2020 Physician Licensure Exam topnotcher Jomel Lapides is proud son of construction worker

The topnotcher of the 2020 Physician Licensure Examination, Jomel Lapides, is the proud son of a construction worker.

On Raffy Tima’s “24 Oras” report Thursday, it was mentioned that while Jomel’s father worked as a dressmaker and then as a construction worker to support the family, he went on nurse duty while studying medicine.

The University of the Philippines-Manila graduate, who bested more than 3,500 medical students, is a two-time board topnotcher, being No. 1 at the Nurses Licensure Examination in 2011.

Jomel said he prayed only to get into the Top 10 and didn’t expect to be the Top 1, as he received a rating of 88.67 percent.

“Sobrang unexpected and surpised at talagang thankful lang talaga kay Lord. I prayed at least makapasok ako sa Top 10. Si Lord po iba yung binigay lagpas-lagpas,” he said.

The topnotcher said that he had already applied for residency training at the Philippine General Hospital to specialize in ophthalmology.

“Talk to the Lord and tiwala lang sa kaniya. Have faith. Siya yung ground and source ng strength,” Jomel said.

“And also solicit the help of your family and your friends and get your inspiration from them. Really know yourself and set your goals po.”

The results of the 2020 Physician Licensure Examination was released Thursday. – Kaela Malig/RC, GMA News