On July 18, 2024, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Technical Panel for Medicine conducted an in-depth evaluation of the Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU) College of Medicine. The evaluation team was headed by Dr. Charlotte Chiong, the Dean of UP College of Medicine, with esteemed members Dr. Eleanor Galvez, Ms. Shiela F. Jalbuena, Dr. Zorahayda Panawidan, and Ms. Annabelle Dafielmoto.
The comprehensive evaluation covered critical areas such as faculty profile, infrastructure, library holdings, laboratory facilities, student services, and research capabilities. The panel also conducted an ocular inspection of the newly refurbished College of Medicine Building and its laboratories. This refurbishment was generously funded by Hon. Gov. Datu Pax Ali S. Mangudadatu and Hon. Cong. Bai Rihan Sakaluran.
During the visit, the evaluators interviewed doctors from the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital, who will join the College of Medicine Faculty. Representatives from St. Elizabeth Hospital, Inc., the base hospital for the SKSU College of Medicine, were also present. Mr. Ruztom Davin Bella, the Provincial Director for Health, attended along with other representatives from the Provincial Local Government.
Key officials of SKSU, led by OIC President Jesusa D. Ortuoste, participated in the evaluation. Dr. Apolinario de Gracia, Jr., Dean of the College of Medicine, presented SKSU’s compliance with various CHED requirements. The meticulous preparation of documents and other requirements was overseen by College of Medicine Secretary, Mr. Mandy Delfin.
By the end of the evaluation, the panel of evaluators found the SKSU College of Medicine to be mostly compliant with CHED’s requirements. SKSU has committed to submitting additional documents to ensure full compliance.
This evaluation marks a significant milestone for SKSU College of Medicine as it continues to strive to open its doors to aspiring medical professionals from the province and the neighboring community.
