ORDER OF ASCLEPIUS

In 1976, a group of like-minded individuals convened to promote unity and integrity among the medical students of the West Visayas State University College of Medicine through brotherhood, medical excellence, and service to the needy. They became known as the Order of Asclepius, a fitting tribute to the Greek god of medicine and healing.

The Order of Asclepius is a community-oriented, non-profit, school-based organization dedicated to the service of our indigent fellowmen in promoting community health, prevention of illness, and humanitarian services. The organization exists in accordance to the greatest order: Frater, Medica, and Servia which represents Brotherhood in Medicine Through Service. Composed of medical doctors from different fields and students from West Visayas State University College of Medicine, the Order has worked hand in hand with different organizations and institutions in the Philippines since its founding.

VISION

To become a globally competitive medical organization that is socially relevant and oriented towards service.

MISSION

To produce competent physicians in their respective fields here and abroad while upholding the values of Brotherhood in Medicine through Service.

MAIN OBJECTIVES

To promote unity and integration among medical students of the WVSU in a bond of brotherhood and sisterhood;
To unite its members under the spirit of self-development and self-actualization;
To be of service to the Filipino community through specific projects in our capacity as medical students and future physicians; and
To promote medical excellence among its members in particular and medical students in general.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

To foster harmonious understanding among medical students of the WVSU;
To develop among medical students a proper awareness of their duties as students, as future doctors, and as future members of the community;
To develop among its members attitudes and skills which may enable them to be of active service to the community as health workers;
To instill in the minds of their members proper performance of their responsibilities and duties to the school and community;
To protect and promote the rights and interests of its members;
To help individual members in times of crises;
To coordinate with different health-related programs and organizations in an effort to increase awareness of present health problems;
To conduct integration among Filipino communities through community service and social work programs;
To conduct cultural and social activities to help towards the development of the WVSU College of Medicine; and
To conduct activities which gear towards the improvement of WVSU.

ACTIVITIES

MEDICAL AND SURGICAL MISSIONS

The Order of Asclepius has established its reputation in WVSU and in Iloilo through its medical and surgical missions. Throughout the year, the Order provides consultation and medicines to the indigenous people of Iloilo for free. Minor surgeries such as circumcisions and cyst removals are also included at certain events. Resources for these activities are gathered through various fundraising projects, sponsorships and partnerships, as well as through donations of our senior members

Being an organization of medical students and doctors, the members of the Order and its alumni spearhead these activities along with various health care groups. Aside from being able to help our fellowmen, these activities also serve as an opportunity for our junior members to learn beyond the four corners of the classroom by being exposed to patients. Basic surgical principles and techniques are learned, as well as the essentials of history taking and physical examination, to eventually learning how to get the right diagnoses and treatment. With the supervision of our senior physician alumni, junior members are able to get hands-on experience of the different aspects of patient care.

PUBLIC HEALTH CAMPAIGNS

The responsibilities of a doctor not only include expertise in diagnoses and treatment of illnesses but also extend to disease prevention and health promotion. The same principles are upheld by the Order of Asclepius. The Order sponsors various health-oriented activities throughout the year for the benefit of the medical students of WVSU and the general public. A Blood-Letting Activity is held three times every school year in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross. The Order also joins the World Health Organization, the Department of Health, and other cause-oriented groups in celebration of public health events as well as in information and educational campaigns. Strategies such as Information displays in mall areas, holding community open forums, and sponsoring lectures are just some of the ways the Order has helped increase awareness on disease prevention and health promotion. Issues tackled by the Order include mental health, reproductive and sexual health, anti-smoking and substance abuse campaigns, proper hygiene and basic first aid.

CHARITY PROGRAMS

One of the objectives of the Order is to be of service to the Filipino community through specific projects in our capacity as medical students. Aside from medical services, the Order has also catered to other social needs. The Order has partnered with other community-oriented groups to give out school supplies and hygiene kits in a Balik Eskwela Program when students return to school after their summer break. Funds are also raised for a Christmas Gift-Giving and Caroling at the Leprosarium in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo and the ANCOP Village in Arevalo, Iloilo City as well as other charitable groups that reach out to the Order in their time of need.

EVENT ORGANIZING

The Order has a long history of providing some of the best entertainment for the medical students of the WVSU College of Medicine. During the annual Medicine Week Celebration of the College, one of the highlights include the “Mess Medisin”, a competition like no other wherein real men dress up as women and experience the beauty and struggles behind glamorous beauty pageants. The Order also sponsors our own version of the “Amazing Race” which allows participants to explore Iloilo City and perform different tasks at different locations. The Order also holds an annual “Quiz Bowl” for medical students to showcase their extensive knowledge of topics ranging from math, science, and literature to current events and pop culture. The Order also sponsors sporting events during the Medicine Week such as badminton, table tennis, etc.

ACADEMIC CONFERENCES

The Order believes in excellence in every aspect. It does its best to look out for its members to promote academic excellence as well as professional development. Throughout the year, the Order holds various training workshops for its members to equip them with the proper skills and knowledge when they face their future patients. The Order also sends its members to attend conferences and trainings not only here in Iloilo City, but to other parts of the Philippines as well. With our commitment to academic excellence and professional development, several members have consistently been in the Top 10 of their classes, excel in their clerkship, and are even top placers in the Physician Licensure Exam.

LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS

Personal character and integrity are just as important in the Order as academic excellence. Every year, a leadership training program is held for the benefit of its members. Through our senior Asclepians who are enthusiastic in giving lectures and insights, as well as other team building activities that are part of the event, the members of the Order can be made ready to balance their roles as medical students and community leaders.

ACHIEVEMENTS

WVSU Search for the Most Outstanding Student Council and Student Organization

Most Outstanding Non-Academic Organization for 15 years

12th Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards

National Finalist, Most Innovative Project

Association of Philippine Medical Colleges – Student Network (APMC – SN) Ten Most Outstanding Medical Student Organizations of the Philippines

Awardee

WVSU Nemia S. Lopez Award for Community Service

Awardee