Dr. Maribel Aurelio is Chairperson of the Department of Preclinical Sciences and Pharmacology since 2017; she joined St. Matthew’s University in 2008 as faculty teaching Patient-Doctor Relations (PD) I, II, III and Introduction to Clinical Medicine (ICM).
As Chairperson, Dr. Aurelio oversees the implementation of the course curricula and the smooth running of the Clinical Skills Laboratory. She supervises and provides support to the faculty and staff. She is currently the Course Director of PD I and III.
Dr. Aurelio has a Doctor of Medicine degree (MD) as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Basic Medical Science (BS. BMS) from the University of the Philippines College of Medicine (Manila, Philippines). She finished her residency in Pediatrics at the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH), where she served as Chief Resident. During her residency, Dr. Aurelio spearheaded a pilot study on the use of virgin coconut oil (VCO) for weight gain in preterm neonates entitled A randomized controlled trial on the use of virgin coconut oil in augmenting weight gain among infants weighing 1500 grams or less: Preliminary results. Another research focusing on the sepsis-lowering effects of VCO on preterm neonates was completed soon after.
At SMUSOM, Dr. Aurelio continues to pursue her interest in research and continuing medical education. She is actively involved in the Curriculum Committee and Student Awards Committee. She enthusiastically organizes social events for the faculty and staff. She coordinates with other health professionals in the local community through shadowing which is integrated in the curricula of PD III and ICM. In addition to her roles as a faculty and administrator, she has also guided and inspired many students in her capacity as a faculty mentor. She has been a resource person to student organizations such as the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) and the Emergency Medicine Interest Group (EMIG), teaching them clinical skills and procedures such as venipuncture, endotracheal intubation, and urinary catheterization.
