“Sometimes the biggest hurdle isn’t the test, or the PRC, or the curve,” senior Erwin specialist Ken Parchaso tells his fellow new doctors. ‘It’s ourselves.’
MANILA, Philippines – “I am Erwin Ken Angcual Parchaso. I am not confined. I am not hidden. Just here.”
That is how the top champion of the March 2026 Medical Licensure Examination introduced himself during the swearing-in ceremony for new doctors on Tuesday, April 21.
Parchaso, a graduate of Lyceum-Northwestern University in Dagupan City, presided over the board exam. His name, however, was not initially included in the shortlist during the April 8 edition. Only “name withheld” appeared for the No. 1 seed.
In his speech during an event held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, Parchaso revealed that it was his third attempt to take the licensure exam.
“Whether this was your first vote or your 10th. You passed well or by one point. If your name was withheld or published once. We are here. And no one can take that away from us,” he told fellow board members.
“Remember, we don’t just pass the test, we answer the call.”
Many were inspired by Parchaso’s journey to become a doctor, as he also published the current virus a copy of his speech on Facebook.
The public was speculating for more than a week why the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) prevented the publication of the best scorer’s name.
The PRC on Monday, April 20, explained that it had to conduct a “detailed review and statistical analysis” and confirm the reports submitted by its regional office because of Parchaso “remarkable and consistent performance in all subjects.”
Parchaso recounted in his speech that he cried after not seeing his name on the shortlist, blaming the top catcher whose name has been withheld for assuming he failed because of his standards.
“I was crying out my own name. Wishing myself harm without knowing it,” the new doctor said.
“When I found out that I was the top champion, I laughed and cried at the same time. But mostly, I learned something: sometimes the biggest obstacle is not the test, or the PRC, or the curve. It’s ourselves,” he added.
“Once I got past that, I was finally free.”
‘Life happened’
A total of 1,954 out of 2,781 candidates passed the March license exam.
Parchaso took time in his speech to address his fellow riders, and to be real with how he pushed to get his license, even if it took 10 years and three attempts.
“There were times at night when I cried in the dark so my wife wouldn’t hear. At night I held my child and wondered if I too had failed. At night I was looking at my books until the words faded and asked God, ‘Why can’t I get this right?'” He said.
Parchaso explained that he was confused when he took the board exam for the first time after his then-girlfriend and current wife were pregnant.
“I failed to take that first step. Not because I wasn’t smart enough. But because life happened. And honestly? I wouldn’t change that failure for anything. It gave me something more valuable than a license, it gave me my family,” he said.
For his second attempt, Parchaso said he stayed at home and did not push, remembering that he had little time to study as he took care of his wife during her pregnancy. But at the same time, he admitted that he was afraid of defeat and ambition, which he said almost broke him.
“That decision gave me time. Breathe, heal, prepare. Not only academically, but mentally and emotionally. When I finally stood at the testing station this March, I wasn’t perfect. But I was ready,” he said.
Years not ‘wasted’
Parchaso offered words of encouragement to those who may have struggled like him, telling them that they are “not a failure.”
“You don’t have to be broken to be strong. You have to keep showing up. Even when it hurts. Even when you’re ashamed. Even when you want to disappear,” he said.
“Those years were not wasted. They were preparing you, with patience, with humility, with the kind of compassion you can learn through your own suffering.”
Parchaso also thanked his wife and son, his family, and the institutions where he learned medicine for molding him and standing by him throughout his journey.
“I took 10 long, painful, beautiful years. And I would walk every one of them again if it meant standing here today and telling you: We can do it. You can do it. And when you do, it will be worth every tear.” – Rappler.com
