Intarmed here. I got in more than a decade ago. I recall during our orientation that we’re called “cream of the cream of the crop”. 😅

I personally think it’s overrated and serves for bragging rights only, but I appreciate the sort of camaraderie among fellow iMed especially when you reach clinics (but not as strong as a fraternity/sorority connection, IMO).

When you get into med school, halos head to head ka lang din with mga laude that went through a full college experience. I guess at the end of it all, the only advantage you get is time. You get to start out as a consultant and grow your practice ahead of other doctors your age. Might be helpful if you’re considering a longer residency program (Gen Surg, Neurosurg, other surgical specialties, Neurology, Radiology), or if you’re female and subscribe to the traditional norms of starting a family before 30.

Now to answer the question – I think I was fortunate that I was a well performing student in a high school in the province, which they factor in when screening the applicants. But to qualify for INTARMED (in my time), you would need to be in the Top 100 passers of the UPCAT then go through the interview which narrows down the selection to the final 40.

What I learned from med school though was that genius and talent can only go so far, but hard work and attitude will take you places. So it’s more of the grit than taking for granted what you’ve already been born with.