College of Medicine (CMed) convened medical students and frontline health practitioners for a high-impact, practice-driven learning experience during its 3rd Postgraduate Course: Basic Training Course for Healthcare Professionals in Primary Contact Care held on April 29, 2026 at Tadena Hall.
Aligned with national and global standards for advanced medical education, the course centered on core competencies: clinical decision-making, specialization, research and evidence-based practice, ethics, leadership and health systems management and community-oriented care. These areas define primary contact care, where rapid assessment and coordinated response determine patient outcomes.
Participants included first, second, and third-year CMed students and nurse representatives from the Vigan City Health Office, establishing a working model of interdisciplinary care. The setup emphasized coordination, role clarity, and shared responsibility in patient management.
Assistant Dean Dr. Dominetta Gonzalo set the tone for the program by laying out a clear and demanding course direction, urging trainees to sharpen clinical judgment, remain adaptable in rapidly evolving care settings, and uphold the highest standards of ethical discipline. She stressed that postgraduate training is no longer optional but essential, framing it as a critical foundation for healthcare practitioners who must navigate both routine consultations and high-risk, acute cases with accuracy, confidence, and professional integrity.
The plenary sessions delivered a concentrated exploration of vital primary care interventions, sharpening the clinical readiness of participants. Dr. Maximo Geronimo Butardo set the tone with an in-depth session on ECG red flags, emphasizing the critical role of timely detection in averting serious cardiac complications. Dr. Brendo Jandoc followed by addressing ophthalmologic emergencies, urging practitioners to act swiftly to prevent lasting visual impairment.
In the field of maternal health, Dr. Ivy Bello demonstrated Leopold’s Maneuver, reinforcing precision in fetal assessment as a cornerstone of safe obstetric care. Bringing the series to a close, Dr. Modesto David Bolislis highlighted proper splinting and immobilization techniques, stressing the importance of immediate and accurate management of traumatic injuries.
Each session proceeded with direct questioning, reinforcing key points and testing clinical reasoning in real time.
The program advanced to demonstrations, return demonstrations, and hands-on workshops. Participants executed procedures under supervision, applying protocols in controlled, scenario-based settings. The format strengthened technical accuracy and decision-making under pressure.
Top performers in each workshop were recognized based on execution, adherence to standards, and clinical accuracy.
The 3rd Postgraduate Course reinforces the College of Medicine’s role in advancing medical training and improving frontline care systems. Under the leadership of College Dean Dr. Pablo Quedado, whose disciplined and forward-driven approach continues to raise institutional standards, the program develops practitioners equipped for precise, ethical, and community-centered care.
Article and Photo by MPSiazon
