THE MARIANO Marcos State University said that 25 medical students received their degrees this year.

The university conducted its third clinical graduation ceremony last July 27.

Of the 25 graduates, 19 are from Ilocos Norte, two each from Manila and Benguet, and one each from Bulacan and Nueva Ecija.

“Before taking up Doctor of Medicine in MMSU, the graduates first took their undergraduate degrees in biology (10), nursing (6), pharmacy (5), medical laboratory science, medical technology, physical therapy, and psychology (one each),” MMSU said.

“Thirteen graduates finished their pre-medical studies at MMSU, three at the University of the Philippines Baguio, two at the University of Santo Tomas, and one each at the Adamson University, Benguet State University, Centro Escolar University, Divine Word College of Laoag, Lorma Colleges, Northwestern University, and UP-Los Baños,” it added.

Five of the students were Dean’s Listers — Aira Cassandra Castro (bene meritus awardee and most outstanding medical graduate and clinical clerk), Dinelle Laurina Aguilar (class salutatorian and meritus awardee), and Bienn Paulo Laforteza (first honorable mention).

The other academic honorees are Neil Justine Dela Cruz and Addielou Fidelfio Abad, recipients of the leadership service and excellence awards from the Association of Philippine Medical Colleges-Student Network.

MMSU President Shirley Agrupis commended the students for their courage in heeding the call for more medical doctors in the region.