UERM Board topnotchers: Consistency and purpose are keys to success
for UERM
MANILA, Philippines — At the recently concluded October 2025 Physician Licensure Examination (PLE), UERM Medical Center witnessed not one, but two remarkable stories of grit, purpose and triumph.
In recognition of the honor they brought to the institution, UERM Medical Center awarded P400,000 and P200,000 to its newest topnotchers: Eris Orlan Sto. Domingo Muñoz, MD and Jarvin Vincent Chua Lumauig, MD, both graduates of Class 2024, who ranked 2nd and 10th respectively.
This culminated with the College of Medicine being named the 2nd Overall Top Performing Medical School in the Philippines.
Two journeys, one calling
Though both doctors now stand on the pedestal of success, their beginnings could not have been more different.
Muñoz initially dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. His passion shifted to healing people in grade school, eventually leading him to pursue Physical Therapy for his undergraduate degree.
Meanwhile, Lumauig discovered his love for medicine while caring for patients as a Nursing student. That direct connection, the privilege of helping someone heal, cemented his path toward becoming a physician.
Both enrolled at the UERM College of Medicine in 2020, amid a time of disruption and uncertainty. They began medical school just as the COVID-19 pandemic forced classes online.
“Since largely online kami, big adjustment talaga. First two years namin, online. Third year namin, hybrid na,” Lumauig recalled.
When face-to-face classes finally returned in their third and fourth years, the campus once again erupted into the vibrant learning environment they had long hoped for.
For Muñoz, the return to onsite activities opened a world of extracurricular opportunities that allowed him to grow beyond academics. For Lumauig, it was the sense of community that made the grueling days worth it.
Overcoming the climb
Medical school was not a gentle transition for Lumauig.
“Nahirapan talaga ako mag-adjust nung simula,” he shared. The volume of lectures, the self-directed learning and the pressure forced him to rethink his study habits. He learned to study smart, focusing on patterns, frequently tested concepts and understanding how questions were asked.
“Di kasi ako baseline na matalinong person. Ang ginagawa ko to survive is inaaral ko kung ano ‘yung frequent na tinatanong. Gumagana naman, so tinuluy-tuloy ko na.”
Muñoz valued his exposure to patients from different backgrounds at UERM to adequately prepare him for his internship. “UERM’s high standards for comprehensive exams adequately prepared me theoretically and skills-wise. Fourth year pa lang, matututo ka nang mag-adapt to different environments. Very hands-on din ang consultants and residents when teaching you.”
Preparing for the Boards: A race against time
While most board takers dedicate months to review, the topnothers had a different experience. Their duties as interns at the Philippine General Hospital left them with very little time: Muñoz had two months; Lumauig, only two weeks.
Yet both credit UERM’s rigorous training to their success.
“Maraming natanong during the PLE na wala sa review lectures. Pero naaalala ko siya from lectures two years ago. Preparation really starts from med school,” Muñoz shared.
Lumauig echoed his sentiment, “Big help na maraming na-impart during med school. May [baseline knowledge] na talaga ako.”
The moment everything changed
Muñoz learned he landed Top 2 while on hospital duty. An intern urged him to check his phone. Word quickly spread throughout the ward. He was moved to tears upon getting the news, overwhelmed by relief, gratitude and the weight of years of sacrifice.
Lumauig, on the other hand, was stunned to find he placed 10th.
“Sobrang surprised and thankful. Pinagdasal ko po akong pumasa, at sobra-sobra po ‘yung nabigay sakin.”
Upon receiving their incentives from UERM Medical Center, the topnotchers shared their plans with their prizes.
Muñoz wants to give back to his parents, invest wisely and treat himself to new scrubs and essentials for hospital work, while Lumauig hopes to treat his family and save for the future.
Words for the next generation of topnotchers
Muñoz offers a simple but powerful mantra: always show up. “Give yourself a chance daily. Medicine will drain you, but you have to keep showing up. There will be sacrifices, especially on duty.”
Lumauig’s advice is to understand why you chose medicine. “Very vexing siya physically and mentally. Matitiis mo ‘yan basta gusto mo ‘yung ginagawa mo. So pag-isipan ninyo mabuti if gusto ninyo talaga siya.”
The triumphs of Muñoz and Lumauig are more than just personal victories.
They are a testament to UERM College of Medicine’s commitment to molding not only competent physicians, but compassionate, grounded and resilient healthcare professionals. Their achievements uplift the entire UERM community, reminding all that excellence is a journey built by purpose, perseverance and heart.
Editor’s Note: This press release is sponsored by UERM. It is published by the Advertising Content Team that is independent from our Editorial Newsroom.
