Childhood cancer expert among 2012’s top physicians

MANILA, Philippines - A doctor who specializes in childhood cancer and is a reproductive health advocate is among the awardees of this year’s search for The Outstanding Filipino Physicians (TOFP).

TOFP organizers said Julius Lecciones was chosen for his inspiring work in advancing pediatric oncology as the executive director of the Philippine Children’s Medical Center.

Former health secretary Jaime Galvez Tan also led this year’s awardees for his unselfish efforts and dedication to serve and improve the lives of his countrymen with his personal tenet, “Country first. Self later.”

Other outstanding physicians include nonagenarian physician, Thelma Clemente of the Capitol Medical Hospital, Edmyr Macabulos (community doctor from Pampanga), Rosendo Roque (prenatal health advocate from Quezon City), Romulo Lacson (doctor of indigenous people in Pampanga), Erlinda de los Reyes (anesthesiologist from Negros Occidental), Josephine Jabonillo (gender-inclusive reproductive health advocate from Bohol), Astom Fernando (general surgeon from San Fernando City, La Union), Ignacio Moreno (public health doctor from Cagayan de Oro City), Mary Ann Yasay Luis (ophthalmologist from Laoag City) and Yul Raquintan of Quezon City, who established a community clinic in Rizal province.

Melandrew Velasco, TOFP 2012 executive director, said the common thread that binds this year’s awardees is the fact that they have chosen to practice their medical profession in the country, despite great and very promising possibilities of attaining wealth and stature overseas.

The awarding ceremony for TOFP will be at the Manila Hotel on Dec. 5.