Vizcaya ace: Med-tech topnotcher also No. 1 in doctors’ exam
BAYOMBONG, NUEVA VIZCAYA—Kharam Baricaua Molbog, a native of Solano town in this province, topped the Physician Licensure Examination this month—his second time as topnotcher after ranking first in the Medical Technology Licensure Examination three years ago.
The 25-year-old alumnus of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) had the highest score of 91.17 percent among the 4,570 who passed the exam, held on Oct. 4, 5, 11 and 12 in Metro Manila and other test centers nationwide. There were a total of 5,900 examinees this year.
Molbog topped the Medical Technology Licensure Examination in 2022 with a score of 90.20 percent. He graduated summa cum laude meritissimus at UST, earning an outstanding 99.17 percent in his medical course.
‘Late bloomer’
In a chat with the Inquirer, Molbog reflected on his journey to success, saying his path was not always easy.
He said he was not a standout student during his elementary and high school at St. Louis School in Solano.
He also failed to pass the University of the Philippines College Admission Test in 2014. This made him realize to do better with determination, he said.
“I kept working hard in college and med school, so that perseverance finally paid off when I topped both licensure exams,” said Molbog, who lives with his grandmother, a retired teacher, since his parents are working in Canada. His father Jennirex Molbog is an IT specialist, and his mother Josenia Baricaua-Molbog, a nurse.
He had a reputation in school as a “late bloomer,” or so he was called, but soon enough his drive to succeed became evident.
Even his downtime still had room for more knowledge, as Molbog listened to classical music—particularly Mozart, one of his favorites—between his intense review sessions.
Molbog said he plans to specialize in either cardiology or radiation oncology. He also aims to do his part in addressing the shortage of medical professionals in Nueva Vizcaya, which has only two cardiologists.
In recognition of his exceptional achievement, the provincial government is due to hand over P200,000 to the newly minted doctor.
“His success, twice over as a national topnotcher, proves that grit, humility and world-class excellence can be nurtured in our province,” Nueva Vizcaya Gov. Jose Gambito told the Inquirer, praising Molbog’s dedication and resilience.
“We are proud to honor him under our Topnotchers Incentive Ordinance and look forward to the many lives he will touch as a physician,” Gambito said. “Molbog’s performance underscores sustained excellence from premedical training through medical school, positioning him as one of the standout performers in recent board examinations.”
