Saint Mary’s University and the Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) Department family are brimming with pride as Dr. Janne Nilen Lacuata-Calip, a Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (BSTM) Class of 2018 alumna, achieves a historic milestone—becoming a licensed Physician.

During her time at SMU, Dr. Calip, was the definition of an active, responsible, and academically gifted student. An Entrance Scholar, Dean’s Lister, and half-tuition academic scholar for three semesters, she constantly pushed her limits—earning 2nd Runner-Up in the Luntian 2015 Literary Quiz and competing in the Search for Statistics Wizard 2014. She also led with passion as Vice President for Finance of the Marian Association for Tourism Students (MATS) S.Y. 2017–2018 and as a member of the League of Tourism Students in the Philippines (LTSP) Baguio Chapter, eventually graduating Cum Laude in June 2018.

Driven by a passion to serve others on a deeper level, she bridged the gap between service management and medical science. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from Pines City Colleges in Baguio City in June 2025, followed by a rigorous 1-year postgraduate medical internship at Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC). Today, she officially holds her license to heal.

Her journey proves that a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management is a versatile foundation for any professional dream—shattering boundaries and demonstrating that HTM can be an excellent stepping stone to medicine, law, or any advanced field. 

Her extraordinary career shift directly advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being, proving how human-centered service and empathy from tourism management seamlessly translate into compassionate, quality healthcare.

Her journey reflects the HTM tagline—Inspire, Innovate, and Influence—and exemplifies SMU’s mantra: Inspired by Mission, Driven by Excellence.

Congratulations, Dr. Janne Nilen Lacuata-Calip! The entire SMU-HTM family celebrates your inspiring success.

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Written by: John Michael C. Ibarra