Text by Charmaine Lingdas

Photo by Erlyn Pareja 

In a significant move to enhance healthcare services, the University of the Philippines Manila College of Medicine (UPMCM) and Manila Doctors Hospital (MDH) formalized a partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on October 7, 2024, at the Penthouse, Dr. George S.K. Ty Medical Tower, Manila Doctors Hospital. This collaboration will allow UPCM’s faculty and consultant staff to practice at MDH, reinforcing both institutions’ commitment to accessible healthcare.

A Mutually Beneficial Partnership

Dr. Alberto B. Roxas, MDH Medical Director, highlighted the critical role that UP Manila plays in the agreement, emphasizing how the UP College of Medicine can provide a large pool of talent, stating, “Manila Doctors Hospital greatest strength lies in its consultants, our doctors. Much the same with the UP Manila College of Medicine, the strength is in its faculty, its human assets. In the hospital, we need to have a constant flow of new blood as the senior ones grow older and eventually retire.”

Dr. Michael L. Tee, Chancellor of UP Manila, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “This partnership exemplifies the AGILE approach—Academe-Government-Industry-Leadership-Engagement. It is mutually beneficial, as MDH will gain from the expertise of young faculty members, while UP Manila secures an avenue for its faculty to practice in a private institution without the constraints of space and resources.”

Dr. Tee also underscored the importance of retaining health professionals, “UP Manila will surely benefit from this, as it is a great retention program. We should be able to retain our health human resources by providing them with a decent area of practice. Manila Doctors is world-class and having the opportunity to practice in an environment where you don’t need to worry about supplies or finding a bed when you need it is something our equally world-class faculty members will appreciate,” he said.

Dr. Tee also took the opportunity to express his appreciation to the President for supporting the expansion of the partnership, which now includes faculty members from the College of Dentistry and the College of Allied Medical Professions. 

Ms. Arlene Ledesma, President of Manila Doctors Hospital, echoed the sentiments of cooperation, saying, “We are honored that the UP College of Medicine has chosen to partner with us. This Faculty Geographic Practice Program is the first of its kind between our institutions, and it offers a unique opportunity to complement each other’s strengths and collaborate for better patient outcomes.”

She also spoke of MDH’s ongoing upgrades to prepare for the future. “As we enhance our facilities, we ensure that our hospital remains a world-class venue for our medical professionals and patients. This agreement is a bridge between U.N. Avenue and Pedro Gil, uniting us in our common goal of providing the best healthcare possible.”

A Milestone in Healthcare Collaboration

The partnership between UP Manila and MDH is set for an initial two-year period, with provisions for extension. It also opens doors for retired UP College of Medicine faculty members to continue practicing at MDH. This collaboration strengthens the relationship between two of the country’s leading healthcare institutions, ensuring that both healthcare providers and Filipino patients will benefit from expanded access to specialized medical services.

The signing ceremony was also attended by several key officials, including UP College of Medicine Dean Charlotte Chiong, UP Manila Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Dr. Johanna Patricia A. Cañal, UP Manila Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development Dr. Jose V. Tecson, III, MDH Hospital Director Dr. Hian Ho Kua, Manila Medical Services Inc. (MMSI) Board Adviser Dr. Dante Morales, MDH Assistant Medical Director Dr. Romeo Merino, Immediate Past Medical Director Dr. Eugene Reyes, Chairman of the Committee on Credentials and Membership Dr. Nelson Abelardo, MMSI Board Adviser Dr. Cynthia Cuayo-Juico, and President of the MDH Medical Staff Association Dr. Charmaine Linao.