THE School of Medicine Technical Working Group (TWG) of SBCA conducted a curriculum co-creation workshop for tertiary and high school students across all programs last July 31 at the Our Lady of Montserrat (OLM) Building Learning Resource Center 2, with the theme “Co-Creating the Future of Medical Education with the Bedan Students.”

Led by TWG administrative lead Dr. Fatima Cortez, together with graduate research assistants and SBCA alumni the workshop aimed to incorporate student perspectives into the foundation of developing the proposed medical school.

Participants joined focus group discussions based on the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) evaluation pillars, including learning infrastructure, instructional modalities, faculty-student composition, financial capacity, and employment outcomes. Discussions also covered holistic wellness, health systems technology, universal healthcare, and Bedan values. 

Graduate research assistant Ma. Alessandra Q. Balba emphasized the importance of student input following an earlier consultation with industry professionals last July 15.

“We want to know what the opinions and insights are of the students who will study in Beda—not just from the business aspect, but more on what the students want,” Balba said. “Here in Beda, we focus on Bedan values, social accountability, and whole-person care—being a doctor who really cares for their patients and not just treats illnesses.”

The TWG is targeting the rollout of the College’s School of Medicine in 2027, anticipating an initial cohort of 50 students.

Under the proposed plan, students will spend their first two years at the current SBCA campus, where facilities for lectures and anatomy laboratories are expected to be prepared. By their third year, they will transfer to the planned medical facility in Villar City before completing their internship during their fourth year.

Student feedback gathered from the workshop will be consolidated and presented alongside professional recommendations during a final validation workshop on August 5 at the Manny Reyes Hall.

Reflecting on the session, students described the workshop as an opportunity to contribute to the future of medical education in SBCA.

“It was very open-minded. I was able to learn new things, especially from different perspectives,” shared Reign Marie Magbanua, a STEM student from senior high. 

Meanwhile, Ma. Sophia Alyka Canlas (III- BSBA MM) said that the initiative signals a new direction for the institution. “This event is an open gateway for Beda to expand, since Beda is known for law and business courses. I think it would be a good step for them to offer medicine to students who are interested,” she added.