Courses Offered at DMSF Philippines

MD (MBBS) Program — The Main Course

DMSF's flagship program for international students, especially Indians, is the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, which is equivalent to India's MBBS. The full program runs approximately 6 years (12 months BS + 4.5 years MD + 12 months internship) and is structured in three phases.

Phase 1: Pre-Medical (BS) — 12 months

Foundation phase covering pre-medical sciences. Built to bring international students up to the same baseline before MD subjects begin.

• General Biology and Cell Biology
• General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry
• Physics
• Biochemistry foundation
• Mathematics, Statistics
• English, Communication, Humanities

Phase 2: MD (Doctor of Medicine) — 4.5 years (54 months)

The core medical course. Divided into pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical years.

• Year 1: Anatomy (with cadaver dissection), Histology, Embryology, Biochemistry, Physiology, Medical Ethics
• Year 2: Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Community Medicine, Forensic Medicine
• Year 3: Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Psychiatry, ENT, Ophthalmology, Dermatology
• Year 4 (Clinical Clerkship): Hospital postings, hands-on patient interaction, emergency medicine, radiology, anesthesia, research project

Phase 3: Internship — 12 months (Mandatory in Philippines)

To meet NMC requirements, Indian students complete the internship in the Philippines (not in India). Rotations cover:

• Internal Medicine
• Surgery
• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Pediatrics
• Emergency Medicine
• Family Medicine / Community Health

Where Clinical Training Happens

Clinical training and internship take place at DMSF Hospital, the college's own teaching hospital, plus affiliated training hospitals in and around Davao City. Students see real patients, not just simulations.

Other Programs at DMSF

While the MD program is the main pathway for Indian students, DMSF also offers allied medical programs including nursing and medical technology at the foundation level. For Indian MBBS aspirants, the MD program is the relevant track.

After the Course — Career Pathway for Indian Students

1. Complete MBBS (BS + MD + Internship) at DMSF
2. Return to India
3. Clear FMGE or NExT (whichever is active at the time)
4. Register with the state medical council
5. Practice as a doctor in India, or pursue PG (NEET PG → MD/MS)