Text by Angelou Mendoza

Photos by Joseph Bautista

Dr. George Michael N. Sosuan from the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, UP-PGH, together with the other new UPCM faculty members, received a pin from the UP College of Medicine from UPCM Dean Charlotte Chiong.

To formally welcome and acknowledge the new faculty members equipped with breadth of experience and expertise who will prime the next high caliber physicians, the University of the Philippines Manila College of Medicine (UPCM) conducted the 2024 Welcome Ceremonies this October 29, 2024. 

UPCM Dean Charlotte M. Chiong opened the ceremony by acknowledging the crucial role and future contributions of the new faculty members in the universal healthcare of the country, as they transition into academic mentors of generations of new physicians. 

“We will continue to foster an environment that embraces innovation, critical thinking, collaboration, and your contributions will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the lives of your students and also your peers,” Dean Chiong said. 

Introducing and amplifying the administration’s concept of IDEA – Innovations for life-long learning dedicated to service, Discovery and research, Environment that nurtures the mind and body, and Accessible UP leadership as part of the ceremony and on-boarding of the new UPCM faculty members, UP Manila Chancellor Michael L. Tee underscored these guiding principles to fulfill the University’s optimum capacity responsive to the needs of the Filipinos. In his speech, the Chancellor discussed the expectations, opportunities and academic growth which involves retention programs, such as free enrollment in any course in the University and the chance to practice in UP-PGH Faculty Medical Arts Building (FMAB) or in the Manila Doctors’ Hospital, which will ensue after entering the College, and the institution’s value for the faculty members in relation to IDEA. 

In sharing his personal growth as a neurosurgeon and as a UPM faculty, the UP-Philippine General Hospital Director Gerardo D. Legaspi advised the new faculty to continue dreaming big for oneself and for the whole system and and as a leader, clearly state one’s purpose and intentions, ergo people will follow.

Professor Emeritus Efren J. Domingo, as the guest speaker, shared his significant accomplishments after serving as a faculty in UPCM for the last 40 years: Glosari ng Obstetrics at Ginekolohiya, obtaining a PhD degree with a research publication, learning a skill in GYN Robot, and many more contributions in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Professor Emeritus Domingo also impart in the ceremony the important qualities one must have to thrive in the academe: leadership, academic excellence, punctuality, quality patient care, discipline, research, publications, professional society involvement, community service, compassion, and retirement.

The new UPCM faculty recognized at the ceremony were: Reno Eufemon P. Cereno, MD

(Department of Radiology), Michelle E. Abadingo, MD, Bee T. Jane Martinez, MD (Department of Pediatrics), Bienvenido Leo Antonio M. Caro, MD, Jose Carlos C. Estil, Jr., MD, Anne Kathleen B. Ganal-Antonio, MD, Pamela Luoise G. Gervasio, MD (Department of Orthopedics), George Michael N. Sosuan, MD (Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences), Lou Dominique D. Aguinaldo, MD, Pauline Antonette L. Lim-Reyes, MD, Victoria May H. Velasco-Redondo, MD (Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology), Kevin Elissandro C. Gumabon, MD, Maria Bettina P. Quiambao, MD (Department of Medicine), Harold Henrison C. Chiu, MD (Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology), Mark Andrew B. Cruz, MD (Department of Anesthesiology), and Sylvia Karina L. Alip, MD (Department of Anatomy). New UPCM faculty members share a load of current trends and experiences in healthcare which will immensely contribute to the academe and to the knowledge of medical students at the College. 

To end the ceremony with a note of encouragement, UPCM College Secretary Dr. Abner L. Chan quoted Mark Twain’s words, “the two most important things in your life is the day you are born and the day you find out why”– emphasizing the UPCM new faculty members’ choice of lifetime commitment of excellence and service to the country. The College Secretary further highlighted the significance and purpose of the new faculty members to students, to their colleagues, and to the nation as teachers, mentors, researchers, administrators, resource persons, and leaders. Noteworthy, Dr. Chan inspiringly mentioned that all hardwork will pay off, not immediately, but immensely. 

UPCM faculty members present at the 2024 Welcome Ceremonies last October 29, 2024.