Erma Mae Sanchez was the school’s first magna cum laude in the program - and went on to top the Respiratory Therapist Licensure Exam! Isn’t that awesome?
Sanchez graduated as the first magna cum laude of the Respiratory Therapy program, a fairly new course, at Cebu Doctors’ University (CDU) in 2024. Considering it’s less known than the other medical or health care-related courses, it’s easy to understand why she also wants to be an advocate for the program.
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| Erma Mae Sanchez graduated as the school’s first magna cum laude. Photo credit: Cebu Daily News |
Instead of immediately working in the field, she told Cebu Daily News that she actually hopes to become a mentor for other students pursuing this program. She also considers taking on the challenge to further her knowledge by pursuing a higher degree in respiratory therapy.
She also hopes to advocate for better patient care and wants the community to learn more about the healthcare program.
“I aspire to contribute to elevating the quality and standards of respiratory therapy in the country while also promoting the crucial role of respiratory therapists—the unsung heroes of the healthcare team,” she added.
As she advocates respiratory therapy, she also reminds other board exam takers of the profession to take care of their health while studying smart. She recommends taking rests when needed and to also trust the process.
This inspiring young lady also encourages future takers of the board exam to have faith in God’s plans for them while also believing in themselves, knowing that they’ve worked hard to learn.
Triumphs after Yolanda
She had lived most of her childhood in Ormoc, Leyte, but the family moved to Cebu when she was 13. It turned out that Sanchez and her family were among the survivors of the devastating Supertyphoon Yolanda.
It was a difficult decision for her family to move away from the place they had always called home.
Thankfully, this resilient young lady managed to triumph over her challenges, graduating with flying colors as the prestigious school’s first magna cum laude graduate for the respiratory therapy program.
She told Cebu Daily News that her health had struggled during the board exam reviews due to various pressures, including the fact that it was her first time in Manila. Still, she overcame those challenges once again and ranked No. 1 in the February 2025 Respiratory Therapist Licensure Exam Results.
Quite amazingly, aside from Erma Mae Yongco Sanchez taking the top spot, several other students from the school also ranked in the top 10:
- Alyssa Jules Mendez Batausa - Top 2
- Van Reil Viña Ligutom - Top 5
- Zavanna Nigelle Amicah Apilar - Top 7
- Jan Alesandra Vito Abangan and Christine Loi Igot Pantaleon - Top 8
- Justine Mikhaila Co Naguit - Top 9
