MAUDE SANG-AN TABIGUE, MD: TOP 4 – March 2017 Physician Licensure Examination
“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer”…
Humbly uttered with a willful spirit, this has been the inspiring scripture passage of Dr. Maude Sang-an Tabigue, who earned the unstoppable and overwhelming praises for being the fourth placer in the March 2017 Physician Licensure Examination. As the only topnotcher in the entire Central Visayas region, this MHAM product could not contain her profound joy from the remarkable result. Behold, MHAM on a grand slam could not be made possible if not because of her.
When beauty and brain go together…
Interview with the Top 4
“I wanted to be an engineer. I love numbers and buildings and Mathematics was my favorite subject in elementary and high school. During my senior year in high school, I applied for an engineering degree in three different universities and I got accepted. However, my parents were not very positive about it. They suggested to take up Nursing, as it was the “it” course during that time. As an only child, I didn’t want to disappoint my parents so I eventually enrolled in Nursing”, said Dr. Tabigue.
Born on May 1, 1991 in Poblacion Sur, Carmen, Bohol, this Boholana achiever is cared and nurtured with a family-oriented background and religious upbringing. Although she grew up being the only child of a public school teacher and an accountant, Ding- as she is fondly called, values the importance of prayer since she was young. Indeed, as she delights to the giver of gifts and the God whom she adored, she received the most surprising gift in her lifetime and granted her heart’s desire more than she had ever imagined. Just like her name, Maude, which means a gift from God, her academic excellence is indeed an exceptional gift to behold.
With her beloved parents on her graduation day…
Modesty and simplicity aside, Dr. Maude has been known for being responsible in her studies from the moment she entered the four-walls of a classroom. In 2002, she graduated as the class valedictorian at St. Anthony’s Elementary School. Her parents, Vicente and Nicefora, used to be recognized as well, each time their daughter received academic medals as the fruit of her dedication in studies. Again, she graduated as the class valedictorian in 2006 at Holy Spirit School, a private institution run by religious nuns in Tagbilaran City. Four years later, this constant achiever graduated BS in Nursing at Silliman University as Magna Cum Laude, making her the pride of their clan.
Dr. Maude’s MHAMemories in uniform
In her desire to reach out to humanity and to the community where she was raised, her motivation to serve others in the medical field has prompted her to proceed to Medicine. Without any delay, she enrolled and applied for an academic scholarship and eventually became a full scholar recipient under the founders’ scholarship grant. Rooted from her hard work and dedication as she used to, this MHAM product excelled once again as she finished the degree of Doctor of Medicine as Magna Cum Laude in 2015.
“On a personal level, I know how it is being a patient. I know how it feels to be constantly worried about one’s state of health. So I decided to become a doctor. Doctors are God’s instruments of healing. To the sick, they are the bearers of hope”, she added.
This MHAM consistent scholar also shares her study habits and journey as a Medicine student including her internship period at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC).
“During our time, we mostly spend our days in the classroom, as most subjects were taught in a traditional method. In order to make the most of my limited time, I paid a lot of attention to the lectures. I then do my personal reading and study for exams after classes had ended. I preferred books over notes. Even if I couldn’t read them multiple times, I’d feel sufficient if I had read the book at least once before an exam. My study habits are far from perfect. I don’t find it strategic or extraordinary but it has served me well throughout my medical education and internship”, said Dr. Tabigue.
Her MHAMemories with batchmates and professor, Dr. Abel Alera…
In an interview with MHAM Anatomic and General Pathology faculty, Dr. Abel Alera, he described Dr. Tabigue being his former student as an intelligent and a happy person. “Based from her class standing, there was no doubt that she made it to be a topnotcher in the Physician Licensure Examination. I am hoping that she will reach all her dreams. She started it very well”, said Dr. Alera.
With MHAM Anatomic and General Pathology faculty, Dr. Abel Alera…
Meanwhile, MHAM alumnus Dr. Luiginio Bryan Alvarez who is also her batchmate, also shares his explicit joy as they reached their goals to become licensed physicians of the same examination. Their relationship goals for two years now have been paid off and together, they continue to become each other’s inspiration along with their future plans.
Relationship goals: From batchmates to soulmates
Her message summarizes her profound gratitude to the giver of gifts whom she owed for all her blessings in life and to her Alma Mater whom she is forever grateful.
MHAM’s pride: L-R: President and Chairman of the Board Mrs. Elma Aznar-Sierra, VP Academics Dr. Arlene Diaz, Alumna Dr. Maude Tabigue, Alumnus Dr. Luiginio Bryan Alvarez, Corporate Treasurer Dr. Carlito Astillero and College Dean Dr. Ma. Socorro Manaloto
“Having been blessed and amazed by God’s wondrous surprise for being a topnotcher of the recent Physician Licensure Examination, words cannot suffice how grateful am I to God- the giver of gifts. Moreover, my undying gratitude goes to my dearest Alma Mater- Matias H. Aznar College of Medicine Inc., who served as the source of my medical foundation, from the very moment I started my journey as a full scholar recipient under the founders’ scholarship grant. Had it not been on my four years of studies and one year of internship at VSMMC bearing the identity as IamMHAM, I may not be able to attain this indescribable lifetime achievement and a feat to behold. Beaming with pride that I am a MHAM product through the years, I am forever grateful to the Administration, Staff and Student Body. Rising firm before the world, it takes pride to say that we excel and can be competent simply because, WEAREMHAM!”
To date, Dr. Tabigue is still savoring quality time with her family before pursuing her residency period and future plans.
With VP Academics Dr. Arlene Diaz and Dr. Maude Tabigue in an interview
Moreover, a reward check worth seventy percent from her total tuition fee was refunded to her as a fitting reward for the honor she had given to her Alma Mater. Represented by MHAM Board of Trustee, Mr. Victor Aznar Sierra; School Administrator, Izarzuri Sierra; College Dean, Dr. Ma. Socorro Manaloto; and Board of Trustees Corporate Treasurer, Dr. Carlito Astillero, this topnotcher felt indebted and grateful to her dearest Alma Mater.
WEAREMHAM: (L-R): College Dean, Dr. Ma. Socorro Manaloto; School Administrator, Izarzuri Sierra; Board of Trustee, Mr. Victor Aznar Sierra; and Board of Trustees Corporate Treasurer, Dr. Carlito Astillero
Joining the WEAREMHAM previous topnotchers, namely: 2015 1st placer, Dr. Venil Lovely Bolambao; 2016 1st placer, Dr. Al Patrick Alajas; and 2016 9th placer, Dr. Francine Diloy; Dr. Maude Tabigue’s unceasing dreams and continuous learning are constantly brought into prayers because for this top 4 achiever, the power of prayer creates a difference here and hereafter. (Ana Liza Abao)
Moments before becoming licensed physicians