MAGNA CARTA OF PHILIPPINE MEDICAL STUDENTS

Association of Philippine Medical Colleges

Student Network

2015

PREAMBLE
We, the medical students of the Republic of the Philippines, members of the
Association of Philippine Medical Colleges Student Network, duly recognized by
the Association of Philippine Medical Colleges Foundation, Inc., seek to declare
our student rights and responsibilities through this document. This is brought
about by our utmost respect for the noble profession we seek to become
members of, and our deep desire for developing the nation and encouraging
social justice. The Magna Carta for Philippine Medical Students will serve as an
enabler to actualize what every medical school would envision their students to
become: holistic individuals, effective clinicians, and socially aware citizens.
These principles ought to protect our dignity and defend our common interests
by promoting the welfare of medical students in the Philippines. May this
document cultivate a culture of cooperation and fellowship within the academic
community of physicians; and may truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and
peace reign in pursuit of a truly healthy country and society.

THE MEDICAL STUDENT RIGHTS

1. RIGHT TO COMPETENT INSTRUCTION AND QUALITY EDUCATION
a. Students shall receive quality training in an institution committed to their mentoring
and education preparing them to become competent, compassionate, humane and
ethical physicians.
b. Students shall have a conducive environment for learning and testing with
appropriate accommodations.
c. Students shall be provided with safe, adequate, and functional facilities and
equipment
d. Students shall be given the chance to provide performance evaluation of their
teachers.
e. Student shall be allowed to complete their program of study in the school, except in
cases of non-compliance to academic requirements, violation of disciplinary
regulations, or non-payment of tuition and fees, as dictated by the schools rules and
regulations.
2. RIGHT TO FREE EXPRESSION
a. Students shall have the right to express their views, opinions and practices freely in a
conduct acceptable for medical students without detriment to students interests

3. RIGHT TO ORGANIZE
a. Students shall have the right to create and join organizations for their personal growth
and development, in compliance with the schools rules and regulations regarding the
establishment of such bodies.
b. Students shall have the right to peacefully assemble and petition school authorities
and/or government authorities for the redress of any grievances.

4. RIGHT TO PROPER AND ADEQUATE REPRESENTATION

a. Students shall have meaningful and significant representation at their respective
institutions and national organizations on matters concerning all aspects of their
medical education.
b. Students should be given an avenue and capacity to form and elect a Student
Government to ensure that their interests are protected.
c. Students shall have the right to be consulted before any school rule affecting them is
approved and implemented, the dynamics of which to be agreed upon by the schools
administration and the Student Government/official student representatives.
5. RIGHT TO ADMISSION AND/OR LEAVE OF ABSENCE WITHOUT PREJUDICE
a. Students who comply with school regulations must be admitted without
discrimination.
b. Students can take a leave of absence for personal reasons and in accordance with
existing school policies, Philippine laws and regulations.
c. Students must not be unduly suspended, dismissed, expelled and/or forced to take a
leave of absence.
6. RIGHT TO INFORMATION
a. Students must be informed formally regarding sufficient course information,
description, learning objectives and syllabus, course requirements, student
evaluation, and rules regarding their academic performance.
b. Students must be informed of their institutions policies and procedures pertaining to
important aspects of student life concerning them, especially promotion, graduation,
tuition and other fee increases and student well-being.
c. Students shall have timely access to all official public information on matters directly
affecting their individual and/or collective welfare.
7. RIGHT TO DUE PROCESS
a. Students have the right to the integrity of administrative procedures of their school.
b. Students must be given due process by their respective schools with fair
representation in hearings, mediations and appeals.
c. Students must be protected against self-incrimination.
d. Students have a right to appeal.
e. Students are entitled to prompt and proper resolution of cases.

8. RIGHT TO ACADEMIC FREEDOM

a. Students have the right to be enrolled in a medical school which has transparent,
timely and fair systems for evaluation for their students academic and clinical
performance.
b. Students have the right to be given confidential feedback regarding evaluation of
student academic and clinical performance.
c. Students have the right to be given a chance to address individual/systemic grievances
without fear of recrimination, dismissal or retribution.
d. Students have a right to access and request for the breakdown and the computation
of their final grade, and be given consideration thereafter if properly justified.
9. RIGHT AGAINST UNDUE TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
a. Students must not be compelled to perform tasks beyond the duties and
responsibilities of medical students as stated in the schools student handbook.
10. RIGHT TO STUDENT WELFARE
a. Students should be accorded adequate documentary and institutional support for
placement after clerkship or internship.
b. Students must be free and protected from sexual and other forms of harassment.
THE MEDICAL STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

1. RESPONSIBILITY TO SELF
Medical students should safeguard their health and wellness to be able to deliver
appropriate patient care
2. RESPONSIBILITY TO PATIENTS
Medical students should do no harm
Medical students should always put the interest of the patient without sacrificing
ones own safety
Medical students should commit to the humane, conscientious, respectful and
thoughtful service to patients, families, and communities
3. RESPONSIBILITY TO ONES EDUCATION
Medical students should actively pursue continuous learning and faithfully strive for
excellence
Medical students should participate in the evaluation and improvement of medical
education and curriculum in the country
4. RESPONSIBILITY TO MENTORS AND FELLOW MEDICAL STUDENTS
Medical students should treat mentors and colleagues with due respect and courtesy
at all times

5. RESPONSIBILITY TO HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL SCHOOL

Medical students should uphold the name and honor of ones profession, institution,
and nation
Medical students should follow the rules and regulations set by their respective
institutions
6. RESPONSIBILITY TO PROFESSION
Medical students should uphold the honorable tradition of the medical profession
wherever they go
7. RESPONSIBILITY TO SOCIETY
Medical students should be constantly aware of and be involved in the health issues
and needs of the Filipino people and of the world as responsible global citizens
8. RESPONSIBILITY TO NATION
Medical students should always follow the laws and regulations of the Republic of the
Philippines as enshrined in the Philippine Constitution
Medical students should strive to serve the Philippines and its people, and become
responsible leaders as one of the pillars of the countrys health sector

Magistrates 2014-2015
Chief Magistrate : Carlito Reyes II
Magistrate for Luzon: Ronnel Velarde
Magistrate for Visayas: Andrew James Claudio
Magistrate for Mindanao: Johan Fritz Girado
Magistrate for NCR: Monica Cope
Magistrates 2015-2016
Chief Magistrate: Gabriel Ignacio Alejo
Magistrate for Luzon: Jerica Pidlaoan
Magistrate for Visayas: Joanna Quirante
Magistrate for Mindanao: Lou Venice Hamili
Magistrate for NCR: Kevin Javier