Former Miss Universe Philippines Pursues Medicine

Rabiya Mateo's path to medicine is built on a solid foundation in the sciences, having graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Iloilo Doctors' College in 2018. Before her reign as Miss Universe Philippines, she was already immersed in the healthcare field, working as a lecturer and review coordinator for physical therapy licensure exams. This long-held ambition to be a doctor was a significant part of her plans even before entering the world of pageantry. After her Miss Universe journey, she considered moving to the United States to practice as a physical therapist but ultimately chose to pursue a career in entertainment in the Philippines, a decision she saw as more practical at the time. Her decision to enroll in medical school is also deeply personal, influenced by her own recent experiences with mental health. In 2025, Mateo was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and anxious distress, a struggle she has openly shared to advocate for mental health awareness and to combat online bullying. She has stated that pursuing medicine is partly a way to better understand her own situation and to use that knowledge to help others. Mateo has been a vocal advocate for education and community well-being, even before her national title. She was involved in the "Feed Me and I Read You" program in Iloilo, which focused on nutrition and literacy for students. During the pandemic, she actively participated in fundraising for personal protective equipment for frontline workers and assisted in preparing and distributing meals for them. The transition from the limelight to medicine is not unheard of in the Philippines. Former child actress Angeli Gonzales, known for her role in the teen series "Luv U," graduated from De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute and is now a licensed physician. Similarly, former "Pinoy Big Brother" housemate Alec Duñgo also transitioned from television to medicine, becoming a licensed doctor. For individuals like Mateo taking a non-traditional route to medicine, the journey can present unique challenges. These can include the financial burden of a career change, adapting to a rigorous academic environment after time away, and balancing personal responsibilities with the demanding schedule of a medical student. Having built a stable financial foundation through her work in entertainment and various business ventures, Mateo feels she is now in a position to take on the significant commitment of medical school. She has expressed that this new chapter is a "calling" and something she has been praying for.