Ma. Ysabella Louise S Santiago of ASMPH recognized as Natatanging Mag-aaral ng Medisina ng Pilipinas by APMC-SN

Ma. Ysabella Louise S Santiago, fondly known as Bella, Year Level 8 at the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health (ASMPH), has been recognized as one of the Natatanging Mag-aaral ng Medisina ng Pilipinas awardees by the Association of Philippine Medical Colleges – Student Network (APMC-SN), a national distinction given to outstanding medical students across the country. 

Conferred during the APMC-SN National Convention, the Natatanging Mag-aaral ng Medisina ng Pilipinas award honors medical students who exemplify excellence in academics, leadership, research, community engagement, and social responsibility. As APMC-SN is the nationwide alliance of medical student councils representing institutions across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the recognition places Bella among a select group of student leaders from some of the country’s leading medical schools. 

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For Bella, the recognition is deeply humbling. She shares that medical training often amplifies impostor syndrome — a quiet doubt that lingers even amid achievement. While completing her application, she found herself reflecting not only on milestones but also on perceived gaps, wondering whether she had done enough. Being named among the awardees came as a genuine surprise. “I never set out to be the best or to be 'natatangi' in the traditional sense,” Bella reflects. Instead, her aspiration has always been to become a doctor who approaches each case with diligence and compassion — someone who listens carefully, teaches clearly, and empowers patients and their families to claim their right to health. If the award affirms even a small part of that journey, she receives it with gratitude. 

Bella traces much of her formation to the Atenean value of Magis — to strive for “more.” While the concept was introduced to her during her undergraduate years, it was in medical school where it took concrete shape. At ASMPH, where students are formed to become clinicians, leaders, and social catalysts, she came to understand that excellence cannot exist in isolation. It is not achieved through academics, leadership, or service alone, but through the integration of all three. 

Throughout her years in ASMPH, Bella was shaped by communities that modeled integrity and collective purpose — mentors who demonstrated principled leadership, batchmates who challenged her to grow, and learning environments that encouraged reflection and accountability. For her, becoming natatangi has never been an individual pursuit, but a shared journey grounded in service. 

Balancing the demands of medical school with meaningful involvement beyond the classroom required intentionality. Before entering medicine, Bella made a promise to herself: medicine would be a significant part of her life, but not its entirety. Growth often began with curiosity — and the courage to confront fear. 

One pivotal moment came when she was invited to lecture for incoming college students during her first year. Initially hesitant, she questioned whether she was capable of taking on the responsibility. Eventually, she reframed her doubts: "What if it works out? What if this helps me grow?" That shift in perspective guided her decisions thereafter. Whether participating in research discussions, taking on leadership roles in student initiatives, or volunteering at a local health center, Bella chose opportunities aligned with the physician she hopes to become. Rather than doing more for the sake of achievement, she pursued experiences that strengthened her competence, character, and compassion. 

Receiving the Natatanging Mag-aaral ng Medisina ng Pilipinas award, Bella emphasizes, is not an endpoint. Rather than a milestone achieved, she views it as a reminder of responsibility — to continue striving toward excellence anchored in service. As she moves forward in her formation at ASMPH, Bella remains grounded in a simple yet steadfast goal: to be a good clinician, a responsible leader, and, above all, a good person. 

In honoring Bella Santiago, ASMPH celebrates not only a prestigious national recognition, but the quiet, consistent commitment to growth and service that defines her journey.