UPHSL Expands Global Academic Network with Neolife Education
The engagement was facilitated by the IEAO under the leadership of its Director, Dr. Josefa G. Carrillo, reaffirming the office’s vital role in initiating, coordinating, and strengthening international partnerships that open pathways for student mobility and academic collaboration. As the University’s primary arm for global engagement, the IEAO ensures that partnerships are aligned with UPHSL’s institutional vision and academic standards while fostering meaningful dialogue with international stakeholders.
In his welcome message, Dr. Ferdinand C. Somido, Chancellor of the University of Perpetual Help System JONELTA, warmly received the delegates and introduced the University’s deans and department heads. He highlighted UPHSL’s strong commitment to internationalization and emphasized the importance of building sustainable global linkages that create expanded academic and professional opportunities for students.
Representing Neolife Education of India, Dr. Heral Miller, the President and Founder, expressed appreciation for the University’s hospitality and conveyed a strong interest in developing collaborative academic pathways for international students. Also present was Ms. Aborhey Dinah Korkor Adai, Education Consultant from Ghana, who shared valuable insights on international student mobility trends and the growing interest of students from Asia and Africa in pursuing medical education in the Philippines.
Central to the discussion was the proposed academic pathway for international students intending to pursue the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, commonly referred to as MBBS in many countries, through a structured progression beginning with the Bachelor of Science in Psychology at UPHSL.
Under the proposed pathway, international students will first enroll in the BS Psychology program as a pre-medical foundation. The curriculum offers comprehensive preparation in biological sciences, human behavior, research methodologies, and patient-centered care, core competencies essential for medical training. Upon completion of the degree and compliance with national requirements, including the NMAT, students may advance to the Doctor of Medicine program under the College of Medicine.
Through the facilitation of the IEAO, both institutions discussed collaborative strategies in student recruitment, academic preparation, admissions coordination, and long term partnership development. The initiative aims to establish a structured and guided route for international students seeking to earn a medical degree in the Philippines, supported by strong academic oversight and administrative assistance.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Carrillo reaffirmed the IEAO’s commitment to forging sustainable international linkages and ensuring that partnerships translate into concrete, high-impact programs. She emphasized that the office will continue to serve as the University’s bridge to global institutions, expanding access to quality, ethically grounded, and globally competitive medical education. This engagement highlighted UPHSL’s sustained efforts to position itself as a preferred destination for international students and accentuate the IEAO’s strategic leadership in cultivating partnerships that advance the University’s mission of transformative and globally connected education.