Philippine E-Journals

Quality assurance in selected medical schools in Metro Manila Philippines: Current practices and future directions

Fengyi Ma | Guangjun Tao

 

Abstract:

The descriptive research looked at the Quality Assurance (QA) practices of Twenty (20) medical schools in Metro Manila, Philippines, considering their various statuses, systems, and practices. As institutions concentrate on achieving their vision and objectives, QA is essential. In addition, the Commission on Higher Education requires that all academic institutions establish QA in their operations to maintain international competitiveness. As a result, QA must be institutionalized in Philippine medical universities. Based on the findings, most medical schools established QA Departments. The accreditation office is normally situated under the President's or Vice President's Office for Academic Affairs. In terms of the QA organizational structure, the term "director" is assigned to the office's head. The nature of the employment as a director necessitates the use of a plantilla item while personnel have been appointed to assist with the accreditation process. A staff was assigned to the QA Department at the majority of medical universities. Moreover, the QA department’s main responsibilities were preparing program accreditation and coordinating their departments, as well as assisting colleges with program accreditation, formative evaluation, and monitoring program accreditation standards. Since accreditation is an unavoidable QA indicator, it was recommended that university administrators must engage to accreditation in order to achieve higher SUC Levels and maintain excellence. When fully dedicated to QA, presidents must guarantee the participation of all stakeholders in all accreditation operations; and to maintain QA's long-term viability, the organization, processes, and practices must be standardized; there may be policy campaigning for centralized QA among medical universities.