The Forerunner: Council of Medical School Deans

Prior to the establishment of the Association, there already existed a Council of Medical School Deans which was formed in 1957. This was organized at the behest of Dr. Elpidio Valencia, who was then the Secretary of Health. The Council was organized mainly to facilitate mainly to facilitate and coordinate the affiliation of the various medical schools’ undergraduate course requirements with the government hospitals and facilities. This included internship in the government hospitals.

The Council subsequently became aware of the need to improve admission requirements to medical schools. It drafted, in collaboration with the Philippine Medical School Association, the provisions of the Medical Act of 1959. The passage and approval of the Medical Act of 1959, thereafter, became the reference point of all the policies that regulated the operation of medical schools in the country.

This experience raised the awareness of the deans on the need to form an organization that analyzes issues on medical education and recommends policy decisions.