Medical board exams set this week

MANILA, Philippines — The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on Sunday said the Physician Licensure Examination (PLE) would push through this week due to the urgent need for doctors amid the new coronavirus health crisis.

The next round of the twice-a-year medical board exam has been scheduled by the Board of Medicine on Nov. 10, 11, 15 and 16.

“We recognize the urgent need for physicians during these times of public health emergency, thus the November 2020 PLE shall continue as scheduled,” the PRC said.

The regulatory body said it would continue to implement strict health measures during the conduct of the exams to ensure the safety of the examinees and examination employees.

The PRC conducted in September the first physicians board exams for 2020, which were originally scheduled in March when the pandemic broke out.

A total of 800 out of 1,424 graduates passed the test.

The PRC said the examinees would observe physical distancing of 2 meters, wear masks and face shields at all times, and bring 70 percent ethyl alcohol for hand disinfection.