Text by: Jennifer Manongdo
Photo by: Dr. Nemencio A. Nicodemus Jr.

The Academy of Medicine Malaysia honored University of the Philippines Manila Professor Nemencio A. Nicodemus Jr. for his outstanding contributions to the medical community on August 22, 2025, in a ceremony headlined by former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad as keynote speaker.

The Diploma of Fellowship was awarded to Dr. Nicodemus, along with 18 other outstanding physicians from Singapore, India, Hong Kong, and Australia who were recognized as Academicians in the Field of Medicine for their expertise in clinical service, scholarship, and leadership.

For Dr. Nicodemus, the award reflects the culmination of decades of unwavering dedication to his calling as a physician, teacher, researcher, and leader. 

“This recognition is not an isolated honor but one that builds upon a continuing tradition of international respect,” said Dr. Nicodemus, who earlier received two other international honorary fellowships, one from the Indonesian Society of Internal Medicine and another from the College of Physicians Malaysia.

After finishing his medical degree at UP Manila College of Medicine in 1995, Dr. Nicodemus took on his residency training on Internal Medicine at UP-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) and subsequent subspecialty training in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism also at UP-PGH. Currently, he holds the position of Professor 8 at the UP College of Medicine and is also the chairperson of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

With hordes of medical graduates eyeing lucrative gains in private practice as opposed to service in public hospitals, Dr. Nicodemus reminded young doctors that the path to service and dedication to excellence does not end with national recognition but continues to be measured by contributions to the broader medical community across borders.

“Medical doctors are a steward of medical knowledge and a champion of medical education. UP Manila continues its mission to produce physicians who are not only competent clinicians but also thought leaders in health,” he said. 

Prof. Nicodemus’ Fellowship adds prestige to the University, reinforcing its reputation as the nation’s premier institution for medical education and research. His achievement underscores the University’s vital role in shaping leaders whose influence extends internationally, and whose accomplishments open new avenues for collaboration in education, training, and research.

The Diploma of Fellowship creates networks that allow for the exchange of knowledge, innovations, and best practices with other physicians in the Southeast Asian region. By engaging with physician-leaders from across Asia and the world, Prof. Nicodemus and his fellow awardees contribute to strengthening the medical landscape not only of their own countries but of the global community.#

#FP6 #AccessibleUPLeadership #UPManila