Research Activities
A summary of research activities at St. Luke’s Medical Center College of Medicine, showcasing innovative projects by students, faculty, and healthcare professionals aimed at advancing medical knowledge and patient care.
The SLMCCM research forum gathers the entire SLMCCM community as students from different year levels present their research output that they have worked on throughout the year in a General Faculty and Student Assemblies (GFSA). Pre-selected groups of student researchers are given the opportunity to orally present their scientific work, while other students get to present their research through a poster.
SLMCCM Research and Scholarly Works Forum 2025: A Milestone for Student-Led Research
St. Luke’s Medical Center College of Medicine – WHQM (SLMCCM) proudly held its anticipated Research and Scholarly Work Forum last April 23, 2025, marking a new chapter in its commitment to academic excellence and student-led research. Organized by the Office of Research and Scholarly Works, the event aimed to showcase the research outputs of students, promote a culture of research and inquiry, recognize outstanding student achievements, and inspire peers to pursue scholarly activities. Dr. Bernard F. Laya, Associate Dean for Research and Scholarly Work opened the event with an inspiring speech highlighting the year-round efforts of the Office and shared life lessons drawn from the research process itself. The forum opened with a special presentation by Rafaella Javier, who presented a study she worked on with her colleagues, on the impact of e-cigarette-related social media content on youth behavior in the national capital region (NCR). This study won 1st Place at the 2025 Philippine Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP) Policy Pitch Contest. This was immediately followed by a series of presentations conducted in 3 parallel sessions. The final activity for the GFSA was the scientific poster exhibition that was held at the Angelo King Auditorium Penthouse Lobby.
Auditorium. Javier (YL4) and colleagues were presented a certificate of recognition by Dean Atienza, Dr. Catan, and Dr. Laya for their award-winning study on e-cigarettes
Auditorium. Pascual (YL5) and colleagues after presenting their study on increasing engagement of health-promoting materials in Lipa City
Room 911. Labrador (YL3) and colleagues presented their systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of Ortho-K in mild to moderate myopia
Room 1015. Regala (YL3) and colleagues, presented their systematic review and meta-analysis on the effectiveness of digital interventions for reducing insomnia symptoms and improving work productivity
Penthouse Lobby. The scientific posters showcased at the Angelo King Auditorium lobby as part of the 2025 Research and Scholarly Work Forum
Penthouse Lobby. SLMC faculty visiting the poster exhibits after the research forum event.
SLMCCM Research and Scholarly Work Forum 2026: Advancing the Frontiers of Student-Led Medical Research
The St. Luke’s Medical Center College of Medicine – William H. Quasha Memorial (SLMCCM-WHQM) community once again united for its annual Research and Scholarly Work Forum held on March 4, 2026. Organized by the Office of Research and Scholarly Work, this premier event serves as a cornerstone of the college’s commitment to academic excellence, medical innovation, and scientific inquiry. The forum brings together the entire SLMCCM community during the General Faculty and Student Assembly (GFSA), providing a vibrant platform for students across different year levels to showcase the fruits of their hard work at the Research Forum 2026 .
The event commenced with an inspiring opening address by Dr. Bernard F. Laya, Associate Dean for Research and Scholarly Work, who commended the students for their rigorous dedication and shared profound insights into how the perseverance required in research mirrors the journey of medical practice. Setting a high benchmark for the day, the forum kicked off with a special dual-plenary segment highlighting exceptional student research that has achieved significant external recognition. The first plenary presentation was delivered by Paul Jacob S. Villarino, who showcased his study, “An Immunoinformatics-Based Epitope Prediction of Dengue Virus Envelope Protein Using Isolated Genetic Samples from the Philippines.” This advanced molecular research was selected for presentation at the prestigious Philippine Association of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Convention in December 2025.
This was immediately followed by a second presentation focusing on public health, delivered by Wynsel Carven R. Tandoc and Audrey Nicole Y. Tamayo. They presented their study, “Factors Influencing Practices of Paternal Involvement in Antenatal Care Among Filipino Fathers aged 18-45 in Greater Metro Manila,” which recently took home the Champion title at the Regional Medical Student Research Competition of the Association of Philippine Medical Colleges – Student Network (APMC-SN) last February 7, 2026. Together, these back-to-back presentations perfectly set an inspiring and high-caliber tone for the activities that followed.
Following the plenary segment, the forum transitioned into three parallel sessions held across different venues, providing a platform for distinct year levels to present their scholarly work. Each room was guided by an expert panel of moderators, faculty-reactors, and student interns who facilitated rigorous academic exchanges.
The final event of the 2026 Forum took place at the Angelo King Auditorium Penthouse Lobby, which hosted the scientific poster exhibition alongside case reports. Faculty members and peers toured the floor, engaging directly with researchers over their scholarly work. By fostering these vital scientific conversations, the event concluded as a resounding success, proving once again that SLMCCM is nurturing the next generation of pioneering physician-scientists.
Auditorium. Paul Jacob S. Villarino, alongside the group’s adviser Dr. Ligsay, was presented a certificate of recognition by Dr. Catan, Dr. Laya, and Dr. Roxas for their advanced molecular research, “An Immunoinformatics-Based Epitope Prediction of Dengue Virus Envelope Protein Using Isolated Genetic Samples from the Philippines,” which was selected for presentation at the prestigious Philippine Association of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Convention in December 2025.
Auditorium. Khim Marian R. Panaguiton, Princess Jelycha Mare M. Rana, and colleagues after presenting their study, “Association of Parenting Styles with Childhood Obesity Among School-aged Children in Selected Private Primary Schools in Quezon City.”
Auditorium. Intern Marialle Cheska S. Oclos and colleagues after presenting their study, “Map the Gap: An Educational Campaign on Stroke and A Map of Acute Stroke Ready Hospitals.”
Auditorium. Wynsel Carven R. Tandoc and Audrey Nicole Y. Tamayo, alongside their adviser Dr. Perez, were presented a certificate of recognition by Dr. Catan, Dr. Laya, Dr. Roxas and Dr. Macabulos for their study, “Factors Influencing Practices of Paternal Involvement in Antenatal Care Among Filipino Fathers aged 18-45 in Greater Metro Manila,” which was named Champion in the Regional Medical Student Research Competition at the APMC-Student Network on February 7, 2026.
Auditorium. John Gabriel I. Samonte, Joshua Miguel T. Sarmiento, and colleagues after presenting their study, “Growth Outcomes in Infants Born to Mothers Living with HIV: Integrase-Based vs. Efavirenz Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.”
Room 911. Presenters and colleagues gather after showcasing their research, where the following studies were presented:: (1) Perceptions and experiences of medical students in St. Luke’s Medical Center College of Medicine-William H. Quasha Memorial Inc., on being first-in-family future physicians, (2) GLP-1 Receptor Agonists on Spontaneous Pregnancy Rates in Overweight or Obese Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis, and (3) “IWAS FLU? I-MY MAPS MU!” Development and Implementation of a Flu Vaccination Directory for Improved Public Health Access and Awareness.
Room 1015. Medical student researchers and peers celebrate the successful conclusion of oral presentations for the following papers: (1) Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Non-teaching Staff of St. Luke’s Medical Center College of Medicine – William H. Quasha Memorial on Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Musculoskeletal Pain: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study, (2) Intermittent Fasting vs Caloric Restriction in Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review Protocol, and (3) The Milk Trail: Bridging Awareness and Accessibility Gaps in Existing Human Milk Banks in Metro Manila.
POSTER EXHIBIT
Penthouse Lobby. Faculty mentors and medical students engage in lively discussions during the opening of the scientific poster exhibit. The session provided a dynamic platform for the student researchers to defend their findings and exchange insights with the academic community, showcasing innovative medical research. The successful event underscored SLMCCM’s mission to train the next generation of pioneering clinician-scientists.
The SLMCCM-WHQM Research Immersion Program, spearheaded by the Office of Research and Scholarly Work, is a unique two-week initiative designed to immerse medical students in the world of scientific inquiry and medical research. Tailored for 1st to 3rd year medical students, this competitive program offers an intensive, hands-on experience in key areas of research such as literature review, protocol development, and the realities of conducting research in the medical field. Selected students benefit from personalized mentorship, interactive didactic sessions, and skill-building workshops that enhance their research capabilities. Through this program, students are equipped not only with essential research skills but also with the confidence and insight needed to navigate and contribute meaningfully to the ever-evolving medical landscape.
SLMCCM Hosts 1st Summer Research Immersion
The St. Luke’s Medical Center College of Medicine (SLMCCM) hosted its 1st Summer Research Immersion in two phases: Cohort 1 (July 1–15, 2024) and Cohort 2 (July 16–30, 2024). Combining online sessions with on-site meetings—including a formal critiquing session on July 12, 2024—the program guided participants through brainstorming, protocol writing, proposal development, and manuscript drafting.
Participants presented research proposals on Leptospirosis, regional Universal Health Care laws, and heart failure. Cohort 1 updated a 4-year database of Scopus-indexed faculty research to refresh the St. Luke’s Medical Center website, while Cohort 2 focused on student research projects.
2024 Batch
Christel Eva Mae Z. Ańo
Brandon Polo P. Ortiguerra
Justine Grace E. Regala
Yvonne Ivy L. Doyongan
SUMMER RESEARCH IMMERSION 2025
Building on the success of its 2024 pilot, which welcomed four pioneering students, the 2025 Research Immersion Program significantly expanded, accommodating 19 new participants. This year, the program not only grew in scale but also deepened its curriculum, integrating basic yet in-depth lectures, collaborative group work, and introspective reflective sessions on the research process. Furthermore, the 2025 program adopted a flexible hybrid format, blending onsite and online sessions to foster a more engaging and accessible learning experience. Through this expanded and inclusive approach, the Research Immersion Program continues to serve as a dynamic platform, empowering students to explore their research interests, hone their skills, and cultivate the inspiration to advance their ideas.
2025 Batch
YL2
Alarilla, Kaycee C.
Bautista, Riana Ashley T.
Calisi, John Lloyd L.
Erencio, Elijah Nathaniel C.
Galaboc, Joshua Ben H.
Galang, Jhune Dominique P
Gochuico, Matthew Lauren C.
Inocando, Gil Phillip C
Lim, Arianna Ysabela F.
Quinto, Myrelle Joyce B
Ramos, Raniel Angelo G.
Ricaro, Ria Lizzete C.
Tiongson, Kayla Arriadne S.
Villarino, Paul Jacob S.
Vitug, Vince Enrico C.
YL3
Alintanahin, Maria Christelle V.
Clemen, Azzizzah Raina A.
Morillo, Bernadette Cecilia L
Ong, Charlize Danielle Y.
Summer Research Immersion Program 2026: Nurturing the Next Generation of Student Researchers
Following the success and steady expansion of its previous runs, the St. Luke’s Medical Center College of Medicine – William H. Quasha Memorial (SLMCCM-WHQM) Office of Research and Scholarly Work successfully conducted its annual midyear mentorship initiative. Tailored specifically for rising sophomores and juniors with a keen interest in medical inquiry, this unique two-week, extracurricular experience serves as an ideal training ground for aspiring student-researchers eager to build a strong scientific foundation away from the intense clinical demands of the standard school term.
The initiative employed an adaptable hybrid structure, seamlessly mixing face-to-face and virtual team exercises to optimize cooperative learning and peer-to-peer collaboration. Guided by the college’s accomplished mentors, the comprehensive curriculum allowed research-oriented minds to dive into foundational study designs, practical protocol development, and cooperative breakout tracks. These milestones were balanced by independent study blocks that allowed attendees to polish their specific project concepts and refine their methodologies at an approachable pace. The program reinforces its crucial place within the institution’s ecosystem, inspiring future physician-scientists to pursue critical inquiry, sharpen their protocol-writing skills, and transform raw clinical hypotheses into reality.
2026 Batch
YL2
Aguila, Margret Christiane, T.
Animas, Gwen Isabel L.
Cuison, Arwen Jehan A.
Laylo, Mery Dane E.
Lim, Felicity Grace Ann C.
Martin, Michaela C.
Olmedilla, Juan Miguel O.
Ong, Katrina C
Palay, John Kevin Ceasar S.
Panganiban, Lanz Tristan O.
Plantinos, Marianne Joy J
Quebrata, Juan Miguel F
Rostrata, Callia Dominique C.
Balagoza, Jho-Anne T.
YL3
Abdurahman, Michiyo O.
Villarino, Paul Jacob S.
