 2015

2015 FRESHMEN SURVIVAL GUIDE 22

youll find that when you are already adjusted, your target scores will become quite lower than usual (well still a bit higher for nerds). Dont resist change. Friends would come and go. Study habits are very dynamic. Schedules are always modifiable. Change is inevitable.

Have a what-to-read list and place durations as to how long you will read. Set durations may be somehow flexible and you may be tempted to procrastinate. But, knowing theres still a lot on your reading list keeps you going.

BE PATIENT AND BE HUMBLE Dont set perfection as a goal. PRACTICE PROGRESS OVER PERFECTION. Dont entertain

self-defeating negative thoughts. Dont focus on what could go wrong. BE OPTIMISTIC. Dont dwell on failures and problems. Theyre normal! MOVE ON! You still have lots of exam and parties to attend.

Dont allow yourselves to be victimized. Admit it, we are all leaders and geniuses here. So sometimes people would really think of themselves higher than you are. Just maintain a low profile. Be humble. And when affected by someone elses poor judgment, free yourself from damaging energy by forgiving and letting go.

While daunting, this part of medical school is an important milestone you have to face with a tough load of patience and determination as this will set your tone in your coming years.

There are times when your scores dont reflect how much you have studied, just be patient and remember the fact that you have learned something and that is more important than getting a high score.

TEAMWORK Teamwork is a big deal in med school. They can sometimes be a distraction, you would

rather talk about something else if youre with your friends than study, but theyre also a big help considering you will get more perseverance and pressure to finish if you see them studying next to you. There will also be someone to wake you up when youre getting sleepy.

For your advance readings you could look up the books suggested by the upperclassmen and try to read them and choose the books they comprehend better.

Do your part as the note-taker of the day. PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! Just do it! For study materials, your class notes can actually suffice. So TRY TO MAKE THE BEST CLASS

NOTES EVER. Caps Lock para intense! Your upperclassmen will provide you their notes so do your best to improve it! Dont surround yourselves with negative people. It is easy to absorb negative energy when you are around toxic people.

If your class is resourceful enough, youll have a complete set of notes from the up class. All you have to do is add some points not discussed from last years lecture. Read the references used in most lectures and incorporate them with in lecture notes and put them as side notes in your handouts.

Choose friends that will not judge you whenever you over-study. There are these moments that you just feel the need to study more and having these kind of people around you will just hinder you from being a better student. There is nothing wrong when a determined person perseveres.

USE YOUR GADGETS Technology has its way of lessening the burden, so download Medscape for quick

reference. Load your tablets, phones and the like with all eBooks you need so that you will have all

the information with just one gadget. There are times when you need an answer to a question quickly, so having eBooks in

your gadgets will surely help.


Academics

THE CURRICULUM

PBLIf you havent heard of PBL, now is the time for you to know it inside and out. PBL stands

for Problem-Based Learning. Therefore, in the upcoming years, you will be given problems or cases of patients that you will analyze and diagnose. However, in WVSU-COM, we are not a hundred percent PBL, so there will still be lectures from doctors. One advantage of PBL is that you will have a taste of life in the shoes of a doctor being faced with patients giving complaints such as, My head hurts, or, I feel something weird in my stomach, and actually find a precise diagnosis for it. Disadvantage? You need to be well-read and get that clinical knowledge ready!

Grading SystemAs they say, you cant improve the things you cant measure. This is pretty much the case

with your performance in med school. The grading system is basically the same with the ones used by the other colleges and universities. If your previous school makes use of a General Weighted Average or GWA system in grading, then you are basically safe from getting a big shock after seeing flat out 1.00s on your block grades. [Hey, ever heard about Walt Disney and dreams coming true?] Grades are given each block, and each block has a different breakdown for your grades. Generally, it will be from your block exams, module exams, SGDs, lab exams, correlates and attendance.

ScholarshipsSome of us might have some difficulties in keeping up with the financial demands of

studying medicine. For this purpose, you can avail scholarships from various entities within and outside the university. Usually, most of the benefactors associated with WVSU-COM welcome applicants before the start of the second semester. Aside from your family income and an interview, they may also consider your grades in the first semester as one of the bases for admitting you as a scholar, so be sure to build up your assets early on!

Some scholarship applications and interviews could happen during the first semester. Just keep an eye for schedules posted at the Registrars Office and the Deans Office.

The BlocksFirst Year Blocks

I. Medicine: Science, Art, CareerII. Understanding Health and Diseases III. Basic PrinciplesIV. Musculoskeletal/Integumentary System V. Neuroscience VI. Cardiovascular and Respiratory Integration VII. Digestive System/Nutrition/Metabolism VIII. Genitourinary System and Adrenals

Second Year BlocksIX. Growth and Development X. Integumentary System XI. Digestive System XII. Cardiovascular System XIII. Respiratory System XIV. Reproductive System


end of the school year. Youll be learning in depth the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry as well as some clinical correlations on the skin, muscles and bones.

* Most students would somehow love this block as you would be able to visualize what you are reading in your books. Your best companions in this block would be Guyton + Thorek + Netters Atlas. Youd surely ace this block if you would give your time and dedication in learning it.

BLOCK V: NeuroscienceThe block introduces you to the anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of the command

and relay center of the human body. Neuroscience block deals with the brain, spinal cord, sensory organs, and all of the nerves that connect these organs with the rest of the body.

* Secure a copy of the neuroanatomy book by Fix and youll pass. If youre aiming for more than passing, Carpenters for neuroanatomy would be your best pick, but its a lengthy read. Fix would just serve as your reviewer after reading Carpenters. Still dont forget to read Guyton for physiology. Another thing, Carpenters dont provide good pictures for visualization. You might want a more detailed graphic from Netters Atlas.

BLOCK VI: Cardiovascular and Respiratory IntegrationThis block deals with the integrated study of the thoracic wall, cardiovascular system,

respiratory system, lymphatic system, as well as blood and its components.* Still a combination of Thorek, Netter and Guyton since basically its an integration

of anatomy and physiology. Invest time to finish reading the chapters covered in Guyton. Comprehend, do not just memorize. Exam questions are mostly application of what youve understood.

BLOCK VII: Digestive System and MetabolismThis block introduces concepts of digestion, absorption, elimination of wastes and

metabolism. It would cover the anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of organs starting from the mouth down to the anus.

* Combination of Guyton + Netters Atlas + Harpers Biochemistry. One module concerns with nutrition and its a must to read on carbohydrate, protein, fat, and nucleic acid metabolism. Drawing a metabolic map would surely help you understand and memorize all the pathways.

BLOCK VIII: Genitourinary SystemThe block deals with the anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of the urinary and

reproductive systems of both male and female.* This is one of the most interesting blocks in Level I. Listen to the lectures as most of the

lecturers wont hand over their files to students. Exam questions may come from lecture notes. Nevertheless, you still have to read your books for a more concrete learning. Do well! Its your last hurrah for Level I.

TOPIC OVERVIEW

From Blocks IV to VIII, you will be learning about specific organ systems. Lecture topics are mainly about the anatomy, physiology and biochemical processes involved in that particular system. It is important to have a good foundation in these subjects to better understand the course of diseases which you will hurdle after Level I. You cant know the abnormal when you dont know the normal. In addition to these three topics, you will have correlates which constitute about a tenth of your final grade for a block. Correlates include laboratory activities, histology and dissection.


Staff you Must Know

Maam Malou and Sir Hector (Human Biology Department) They will be managing your schedule of classes, supervise on laboratory works, facilitate in almost all of your [minsan mahirap] exams starting on Block III.

Maam Elna and Sir Karl They attend to your queries on requirements of application and passing of the important documents. You can ask them about enrollment status, payments and the most exciting of allGRADES

Maam Joy She is the staff in-charge of the clinical laboratory under Dr. Salazar.

Maam Emie (the Muse of FCM) She can attend to you on matters about schedule of classes and exams on Blocks I, II and FCM. She also gathers your assignments and reaction papers. BAWAL LATE BECAUSE IT WILL BE NOTED.

Maam Judy (the ever-blooming Mayordoma of the Research Department) You can ask her anything regarding Researchclass schedules or requirements.

Maam Helen and Maam Reden Your lovely librarians. They will assist you when youre looking for books, journals, researches, and more.

Sir/Tatay Rex He is in charge of the equipment and facilities of Roxas Hall. If you need a microphone in your class, you can call him and hell be therewith the microphone.

Sir Mario He is in charge of the cleanliness of the building and the dissecting room. In case you have free time and wants to have dissection, you can ask for his assistance.

Sir Jun-Jun The IT master. You can call him whenever you have problems with our dateless computers, projectors, and also sound system.

Maam Nona and Maam Michelle You cant go to the Dean without passing through them.

BOTTOM LINE: These people are the ones you should ask for help when in trouble. Just like a famous line from a movie, They care about their joband they care about YOU.

Order of Asclepius (OA)Recently awarded as the Most Outstanding WVSU Organization and a National Finalist

at the Search for the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO), the Order of Asclepius is a community-oriented, non-profit organization dedicated to the service of our indigent fellowmen in promoting community health, prevention of illness, and humanitarian services. More than that, it is a family that believes in Frater, Medica, and Servia which represents Brotherhood in Medicine through Service.

Vital Signs [On Probation]Fancy a bit of writing? Are you the creative or imaginative type? Or mayhap you are just

fond of writing on the side line, the Vital Signs is the publication of the College of Medicine

STAT HealthStudents for the Attainment of Health for All, although in its infant years, is a university-

based collaboration with other health-related courses. It yearns to bring forth volunteers from undergraduate courses and the like to experience medical missions, lectures and other pertinent activities that we have access to here in the College of Medicine. STAT Health still has no official recognition in the COM. However, its officers are working with its status.


You can never trick your tutors. They can detect if youre just showing off or sprouting flowery nonsense just to get good ratings.

Be mindful of your manners. Be polite when you want to say something. Furthermore, do not monopolize the discussion. We know youve studied well, as everyone else has. But this isnt a contest, so give your group mates a chance to share their ideas, too. Its the group leaders job to make sure that everyone gets to participate in the discussion. This will get you good group ratings.

READ and SHARE are the keywords for SGD sessions. Its an opportunity for you to go beyond the usual book references and to read research studies related to the trigger, giving you more than a glimpse into the complexities of the organ system youre studying. Sharing is when you brainstorm with your group mates while discussing the trigger. Your tutor will also share his insights about the topic. These are one of the priceless moments in your med school experience. Take this chance to acquire as much knowledge as you can. And it doesnt hurt that it constitutes 20% of your grades either, so we suggest you take your SGD sessions seriously.

FLOATING SUBJECTS

Medical JurisprudenceIf being a lawyer was once your childhood dream, then this subject is for you. Medical

Jurisprudence is about laws and legal concepts in relation to the practice of medicine. Starting Block II, youll have a lecture once a week about all those legal matters. There will be long quizzes after three to four lectures and the results will be incorporated to the Block II final grade. Though most of the questions in the tests will come from the lectures, youll have to make Medical Jurisprudence by Solis your best friend if you want to pass the subject. Many students recommend reading the Solis book from cover to cover in order to get high grades. However, if youre not the bookish type, there will always be that friendly summary from the Internet or from your upperclassmen. Just be resourceful.

Family and Community Medicine (FCM)Starting Block III, youll be having a weekly lecture about Family and Community

Medicine. The topics will be similar to the ones discussed in Blocks I and II and would tackle more on primary health care, health promotion, and effective communication in the family and community. In Level I, emphasis is on the family as an invaluable resource for health promotion, health maintenance, and disease prevention.

During the second semester, your class will be divided into four groups with each group being assigned to different communities within the city. You will also be individually assigned to a family in the community. Community visits are done once a week. Since you are adopting your community for three years (yes, three years), use your time wisely in order to know the place and the people.

At the end of year, your group will be required to submit your barangay profile. You will report to a panel and show an audiovisual or PowerPoint presentation about your community. The presentation and paper will have a very large percentage in your final grade in FCM. Here are some tips to ace it:

BE ORGANIZED. Choose a responsible leader, secretary, and treasurer. Its up to you whether you want them to be the leader for three years or if youll have a re-election every year.

SET GOALS. Dont go to the community unprepared. Although a schedule will be given by the FCM department, discuss as a group the goals you want to accomplish each visit. Also, have a debriefing as a group to assess whether your goals were met or not.


LitMusDo you have a hidden talent in singing, acting or even dancing? Or perhaps they are

yet to be discovered! Then this is the perfect venue to show your facets, try a new sport, or even just to relieve that stress thats been piling on you since Day 1. LitMus includes Extemporaneous Speaking, Character Interpretation, Vocal Duet Pop, Song Composition, Lip Synchronization, Theatrical, Dance Sports, and Chorale. Take your pick. Sing, dance and act on!

NOTE: Do not take this lightly. Your med manongs and manangs always give their best when it comes to LitMus.

Med NightThe highlight of the Medicine Week! A night of food, dancing, selfies, groupies and FUN!

Awarding of different events also happen that night (LitMus, Human Bio Project, Med Scenes and sports competitions). Dont miss out on the most awaited event on Medicine Night, the MESS MED! What better way to cap off the Medicine Week celebration than a pageant to hail the most alluring ever to walk the halls of the college!

Mess Med Get the toughest, funniest, and most talented STRAIGHT guy in your class and bribe him

into wearing a wig, make-up, dress, and the highest heels. You get the picture.

University WeekThe competition of the colleges and the best time to show our combined powers! You

will enjoy the showcase of talents of the different colleges and extension campuses. Theres also a wide variety of food choices in the food kiosks along the University grand stand too. We dont have classes for the whole week so we could give our burning support for our college and our colleagues involved in the competitions.

Mr. & Ms. WVSUNo pressure here but last year, the college bagged the two crowns for the first time in

COM history. He heNow its up to your class to live up to the legacy because only the whole university will be watching you after all. This pageant is exclusive for the freshmen students with or without pageant experience, but with the body, beauty, and brains. The pageant involves the talent competition, photo and video shoot, production number, casual wear, play suit, formal wear and evening gown, and the nerve-racking Q&A. Good luck!

Cheer DanceBy tradition, only the first years join this competition. No experience necessary. One of

the highlights of U-Week, the college has been a consistent contender and is one of the most awaited presenters. Depending on the guidelines from the University Student Council, you will need: (1) about 40-50 dancers including the lifters, flyers, dancers and the drummers, (2) 30-40 chanters, and (3) best routine you could come up with for 7-8minutes. TIP: Create a routine and start practicing after Christmas break. Design and place orders for the cheer dance uniforms at least two weeks before the actual competition date. Enjoy and have fun!

Research ProposalYou will be doing a research proposal before the end of the second semester. It involves

three to four panelists who will grill you with questions, of most focus on the researchs methodology and its feasibility. Some groups might have to change their research topics after this and this is not uncommon. Dont lose hope, you will still have enough time over the summer to do everything. After accomplishing the paper, required permits, and the final approval from the Research Office, you may start conducting your research.


COMPREHENSIVE EXAM

One last exam that covers all topics youve taken up the whole year. Yes, the whole year. But dont worry, it will not affect your grades. This will measure how much youve retained from the lectures and activities in Level I. Most of Compre exams are given right after the last block exam of the year. For Level I, Compre covers anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, FCM and jurisprudence. Each topic will have 75 items multiple choice questions. Even if it does not affect your grades, do your best!

Resources

BOOKS/E-BOOKS

There are lots of reference books and doctors have their own preferences. However, at the end of the day you choose the book that suits your study style and the limited time you have to study. For example, the mother lode Harpers Illustrated Biochemistry is one of the best biochemistry books, but its a lengthy and complicated read. If you have exceptional time management skills and can afford to read it along with other references for anatomy, physiology, and histology, great! But if youre still trying to make sense of your schedule and med school as a whole, then Lippincott may be a better fit for you. Remember, were all on different levels here, what works for one may not work for the other. Whats important is that you understand what you read.

FCMThe Filipino Physician Today by Eva Irene Yu-Maglonzo [PhP 795.00]It gives details on some of the lectures for Blocks I and II. Still, it is better to listen to the

lecturers since not all of the topics can be found in this book.

JurisprudenceMedical Jurisprudence by Pedro Solis [PhP 795.00]It is very helpful to read this book from cover to cover because all of Dr. Villanueva`s

lectures are taken from here. Supplement it with some of your notes and you are good to go!

ResearchThere is no specific textbook used in Research. Just listen to the lectures, take notes and

understand what you hear in class.

HistologyJunquiera`s Basic Histology by Anthony L. Mescher [PhP 1,995.00]It contains concise discussion of the different tissues in the body with great- looking

photomicrograph showing various sections of the tissue specimen. It also includes some applications in medicine.

diFiore`s Atlas of Histology by Victor P. Eroschenko [PhP 2,998.00]This book provides you with correct visualization and interpretation of the histologic

sections that you will encounter in the laboratory. There are also brief descriptions that come along with the pictures.


Tortoras Principles of Anatomy and Physiology If youre still shocked with med school and you want to take things simpler, read this. Its

reader-friendly and easy to comprehend. Just be sure that the preceptors in your SGD wont hear that you got your discussion from Tortora, a few will have a fit. It is an undergraduate book and they want you to read more.

NeuroanatomyCarpenters Neuroanatomy [PhP 645.00]Doc Alabados bible. A must-have when you are in the neuroanatomy block. It contains

almost all the information you need for the block and, well, to answer Doc Alabados exams. Just make sure you have the patience to read it all. And one more thing be gentle when using it.

Clinical Neuroanatomy by R. S. Snell [PhP 2,898.00]Easier to read than Carpenters but information is not complete.

Neuroanatomy: Board Review Series by Fix [PhP 195.00]Condensed version, good for review and, yes, for cramming.

Health AssessmentMajors Physical Diagnosis by Delp & Manning [PhP 295.00]Doctor Rufon is fond of this book. This is an almost ancient book that is most useful in

Block VI.

Bates Guide to Physical Examination by Bickley & Szilagyi [PhP 3,388.00]Used by other doctors. Its more recent compared to Majors and more evidence-based.

* All prices are estimates and may vary among different bookstores. You can buy these books or you can borrow from the library. However, the librarys supply is limited. If you arrive in school early, youll have better chances of securing a copy.

Note Taking and Upperclassmen NotesBe resourceful in procuring your notes. Most lecturers allow their students to get soft/

hard copies of their lectures. Some of them, however, would not. Therefore, the class should be able to devise an efficient system in making your notes. All of you should work as a team. You can divide the class in groups and assign a certain topic for each group to cover.

The WVSU-COM has a tradition of passing down lecture notes from one class to the next. You can always approach an upperclassman and ask for his/her lecture notes and/or other references. Everybody will be willing to assist you.


Congratulations andWelcome to Roxas Hall!Congratulations andWelcome to Roxas Hall!

This survival guide is a collection of necessary information that serves to ease your way into your first year in medical school. The West Visayas State University College of Medicine family, and your Manongs and Manangs embrace a supportive culture that made this guide possible. We want you to have access to all necessary resources that have been helpful to every student in the college over the years. Youve got desirable qualities that have gotten you here, the same qualities that will make you surpass medical school.

Good luck!

Medicus Devoveo, Class 2018


ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The 2015 edition of the Freshmen Survival Guide is a symphony of ideas by particular people of Roxas Hall.

First, we would like to express our deepest appreciation to Dr. Edna Medez, adviser to the Medicine Student Council, for her invaluable input in the creation of this guide.

Thanks must also go to the MSC 2014-2015 officers for the previous Survival Guide edition from which we patterned this new one; and to the newly-elected MSC 2015-2016 officers for their support.

We would like to thank profusely the following members of Class MD:

For their contributions in making the contents: Rejine Divinagracia, Keren Joy Recoleto, Michael Tagsa, Franz Rupert Bedonia, Elaine June Fiel, Rikki Kent Ba-aco, Marielle Karina Barredo, Nadine Bacalangco, Jestine Marie Betita, Kristine Joy Pacete, Lurence Anne Paer, Cielo Raye Bercero, Ivy Jean Baya, Trisha Pamela Oquiendo, Karlo Jay Laud and Jun Walter Davila.

Danemar Calise for designing the cover and layout.

Rodel Gil Peradillo and Florence Matthew Besares for editing and proofreading.

For precious words of wisdom, we also extend our gratitude to particular upperclassmen honor students, namely:

Class JAX: Melchor Altillero, Jr., Gwyn Celo, Gladys Krystabelle Ledres, Glenn Michael Oyson and Micah Yap-Lim.

Class SGD: Jennilyn Rose Atotubo, Airam Aseret Bontia, Karen Joy Carvajal, Ma. Cecilia Lozada, Mateo Te III and Jera Dean Travilla.

Class Excelsior: Aljeirou Alcachupas, Benjo Ato, Charity Dianne Jocame, Clinton Rabadon, Mitz Serofia and Jessa Tiapon.

Most importantly, the creation of this guide wouldnt have been possible without the constant guidance of our Almighty Father, the author of knowledge and wisdom.

WHERE TO STUDY Find a place in Iloilo that is secluded yet not too expensive (i.e., CPU grounds, COM

Library, study cafs, or your own room) where you can study for the entire day. Get away from a WiFi zones. A little sacrifice could mean the difference between passing the block or passing the block THE NEXT YEAR.

If you get sleepy at home/boarding house/apartment, then by all means go out and study somewhere else. You wont accomplish anything anyway since youll end up asleep.

RELAX Your schedule may have a lot of free time as freshmen but never ever waste that. Catch

up on some reading. Or have a little time to unwind and dont let the stress of med school get to you.

First year is not that hectic as upper years, so dont forget to still have a grasp of your human core. Engage into sports, read your favorite book in your spare time, make friends with new people.

You cannot function well if you lack sleep. If you can, try to sleep at least six hours a day. You will have more retention and a clear mind when you have enough sleep.

Dont put yourself into study mode 24/7. Nothing is more pathetic than a burned-out medical student. The main reason why medical students quit is because they put too much pressure on themselves, only to be so disappointed. One still get an unsatisfactory score after studying for an exam all night. According to studies, information does not stick in your brain long term this way.

Do something else aside from medicine. The only way you release the pressure from studying is to pursue the hobbies and things you did before entering to med school.

Rest is a must. Pick a day wherein you can rest, meditate, unload, recoil, and set aside your worries.

Try to be serious with your studies, but give a portion of time to your social life as well. DONT UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF FUN. Remember, successful people know how to relax and have fun because they know the importance of taking breaks to recharge their batteries. Enjoy all that you have in life right now.

Dont stop learning other things. Broaden your horizon. Dont overwhelm yourself with pure med stuff.

It is important to keep doing what you love. Try working out, playing games, eating healthy, watching movies (if allows). Also spend time your family.

PRIORITIZE YOUR HEALTH Take good care of your health. The second common reason why students quit is health

issue. Make sure that before anything else, your health has already been taken care of. There are those months when almost all of your seat-mates get sick, so make sure to take

vitamins and eat healthy food. Never skip meals!

PRAY Lean on Him always and follow His leadings. Philippians 4:6 says, Do not be anxious about

anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Experience med school one day at a time. Gain knowledge a day at a time. Dont forget to pray.

Have faith with the Guy above, because everything is possible with HIM. Pray, read the Bible and meditate on Gods Word before studying. Pray for Gods

guidance and wisdom.


When you place an order, include:1. Complete name (double check if names are spelled correctly)2. Number of nameplates (you might like to have an extra)3. Signature (to confirm accuracy of names)4. Down payment

DESIGN AND ORDER JERSEYS AND SHIRTSYou might want to order jerseys and shirts ahead of time. You will wear them during

the college Hinampang (Hiligaynon for games).

GET BOOKS AND OTHER RESOURCES

Book Stores:C&E Bookshop Located along E. Lopez St., right beside Nellys Garden. C&E has the best

selection of medical books in the city. Almost everything you need is here. Although the books are a bit pricier than those of Jade and DTops, discounts are sometimes offered when you present your official receipt of enrolment or school ID.

National Bookstore (NBS) Found in SM City Iloilo and Robinsons Place Iloilo. This is the utopia of school supply hoarders but you wont find a lot of required medical books here. They carry medical references such as the MIMS and PPD drug handbooks, and the Medicine Blue Book (by special order).

DTops Bookstore Located along JM Basa St., downtown Iloilo City before the Freedom Grandstand. You can reach the bookstore by riding a Jaro CPU jeepney bound for downtown. Its where you can usually find Medical Jurisprudence and Legal Medicine books by Solis.

Jade Bookstore Also located along JM Basa St., downtown Iloilo City, just a few meters from DTops Bookstore. Here youll find a good selection of medical books here that are relatively cheaper than those of C&E. They also sell school supplies cheaper than NBS.

Booksale Found in SM City Iloilo, Robinsons Iloilo, Gaisano Capital City Iloilo and Atrium. You have to be extra patient and lucky to find the required medical books here. They carry drug handbooks, but not in the latest edition. The prices of books here are definitely a steal!

Classmates and Upperclassmen Be on the lookout for upperclassmen or COM orgs selling their old books. Youll get them at discounted rates for sure, and who knows, highlights and side notes included! You might also have classmates who have connections with other bookstores or suppliers. Dont be afraid to ask.

GET BASIC MATERIALS

Personal Protective Equipment Lab gowns are mandatory for lab correlates and dissections. Dont forget to buy gloves, masks, head caps. Goggles are also recommended.

Dissection essentials It is recommended that each group will have at least two sets of dissecting instruments (scalpel, surgical scissors, etc.). Buy cleaning and disinfecting materials as a group, e.g. hand soap, detergent soap, scrub brushes, disinfectant containers and sprays. Clean your tools after each session. You can store your dissection materials in one of the lockers in Roxas Hall after applying for signing up at the MSC Office.

Notebooks Individual correlate notebooks and group dissection notebooks. (Please approach the Human Biology Department for notebook specifications.)


Words of Wisdom

As it has always been said, Ang Medicine ay hindi lang para sa matatalino, para din ito sa masisipag. What more if you have both?

This section is a compilation of advices and study habits by the top performing medical students in WVSU-College of Medicine, Academic Year 2014-2015.

READ AND READ Know your strengths and focus more on your weak points. Reading your books for the

nth time reinforces your memory. Understanding + Memorizing = Mastering the Topic. There is no easy way of studying in med school, the classical way of reading your book

chapter by chapter would still be the best. Try to understand one topic at a time. Sometimes, you cant read all topics anyway, so focus on the important topics first, if you

have time, then read more. Study like Scrat, that adamant saber-tooth squirrel whos always persistent in his chase of

an acorn in Ice Age! Our PBL curriculum optimizes the integration of learning, but youll soon realize that one year is not enough to learn everything. So take time to integrate and correlate things because it is not a spoon-feeding affair.

Always be interested and always be curious! If youre a visual person, use atlas, charts, and tables for better retention. Read the notes then read the books. Just read, understand and review. Dont waste your nights with unnecessary bullshit. Study. You should read every day so that youll not end up cramming all the information in the

weekend. Remember that quality is better than quantity, so read ahead.

LISTEN TO LECTURES It pays to listen to lectures especially if the lecturer is good. There are clinical information

(useful in the future) which are not found in textbooks. Sometimes they appear in exams. You should listen to your lecturers because most of the time they will mention their

sources and you could start reading those books. Note the topics and the main points then read up on them.

Attend to your class every day. The ~10% attendance might be the thin line of difference between passing and failing a block.

You can take your own notes or record the lecture so you can review them afterwards. Some things mentioned by the lecturers are not on the slides.

When you dont feel like listening to the lecturers, record audio and do another important thing. Then in your free time, listen to the audio and take down important notes.

PLAN On rare occasions (although suggested you do this frequently) browse on your course

outline given before every block, and make a schedule to read a little before the actual lecture. In this way, the lecture serves as a review to reinforce what you have read and you learned base on an experts understanding. Make notes out of index cards to aid your memory.

Plan ahead and study smart, then youll have plenty of time left to relax, play and do everything else.

Set a goal of at least 75% as the cutoff for passing, not 60%, please! Manage time. Try experimenting on your first few weeks or months to find the study habit best suits

you. Dont worry if dont get your target scores at first because youre still adjusting. Soon


Third Year BlocksXV. Musculoskeletal System XVI. Endocrine SystemXVII. Neuro-Genetics-Psychiatry XVIII. Hematopoietic System XIX. Urinary System XX. Special Senses

THE FIRST YEAR BLOCKS

BLOCK I: Medicine: Science, Art, CareerWhile most of your friends taking medicine in other schools are already studying cells

and its composition, you are, on the other hand, lucky to be at the stage of priming. Topics covered in this block go beyond medicinethe science, art and career of healing. It deals with the shifting trends of health care delivery through time, particularly in the Philippines. At the end of this block, hopefully, the student realizes if he is in or out to embrace the science and art of healing as a vocation.

BLOCK II: Understanding Health & DiseaseKnowledge about human health and disease is the sum of the contributions of different

disciplines in medicine. The essence of this block is that the community replaces the individual patient as the primary focus of concern. It presents to the students the systematic way of studying both the patterns of occurrence of disease in a community and the patterns of delivery of medical care, since the services offered both influence and influenced by the amount and nature of disease and the changes in modes of therapy.

* These two blocks are considered a warm up of whats in store for you guys. They are also considered the easiest blocks, so enjoy getting high grades. One must remember not to miss any lectures, and of course, to study. Attendance really matters as its one of those determining factors of your fate not only in these two blocks but with the other blocks as well. Tips on procuring lecture notes are found on page 14.

BLOCK III: Cell Basics and BiochemistryThe block deals with basic structure and function of the human body. It is divided into

four modules. The first module would be taken up in one week. It deals with cell structure and function. The second module lasts for three weeks and covers the chemical basis of life including carbohydrates, lipid and protein metabolism. Module three lasts for one week deals with embryology and genetics. Specifically, it tackles cell life cycle, reproductive cycle, fetal development, placenta and membranes, as well as genetic principles and teratology. The last is a two-week module on histology where you will learn about the structure and functions of the different tissues of the body.

* If you think you didnt do well in biochemistry or histology in your undergrad, you must exert extra effort to comprehend these subjects this time around. Dont get intimidated when you dont understand what youre reading. You can always scout for other books to supplement your understanding or, better yet, ask for help from those who you think can help you. Learn to make your own diagrams of the various chemical reactions for better understanding. Lastly, you must also take the Human Biology Project seriously since it would really help pull your grades up.

BLOCK IV: Musculoskeletal and Integumentary SystemsThis block deals with the structural components that provide shape, support and motion

to the body. At this point, one of the most awaited moments of your stay in medical school is about to happen as you would be starting to have dissection sessions which will last until the


Anatomy, Physiology and BiochemistryWhen studying anatomy, VISUALIZE. Theres no point in memorizing everything

when you cant even point those parts on your cadaver. For physiology and biochemistry, UNDERSTAND what youre reading. Take breathers in between study time and try repeating what you just read in your own words. They say that if you cant explain it to a six-year old child then you dont know it well enough.

DissectionEach cadaver will be assigned to two groups, one from each section, and sections will

be scheduled separately. Hence, you will be assigned to a half of a cadaver. Both groups will work in preserving the cadaver from molds, mushrooms and maggots. The college will provide petroleum jelly and mineral oil, but if the group decides to buy their own disinfectant spray and petroleum jelly for extra protection, that would be better.

You wont always have doctors to guide you during dissections because our curriculum is mainly self-directed. We recommend reading Grants Dissector before going to dissections for specific instructions on how to cut best your specimen. You may also print diagrams and post them on the wall of the dissection room for reference while dissection is ongoing.

Histology and Laboratory ActivitiesIt pays to have at least a Medtech or Public Health graduate in your group for when

you have histology and other lab activities. If you will be studying and viewing body tissues, you may find it easier to read the book first so you know what to look for in the slides. Take pictures and label them because sometimes they all look the same. Lastly, listen to Dr. Salazars lectures. They often come out in the exams.

Small Group Discussion (SGD)Small Group Discussions, or SGD sessions as we love to call them, start from Block III.

During SGDs, the class will be divided into SGD groups and will have a tutor, who is a faculty of the college, per group. Basically you will be tackling triggers, situations designed to concretize the concepts you learned in the discussions and correlates. As freshmen, your triggers will all be physiologic or normal. There are usually two SGD triggers per block and two sessions per trigger. In the first session, a trigger will be given to you by your SGD Tutors. You will then be going over the 7 Jumps or seven steps, namely:

1. Clarifying Concepts2. Defining the Problem3. Analyzing the problem/Brainstorming4. Categorizing/Organizing & Hypothesizing 5. Formulating Learning Issues6. Self-Study7. Discussion of newly acquired knowledge

The seventh jump will be tackled in the second session. Your tutor will guide you along the way. He/she will rate you according to your individual knowledge and group dynamics. Make sure that your learning objectives cover all the bases anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and histology. The 7 Jumps will be explained to you further by a faculty.

Here are other things to remember for SGD:

Dont assign topics. It defeats the whole purpose of SGD. You wont be able to learn as much because youll only be focused on a single topic or two. And your tutors will know that you are assigning topics, trust us on this. Your SGD grades will suffer.


FCM PresentationYour group will collate all your data and make a report out of it which will then be pre-

sented to the whole class and the FCM Department by the end of the second semester.TIP: Take as much data as you can, never depend on the guide questions that will be to

you. You can ask the head of the community for the community profile and other data that will give meat to your report.

MSC & USC ElectionsBefore the school year ends, the University and Medicine Student Councils will conduct

elections. Within your class, you will be choosing two students to represent you to the Medicine Student Council for the preceding academic year.

COM Organizations

The College of Medicine has several organizations in which you may discover, train, or share your many talents and skills. Here are the lists of available organizations in the College of Medicine

Medicine Student Council (MSC)The Medicine Student Council, charged with the vigil of overseeing the events and

matters that implicate the student population of the College of Medicine.

Asian Medical Student Association (AMSA)The Asian Medical Student Association is a collaborative effort of all medical students

here in the Asian part of the globe. They have several activities such as medical missions and research presentations. Members may also have the chance to go abroad for academic purposes.

Bisayang Doktor (BisDok)New to Iloilo? Not quite sure how to respond when someone talks to you in Hiligaynon?

Do you miss the Bisaya (refering to Cebuano-speaking) world? Then this org is for you! BisDok helps you ease into the dialect and lifestyle here in Iloilo. They will serve as your Bisaya Med Family. They also welcome non-Bisaya students who want to learn the dialect as honorary members. What are you waiting for? Apil na!

Camus Crusaders for Christ (CCC)The Campus Crusaders for Christ, proclaims Christ as a lifestyle, creating opportunities to

make Him the issue. Its mission is to develop individuals in the profession who will fulfill the Great Commission for the glory of God.

Med SymphonyAre you the singer type? Do you fancy Pitch Perfect? Or do you just want to scream at the

top of your vocal chords and show the world what youre capable of? Med Symph is the official college choir group. This group will help you harness your singing powers. As bonus, youll also enjoy an increase in oxytocin, serotonin and endorphin levels, all proven to decrease your stress, lift up your mood and make you happy with lifemental states you need to help you stay sane in med school.


TAKE INITIATIVE. The FCM office wont tell you what to do every meeting. Dont hesitate to ask the FCM office if you have questions about the Family Health Record and the Family and Community Profile (youll get a better understanding of this during the second semester) so that youll be able to meet (or even exceed) the expectations of the panel during your final presentation. You can also borrow papers and CDs submitted by the upper class from the FCM office to get ideas from.

LOVE YOUR ASSIGNED FAMILY. Establish rapport. Befriend them since you will be with them for three years. It will be easy to convince them to participate in the activities that you ll be conducting if you have already established connection with them.

ResearchIn the past, WVSU-COM students are required to accomplish three research studies

in order to graduate. Fortunately, starting last year the Research Department decided to require only two studies: (1) Pharmacology-based and (2) Community-based or Clinical-based research. For Research I, youll be required to submit and defend a Pharmacology-based research proposal by the end of the year.

1st semester:Starting Block III, you will have a weekly lecture on research. Prof. Malata and other

lecturers will teach you about the basics of writing a research proposal. By the end of the first semester, you will be expected to finish the first draft of your proposal (Introduction to Methodology).

DECIDING ON THE RESEARCH TOPIC. The library and the Research Office are great places to get some good ideas. They have records of medical studies conducted by previous students. Some of them even went to international competitions and presentations!

FINDING A RESEARCH ADVISER. The WVSU-COM family has lots of friendly doctors who can help you in your research. Find someone who specializes on your chosen topic. Also, consult a statistician before even writing your research methodology to assess if your topic is feasible.

OTHER TIPS. Choose a responsible research leader among your SGDmates. Also, assign a group treasurer. It is recommended to start saving up for your research experiment early so that youll have funds when you conduct your experiment.

2nd Semester:Youll be editing... and editing... and editing your drafts during the second semester.

Some groups might have to change their research topic and start all over again. By the end of the second semester, you will submit your final proposal and present it to three or four panelists who will grill you. This may be a tough experience but youll be able to survive this. Just have faith.

DONT PROCRASTINATE. Although you have a long time allotted for editing your drafts, aim to finish your final paper early. Remember, you have other subjects aside from research. Juggling too many requirements during the last part of the semester is not a good idea.

TAKE HEART. Dont be discouraged when your drafts are returned to you bloody. Thats normal. Just persevere and maybe your group will be the next one to present in an international research competition.

RESEARCH FUNDING. You can turn in a copy of your research to the Research Office for DOST funding. The research office will provide guidelines for this.


Events and Activities

WVSU-COM uses a holistic approach to the study of Medicine. Here in Roxas Hall, were not all about the books and exams. We are also given lots of opportunities to showcase our talents and skills and to be physically active. The MSC is also big on cultivating and maintaining good relationship between all students.

Agape DinnerShare a meal and win a friend! Get to know your classmates and meet your manongs and

manangs in a dinner specially prepared for this purpose. What better way to start the school year than to build new friendship. We are one big happy family in Roxas Hall!

Pag-IririmawFeel the WVSU vibe, its the university acquaintance! The freshmen usually represent the

college in the Mr. and Ms. Pag-Iririmaw. Unfortunately, due to school calendar shift from June to July, you wont be able to send your brave ones. Hinampang

Play ball! Get ready to volley, kick, ally-up and score some home runs. Hinampang is a friendly competition amongst year levels. Volleyball, basketball, softball, football and lots more. All you need is a fighting spirit. It doesnt matter if its your first time playing sports. Med life in Roxas Hall is a great avenue to try new things. So pump up those rubber shoes and wear that jersey loud and proud, you never know what youre capable of.

NOTE: A class food committee and a cheering squad are very helpful to show support for your players and the team. It may be a simple snack or water but when its coupled with your loud cheers, it will surely boost your teams spirit. Hinampang championships are held during the Medicine Week.

Human Biology Project (HBP)For the freshmen only. Each SGD group will be preparing a report on an organ system.

Your group will present a recent and interesting update of your assigned system as well as its normal anatomy, physiology and biochemistry. During the Medicine Week, your group will have a separate paper and poster presentations. Both will be judged and grilled by panelists who are experts in their fields.

NOTE: This is a competition. Exciting awards and cash prizes are up for grabs. Be the group to win the Best Paper, Best Presentation, and Best Poster. Break a leg!

Intern-Resident-Consultant Program (IRCP)This has been of great value for fostering camaraderie among medical students from

different levels. Acquaint yourselves with the rest of the college with a twist. You will be grouped with other year levels and tasked to do something. Keep yourselves well-informed with announcements soon!

Medicine WeekTime to break free from all the books and studying, lets showcase what weve got.

A week of celebration and friendly competition in LitMus (Literary-Musical), sports and more! Theres always a niche for every individual. Everyone is encouraged to participate. Competitions may include Hinampang, Quiz Bowl, Med Scenes, LitMus, Amazing Race, and Larong Pinoy among others.


Bloom and Fawcett Textbook of Histology by Don W. Fawcett, M.D. [PhP 595.00]It explains in great detail the various anatomical and physiological aspects of every

tissue in the body. However, you need more patience and expertise when reading it since it is quite technical and only shows hand-drawn illustrations.

EmbryologyLangmans Medical Embryology by T.W. Sadler [PhP 2,998.00]A necessity to survive Doctor Binayas lectures. Also an important primer at the

beginning of each block.

Developmental Anatomy by AreySupplemental primer in Embryology. But most of Doctor Binayas lectures come from

Langman.

BiochemistryHarpers Illustrated Biochemistry by Robert K. Murray, et al [PhP 1,598.00]Repetition is the key to mastery! Thats right, this line is your mantra to be able to

fully grasp the concepts discussed in this slightly complicated book. It further explains the principles stated in Guyton. Harpers is definitely a must-read if you want to pass Doc Guillergans exams. Obtaining a copy would be wise for most lecturers use this as a reference in class.

Lipincotts Illustrated Reviews: Biochemistry by Harvey & Ferrier [PhP 895.00]A good resource for the essentials of biochemistry. With thorough and concise

discussions, this pre-Harpers book is a breather when biochem becomes quite too much to handle. The chapters are like outlines well-illustrated, well organized and with bigger fonts (hurray for that!). After studying this, jump on to Harpers if you want great scores.

Biochemistry: Board Review Series by Dawn MarksThe perfect book when you only have a day or two to understand and familiarize

carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism. The information is outlined, only the must-knows are included. A good read if you want to check your knowledge after hours of pouring on Harpers.

Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry by D. L. Nelson & M. M. CoxExplains in GREAT DEPTH the individual mechanisms of reactions, from enzyme kinetics

to metabolism, complete with enzyme associations and direction of reactions. However, may be too long and too technical as it is not exactly designed for medical biochemistry reference.

AnatomyGrays Anatomy by R. Drake, et alA comprehensive book used by some surgeons. It is very long and very detailed, but very

informative. If you have EXTRA time, you can read this.

Grays Anatomy for Students by R. Drake, et al [PhP 2,768.00]A summarized and simplified version of Mama Grays. Its a lighter read but only a few

surgeons use this. It is still informative, nonetheless.

Clinical Anatomy (by Regions/Systems) by Richard Snell [PhP 2,998.00 / PhP3,370.00]An essential anatomy book used by a number of doctors. Its a lighter read and is shorter

than both versions of Grays. They say this is the anatomy book used in the boards.

Thorek Anatomy in Surgery by Philip ThorekMostly used by surgeon lecturers. Detailed, lengthy and very informative. No PDFs

available, so its good to have the book if you like to read a lot.

Clinically Oriented Anatomy by K. L. Moore, et al [PhP 2,898.00]This thick, heavy book is reader-friendly. It has a well-organized regional approach which

is very convenient for Block IV. The text is easy to understand, concise and direct to the point. Unfortunately, this book is not often used by surgeons. There are less detailed figures and pictures and typographical errors.

Atlas of Human Anatomy by Netter [PhP 4,446.00]This book will be your best friend when it comes to practical exams. Its colorful and

uniquely aesthetic illustrations make it easy and fun to use. This atlas is very helpful to study anatomy visually. However, you might have difficulty comparing it to your actual cadaver.

McMinn & Abrahams Clinical Atlas of Human Anatomy by Adams, et al [PhP 2,998.00]Images are taken from real life, carefully dissected cadavers. This book can be helpful in

some practical exams in gross anatomy as well as inside the dissection room.

Grants Dissector by Patrick W. TankThe book you need inside the dissection room. This book aims to teach you how to

dissect your cadaver properly. There are only limited copies of this in the library.

PhysiologyFor blocks on cell basics, musculoskeletal, neuroscience, cardiovascular, respiratory,

gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems.

Textbook of Medical Physiology by Guyton and Hall [PhP 3,998.00]Truly a must have for every med student. This so called bible and soul of physiology

describes complex principles in a manner that is easy to read and understand compared with that of other text books. This is also the major reference book of our professors, so reading and mastering its chapters will help you ace the exams!

Pocket Companion to Guyton and Hall Medical Physiology SEA Ed. [PhP 1,198.00]A pocketful of sunshine for crammers. It is Big daddy Guyton in a portable, quick-access

format. No, it wont tell you everything that the big book does for all it has are the basic facts. If you are trying just to pass, then Baby Guyton can be of aid. But as freshmen, grab the opportunity of having lots of time to read for this subject is your foundation!

Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology [PhP 1,498.00]Compared to Guyton, Ganong doesnt have that much of straight forward and basic

discussions. This wordy book concisely covers every important topic without sacrificing depth or readability. So if you are thirsty for more information, then this could quench your curiosity.

When you have your SGD sessions, most of your groupmates would be sharing what they have read from Guyton. Information from Ganongs can be a good source for you to share something that your groupmates probably havent read on yet.

Borons Medical PhysiologyThe reference book for physiology for other medical schools. Like Ganongs, it is also

quite deep and might need a few more reading sessions to grasp. The illustrations are really helpful for visual learners and are also SGD visual aid worthy. Our professors dont use it as their reference for their exams though.

2015 FRESHMEN SURVIVAL GUIDE 132015 FRESHMEN SURVIVAL GUIDE 12

freshman year survival guide 2015 (short)

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