Contents
2
In My Humble Opinion
3
Our Asian Stories
8
Little Coins In Our Pockets
9
AHMC 14th Anniversary
11
Doctors’ Recognition Night
13
Service Excellence Awardees
14
New Services
15
Quality Corner – Singapore Trip
16
AHMC – Quality/ Patient Safety Activities
17
AHMC Nurses Day
18
The Pat on the Back
19
Reflections
20
The Cardiologist, OFW and Survival 101
21
Health Corner – Solution to Back Pain
22
CSR Corner
23
News and Events:
Annual Stockholders’ Meeting
24
AHMC Merchandise Store Launched
25
Top Cancer Expert
26
Dr. Ngelangel, PCP Award
Editor-in-Chief
Andres M. Licaros, Jr.
Associate Editors
Sharon Hernandez
Noli B. Garcia
Editorial Staff
Albert Henoguin
Kris Cheryl Yabes
Ronaldo Yacat, Jr.
Ana Maria Jimenez
Ronnie Buenaventura
Sarah Jemah Cristobal
Orlando Torres
Pinky Demaisip
Nicolo Andrei Añonuevo
Victor Peria
Contributing Writers
Dr. Aina Retizos Sales-Diaz
Dr. Saturnino Javier
Dr. Larry Acuña
Dr. Christopher Malore Calaquian
Chit Fajardo
Leslie Batan
Caren Jane Junsay
Photo Credits
Glenn Yosores
Albert Henoguin
Secretariat
Precious Bautista
Rodel Morales, Jr.
I Am Asian is the official newsletter of the Asian Hospital and Medical Center. The term “I Am Asian”
embodies the new paradigms defining the organization — its aspirations, commitment, sense of
pride, uniqueness and intrinsic character. The newsletter reflects this philosophy and provides insights
on what it means to be part of the Asian Hospital family.
My Asian Story
It took a couple of weeks to create a schedule for an early
morning meeting among the three doctors, the Director for
Nursing, the ICU Manager, the Bedside Nurse, and a member
of the Quality Management Team to discuss the clinical
concerns of each Doctor and address the most critical issues
relative to the case at hand. This is one rare meeting I was not
quite ready to join and handle despite my years of experience
dealing with similar issues day in, day out as a CEO.
I cannot believe or understand why I feel uncomfortable and
reluctant. Captain Courageous is having doubts—he cannot
accept the idea that for once, he seemed vulnerable and
frustrated. After all these years—I must have seen them all,
so why this reluctance?
On my way home each day—pondering on the nagging issues
confronting our operating units, the constant conflicts created
by my unflinching commitment to deliver on the promise of
our brand—I often catch myself saying, “We always learn
new things each day, no matter how often we find success
in creating better solutions for the ever changing needs of
each patient, thus becoming more confident on How Good
we have become as a healthcare institution.”
Then I begin to feel happy with the thought that another day
has been conquered and tomorrow we can do Better!
So my dreaded day comes—and there I sit carefully listening
to the heated exchange among the three Doctors. The
two who are younger than the third seem to agree on the
approach to take on this case—which drugs to prescribe, for
how long and at what dose. But the senior doctor is adamant.
He brings out his carefully researched facts and articulates on
the merits of his preferred solution. A long pause that seems
like forever. Then he throws the problem to me by saying,
“Sir, at the end of the day, it is really the patient and family
who must decide.”
A CEO must always find answers to settle contentious issues
when they arise and I am not one to run away from such role.
In fact, it is precisely this kind of a situation that never fails to
raise my adrenalin up. But why am I hesitating and seemingly
indecisive now?
Flashback. Weeks prior to this meeting, an elderly couple were
on their way to a meeting concerning their small business
when the wife began to worry. Her husband was taking so
long in the washroom and they were running late for their
appointment. She had never come late for any appointment
and at 84, she was not about to let it happen.
She called on their driver ,who was already inside their car,
when she asked him to look for her husband endearingly
called “Lolo”. The frantic search began—he was not in the
washroom as she thought, not in their bedroom, not in the
storage room ,not at the garden where he would always go
first in the morning to water his vegetables. He was nowhere!
The wife was seriously worried by now; and just as she was
about to call the village guardhouse to check if “Lolo” was
seen getting out of the village on his own as he had done in
the past, driving his old pickup alone without letting his wife
know, the 86 year-old husband showed up at their front lanai
with blood, from a head wound, dripping all over his shirt.
So what happened? Lolo lost consciousness and hit his head
on a rock ( they live on a house on the hill surrounded by rock
gardens), regained consciousness and stood up, ambled his
way up to their dirty kitchen and washed his face upon seeing
blood all over his shirt. He knew what to do to fix himself
and be ready to still meet their appointment but he could not
remember anything before he fell. All he could recall was he had
just finished watering his garden and was going back to the house
fast because he could hear his wife’s angry voice calling for him.
A 45 kilometer drive across Metro Manila on a Monday morning
rush hour to bring a bleeding patient to the Emergency Room
seemed to only happen in the movies—but this one was on real
time. They passed by a bigger, newer hospital just 7 kilometers
from their home. But for the wife, they must bring him to Asian
Hospital, the only one they truly trust—it’s Asian or Bust!
Back in the meeting room. So the two young doctors finally ask,
“Sir, which way do we go?”
The patient is on a blood thinner for his heart condition but this is
his third stroke in 6 months. Sustained use of thinners puts him at a
higher risk for future strokes. We need a balancing act on this case
and the patient must have a fulltime 24/7 caregiver on him hereon.
The patient has always been headstrong and independent, even
refusing to use a cane and keep an assistant by his side despite
several falls the past year. The wife is frustrated no end, not ready
to face the real challenge in elderly care.
After an hour of discussions and hearing all the facts, I need to think
long and hard. Probably longer and harder than I have ever done before
for any patient or case. Finally, mustering enough courage, I say:
“We will have to do what is prudent and appropriate considering
the risks the patient faces. I will take full responsibility in ensuring
that everything the patient needs is fully provided.
“I will be patient in spending more time with the patient, carefully
explaining to him why certain changes in his and his wife’s lifestyle
must happen NOW.
“I will take care of his wife to shield her from the greater stress of
always fearing and thinking that she will be left behind, alone...by
her beloved husband.
“I am even willing to leave my job if need be...just so the patient will
accept a 24/7 caregiver on him.”
All these...and more, I am going to DO...for that is the LEAST I
can do for my Beloved Parents.
2
Our Asian Stories
Voices of Inspiration, Portraits of Celebration
By : Noli B. Garcia
Every day we witness the diversity of life.
We meet different people and encounter the
unfolding of dynamic events. Some of those
experiences are easily forgotten. However,
there are experiences that stick in our memories
like super glue. There are stories we cannot
forget because they come from deep inside
the heart, stories that live within us. When we
are sitting all alone on our favorite chair, those
cherished memories pop-out, and like images
on a movie screen, they make us smile and
laugh, make us proud, make us celebrate the
wonders of life.
What makes an experience memorable? The
memorable moments are not necessarily the
major events in our lives. Rather these can be
the ordinary encounters that touch our hearts
because they are interesting, meaningful, and
inspiring. Memorable experiences are woven
in the fabric of our lives and come in different
forms. It can be a coffee mug given to us by
a loved one, a stranger who helped us fix a
flat tire, a smile from a caregiver assuring a
patient that all would be well, or it could be
unexpectedly finding a one thousand peso bill
inside our pocket. When we look back, we often
realize that the small or unexpected things can
actually be the unforgettable moments.
Every one has a story to tell, so the saying goes.
As we rumble through life, the stories accumulate.
There are experiences we encounter in our home,
social circles, the community, and in our place
of work. Being our second home, the workplace
is the source of many memorable experiences.
The tales in the workplace can be personal or it
can be a collective story experienced by a team
pursuing a common goal.
Here at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center,
the stories echo along the hallways, along the
clinics, in each patient room, in each office, in
every nook and corner. The stories are etched
in the faces of our staff, doctors, and patients.
These are the experiences we are proud to share
because they re-affirm our worth as a person,
and they embody the common values we share.
These are the stories that inspire our waking
moments, stories of celebration, pride, and hope.
Each staff, each doctor,
each patient has its own “My
Asian Story” to share. The stories may not
be “big” in the eyes of the world, but those
experiences are significant because they
uplift, comfort, and could even heal us.
Let us listen to the Asian stories of our staff,
doctors, and patients. As we listen, the
stories shall fill the gaping void in our hearts.
#My Asian Story of Our Staff
“Every time I hug and kiss my youngest son Viktor,
I always remember how lucky I am to be with Asian
Hospital. Viktor would always be my most memorable
moment here at Asian Hospital. In 2003, here at
Asian Hospital, I prematurely gave birth to Viktor and
he underwent two major operations. The first one was
when he was barely a week old and the second was
when he was two and a half months old. Viktor had a
slim chance of making it through, but he was able to
survive the ordeal because of the high quality of care
he received here at Asian Hospital—expert doctors,
caring nurses and staff, world-class facilities. For
making Viktor survive, I am deeply thankful to Asian
Hospital more than anything else. Viktor will always
be my shining moment here at Asian Hospital.”
spital experience was
“My proudest Asian Ho ld Seal of approval. I
when we got the JCI Go
part of an organization
am truly proud to be a st standards of quality.”
committed to the highe
Ana Jimenez
Quality Management
“My most memorable AHMC experience was
when the MPIC Group acquired the hospital in
2011 and we immediately witnessed the changes
wherein we , the employees and staff, were valued and
appreciated. I am proudest when Asian Hospital got
the JCI Accreditation in 2013. My happiest moment is
every time we get improvement in benefits.”
3
Lanie Balane
Finance Department
Rowela Calora
Cashiering Unit
l have
here at Asian Hospita
“All of my experienceshave the opportunity to work
been unforgettable. I d people, from admin to doctors
with so many dedicate have seen a lot of changes
and medical staff. I ong the things I am proudest
through the years. Ambuilding. It is always exciting to
of, is the new Tower 2 growth of AHMC and everyone
see the progress and safe, quality patient care.”
continues to focus on
Mae Raymundo
Business Office
“My proudest moment here at Asian Hospital is
every time a patient “graduates” or finishes his/her
radiation treatment sessions with a big smile. It makes
me feel I have done my best, my part as a nurse to ease
the burden and give comfort, and hope to patients.”
Jailon De Guzman
Conquer C Center-Asian Cancer Institute
“My memorable, happiest Asian Hospital experience
happens every year—during Summer Events and
activities where we can bring along our kids and family
members. I am truly proud that AHMC has a heart
not only for its clients but also for employees and their
families. Thank you for those wonderful moments.
Looking forward for more to come!”
“My most memorable experience at Asian Hospital was
when I got a heartfelt “thank you” from a patient by just
listening to his concerns and helping him address his
concerns.”
“My proudest and most memorable experience at Asian
Hospital was when I completed ten (10) years of service.
I am thankful to the management and all my colleagues.
It has been a great, friendly, learning journey.”
Rashian Villafuerte
Admission Staff
“I am happy here at Asian Hospital because of the
treatment you get from your co-employees and
superiors. It’s like Family. My happiest experience
was during the 2015 Christmas party where I had the
opportunity to play my violin pieces and get discovered
and invited to play in other events. Likewise, for every
patient that I have successfully x-rayed, it feels great
that you contributed to their healing process.”
Roy John Demonteverde
Radiology Department
“Every day is always a memorable experience for us.
We cannot gauge which is the happiest or which one
we are most proud of because every patient encounter
is unique. Just by merely seeing their smiles and
hearing the most sincere words of gratitude bring so
much elation and feeling of fulfillment to ourselves.
Every morning when we wake up, we look forward to
serving our patients and experience those simple yet
memorable moments. That’s what motivates us to
spend our valuable time here at Asian Hospital and
Medical Center. “
Infection Prevention and
Control Team
“I am proud to be Asian, in every sense of the word. I
have chosen to be with Asian Hospital not because
of the money but rather because of the contentment
and the sense of pride of being part of this prestigious
institution. For 14 years, I have spent most of my days
with the Nuclear Medicine Department where I have
been ‘working less and enjoying more’. This is because
I love the people in our team and love the work that I
am doing. It is more fun and easier to implement the
Core Values of AHMC when there is a good working
relationship between all the members of your team.”
Edsel Altar, Nuclear
Medicine Services
Genevieve Dela Pena
Philhealth BSO
Joy Quiambao
Financial Services
“My most memorable experience was when I was
chosen as the “Best Employee in 2015”. To add to that, I
was promoted as Supervisor for ER/OPD Admission. My
heart is overflowing with happiness that my efforts and
dedication to my work and the hospital was recognized.”
Joy Umali
Admission
“My proudest experience at AHMC was when I,
standing with my son, was given recognition during the
AHMC anniversary celebration as the first Educational
Assistance Subsidy (EAS) graduate. I am thankful that
with Asian Hospital’s assistance I finished my Master of
Arts in Nursing (MAN) degree.”
Maris Nero
Nursing Department
“My memorable experience at Asian Hospital happens
whenever a patient I have served would smile at me
whenever we meet along the hallways of the hospital
and even when our paths cross outside the hospital.”
Ranilo Guiling
Cashiering Unit
“My most memorable Asian experience was when
a five-year old girl, a relative of a patient, smiled
and chatted with me while we were queuing at
the elevator. I hope, at least, that I made her and
her family a little more comfortable during that few
minutes. Little things can mean a lot.”
Loutjie Marty
Supply Chain
4
#My Asian Story of Our Doctors
“Asian Hospital saved the life of my sister. That time, I
was in China when my sister was having a heart attack.
I was on the phone with my late associate Dr. Talavera
and I told him to organize a team in the Cath Lab to
perform urgent angioplasty on my sister. And that timely
action saved my sister’s life. That’s probably the biggest
reward I had in building Asian Hospital.”
Dr. Jorge Garcia
Founding Chairman-Asian
Hospital and Medical Center
“I remember way back in 2003, our second child was
delivered here at Asian Hospital. I was there at the
delivery room with my camera. I just wanted to capture
the moment and feel what a father would feel upon seeing
his child. That was indeed a memorable moment.”
Dr. Michael Sales Diaz
Consultant
Women’s Health Center
“The most memorable Asian Hospital experience I had
happened twelve years ago. An incident occurred during
the De LaSalle Junior-Senior High School Prom. We had
75 patients at the Emergency Department all at once,
not to mention their relatives who were all in panic. That
time, I was working with only three nurses. It taught me
how to multi-task, communicate, and treat patients in
an effective but rapid way. It taught me a lot. Working at
Asian Hospital is a great experience—the management
and staff have been generous through the years.”
Dr. Mark Reyes
Chairman
Department of Emergency Medicine
“I remember seeing the initial foundation being laid down
here at Asian Hospital. I said to myself ‘ This is the hospital
for me.’ The Department of Pediatrics is pioneering the
Residency/Training Program of the hospital. I spend
a lot of time and energy with the residents training and
teaching them. As I see them grow as professionals, I
think every minute with them is worth it. For those who
are young and dynamic, Asian Hospital and Medical
Center is the place to be.”
Dr. Elizabeth Anne Morales
Chairman
Department of Pediatrics
“I gave birth to my second child here at Asian Hospital in
2003. They really took good care of me. It was like home.
It was a very pleasurable and memorable experience.”
Dr. Aina Retizos Sales Diaz
Consultant
Department of OB & Gynecology
“I find that the Vision, Mission and Core Values of Asian
Hospital are parallel with what I believe in. It is an honor
and privilege for me to be a part of this prestigious
institution. One of the best moment I had here was when
I was appointed as Chairman of the Department of Dental
Medicine for almost ten years. My most unforgettable
moment was when I had this VIP patient, a military general,
who was scheduled for dental surgery. When I took his
blood pressure it was abnormally high. I immediately
referred him to a cardiologist. It was discovered that he
had four blocked coronary arteries and needed urgent
bypass. Within three hours, the bypass was done. That
saved his life. That was ten years ago, and until now the
patient is still alive and strong like a horse. He thanked
me for saving his life. I’m happy that Asian Hospital made
that happen.”
Dr. Hermogenes Villareal
Consultant
Department of Dental Medicine
5
“You walk everyday at Asian Hospital and you see all the
nursing staff smiling. It makes things right for the patients
and doctors. That’s something you can see consistently.
Also, Asian Hospital has the capacity to provide what you
need for distressed patients with pulmonary conditions. It
can address what you need in a snap of a finger.”
Dr. Nazario Macalintal
Consultant
Department of Medicine
“I heard there was a new hospital in Alabang, and it was
Asian Hospital, a big hospital with great facilities and
equipment. I went to Asian Hospital , and this has been my
home ever since. My dream then was to sub-specialize
and focus on joint replacement. Asian Hospital made that
happen. You need a hospital where the management and
the nursing staff are in sync with the doctors.”
Dr. Ilustre Guloy Jr.
Chairman
Department of Orthopedic Surgery
“What is memorable for me is seeing the faces of the patients
light up when they see the hospital. It is a world-class hospital
and you can see the big wow in their faces. If you want to be
the best, you have to work with the best. If you want to work
at the best, you have to be here at Asian Hospital.”
Dr. Rhoderick Tiongson
Consultant
Department of Emergency Medicine
“Here at Asian Hospital, the thing that strikes me most is
the gratitude, the sense of appreciation that patients show
us because of the services we provide them. It really hits
me a lot. The thing that makes Asian Hospital special is the
people that I work with.”
#My Asian Story of Our Patients
“I am happy that I have found my Asian Hospital Family
– from the doctors to the janitors to the security guards
– they were all very supportive. Looking back, if I have
made the wrong move of going to a different hospital, I
may be alive but I could have had a different outcome.
Now, I’m on my way to a stronger recovery.”
Mrs. Concepcion Ozores
Wife/Mother of 4
Businesswoman
Breast Cancer with
Bone Metastases Patient
Dr. Martin Eugene Luna
Consultant
Department of Emergency Medicine
“As I walk through the halls of Asian Hospital, I can’t help
but look back at the days when I was still a junior house
staff. Asian Hospital was my first hospital job and it was
very rewarding. I have learned from the best medical
practitioners, discovered how to relate to my patients
effectively and developed the spirit of team-work with other
hospital staff. Every day was a learning experience and I
will never be what I am now if not for my Asian Hospital
family. Whenever I look outside the windows of Asian
Hospital, I enjoy the rustic and serene environment. More
and more structures are being built around the hospital
and much has changed ever since. But I am glad that the
hospital where I am standing now remains fundamentally
strong. More than the structure and facilities, Asian Hospital
transformed in its culture of excellent medical care, safety
and impeccable service. At Asian Hospital, I am standing
over a rock that will always make me proud and confident
that it can take good care of me and my patients.
“I had several tests in another country but they couldn’t
determine what was wrong. At the Asian Cancer Institute,
I may have been diagnosed with cancer but I was relieved.
Now I’m getting the right treatment that I need.”
Mr. Jesse Tedphago
Husband/Father of 3
Retired US Army
Tonsilla-r Cancer Patient
My family here is the people I meet and work with every
day. They are and will always be family. Together, you
make things work. This is another thing that I value most
as a doctor here at Asian Hospital. There is respect and
professional treatment which make the work easier
and fulfilling. I pray that Asian Hospital will continue its
commitment to deliver the best care for our patients and
to continue to nurture the people striving to live-up to this
promise. As I wear my white coat, it is the seal of Asian
Hospital that is closest to my heart.”
Dr. Lemuel Del Rosario
Consultant
Department of Occupational and
Family Medicine
6
“I benefitted greatly from the creation of the Asian Cancer
Institute. As a doctor in Asian Hospital, I believe we have
the best nurses, system, and facility. As a patient, I love
the way they make me feel comfortable and emotionally
cared for as much as possible. Asian Hospital is my
home.“
Dr. Jocelyn Aromin
Wife/Mother/Pediatrician
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa journey ko. Akala ko, wala
nang pag-asa. Sinabi sa akin ni Dr. Cutillar, ‘Lagi mong
tatandaan: nagpapagamot ka, kaya’t gagaling ka.’
Binigyan nya ako ng hope.”
Mrs. Nobleza Reyes
Housewife/Former OFW
Breast Cancer Patient
Breast Cancer Patient
“My trust is with the doctors of the Asian Cancer Institute
because they were the ones who detected my cervical
cell carcinoma. Nagka-phobia na ako in other hospitals
dahil hindi nila nakita ang bukol sa cervix ko, even if I had
my regular check-ups during the time I was pregnant.”
Ms. Leilani Manaloto
Wife/Marketing Practitioner
Cervical Cancer Patient
“I meticulously looked at every angle when I was looking
for the right hospital for my cancer treatment. Nakakatuwa
na merong tinatawag ang Asian Cancer Institute na
Multidisciplinary Team Meeting at doon ko nakita kung
gaano ka-efficient ang sistema nila. Nalaman ko na hindi
naman pala ganun kamahal
Ang laking pasasalamat ko sa Panginoon because I am able
to afford the best services, facilities, doctors and staff from
one of the top cancer treatment hospitals in the country.”
Mr. Ricardo Garcia
Retired Plant Logistics Manager
Prostate Cancer Patient
We have heard their voices and stories. The voices merge and blend to form a grand, harmonious symphony of human
experience. This is My Asian Story, this is Our Asian Stories, our collective experience along the same journey. Although
clothed with personal uniqueness, every person that works or enters the hallowed halls of the Asian Hospital and
Medical Center can relate to those experiences. The essence of the stories is universal, the message is timeless. They
are tales of inspiration, portraits of human celebration.
There are many stories that remain untold and waiting to be told. In the coming days and years, there will be many
experiences yet to come. Here at Asian Hospital and Medical Center, we are ready to listen and embrace them all.
7
Little Coins In Our Pockets
The Essential Things for the Journey
By Noli B. Garcia
The little coins can make a difference in every man’s
journey. Some will doubt that, but many others who have
walked the long road can attest that seven little coins
inside the pocket will make every traveler ready to meet
any circumstance that comes along the way.
We don’t need those sparkling gold and silver mints—the
little coins are enough. We need the Coin of Common Sense
to distinguish the important from the trivial, the Coin of
Courage to face the unknown without blinking , the Coin
of Open-Mindedness to see things in a different light, the
Coin of Love and Service to rise above the material realm,
the Coin of Humor to make the load lighter, the Coin of
Infinite Possibilities to appreciate the mystery of human
experience, and the Coin of Hope so we can’t get lost.
As the little Coins jiggle in our pockets, we can listen to
the melody and share the music to those who are keen to
hear it. The melody is timeless; the music is universal. As
we listen, we shall be filled with the humble yet privileged
realization of what it means to be human—that amidst the
vastness of the universe, our little journey is truly special.
The Coin of Common Sense
Common Sense is our innate ability to learn from daily
experience. It carries the intrinsic principles on how to
live and act accordingly—what is important and relevant.
Common Sense is imbedded in us. We can always find it
whenever needed—it’s there inside our pockets.
The Coin of Courage
Courage is facing one’s limitations like a fighter who never
blinks. It means moving forward despite the humps and
bumps—battling physical calamities without relenting,
rising like a warrior against sickness or disability, walking
through an emotional storm with dignity, pursuing
one’s dreams despite the odds, standing firm with one’s
principles despite the heavy cost. Courage might not lead
to triumph, but it certainly magnifies one’s character.
varying degrees of sacrifice, not as a burden of duty but
as a choice. This willingness to give one’s self for the sake
of someone makes us transcend the realm of instincts.
With it, we are transformed and illuminated. To be given
as frequently as possible, the Coin of Love and Service can
be shared without the giver losing it. The Coin, like a seed,
must be sowed along the way.
The Coin of Humor
Of all the creatures on earth, only man has the ability to
laugh and create all the laughter in the world—so let it be.
Humor is our ability to laugh and create laughter. It can
lighten the load by letting us smile at our limitations and
vulnerabilities. When the load gets heavy, let the Coin of
Humor mingle with the other coins in our pockets. Let us
listen to their buoyant melody; let us move in synchrony
with their vibrant rhythm
The Coin of Infinite Possibilities
Beneath the surface lies a reservoir of secrets, a world of
hidden knowledge and possibilities. There are dimensions,
hidden from the senses, that defy the known laws of space
and time. The Coin of Infinite Possibilities is the yearning to
ask and search for answers that are hidden from common
view. We can toss the Coin in the wind. The Coin has wings
that can help us marvel at the awesome vastness yet to
be explored. Then, we can watch the Coin fall and roll on
the ground. The Coin leaves a trail leading to the mystical
gates of human possibilities.
The Coin of Hope
Hope is the ultimate anchor, unshakeable in all climes and
conditions. Hope is not the mere acceptance of our roles
in the universe; it is finding meaning in everything and
anything. Hope rejoices in the purposefulness of the human
experience. The Coin of Hope should always be in our
pockets. Without it, everything is lost and nothing matters.
The Coin of Open-Mindedness
Our Asian Journey, Our Big Little Stories
The big gap, separating a person from the other, is but a tiny
space inside one’s mind. The Coin of Open-Mindedness is
our willingness to respect others for what they are. Thus,
we seek what binds us rather than what differentiates us.
We put our feet into their shoes. Whenever we encounter
something or someone different, let us remember that
there is the Coin of Open-Mindedness inside our pockets.
The Coin has two sides, maybe even more.
Wherever the journey is, it is always handy to carry the
seven little coins inside our pockets—Common Sense,
Courage, Open-Mindedness, Love and Service, Humor,
Infinite Possibilities, and Hope. Here at the Asian Hospital
and Medical Center, we will need these essential little
things as we interact with our patients, customers, coworkers, doctors, and leaders. Certainly, our personal
and collective Asian stories will be more rewarding, more
meaningful, more memorable when we have these little
coins jiggling in our pockets. With these little coins in our
pockets, we can come to realize that amidst the vastness
of the universe, our little Asian journey is truly special.
The Coin of Love and Service
One can serve without loving, but one cannot love without
serving. Love is affirmed by a concrete act of genuine,
selfless service that expects nothing in return. Love entails
8
Asian Hospital’s 14th Anniversary Celebrations
By Jemah Cristobal
Another amazing year, another milestone in the Asian journey.
May 11, 2016 marked the 14th Anniversary of Asian Hospital
and Medical Center (AHMC). The celebrations started with a
thanksgiving mass as a show of gratitude for all the blessings
and success that Asian Hospital received.
Various activities were undertaken like the Training Fair
wherein workshops such as Eliminating Charting Errors and
Competency Validation were undertaken, Free Employee Flu
Vaccine was provided to all staff. The AHMC Merchandise
store was also inaugurated on the same day.
The Employee Recognition Program was held at the Palms
Country Club to recognize the employees who have rendered
loyal and dedicated service to the institution for five, ten, and
fifteen years. The Program also included the granting of the
Annual Service Excellence Awards for 2015 to Roiland Pachica
of Telemetry (Award for Clinical Staff) and Josephine Umali of
Admissions (Award for Non-Clinical Staff).
On May 12th and 13th, the most awaited AHMC Summer
Outing 2016 were held at the Splash Island Resort in Binan,
Laguna. The Mr. and Ms. Bikini Open 2016 winners were
Jivann Magtibay of Heart Station and Cinderella Beronilla of
POS for the 1st day and Mark Pizarra of POS and Quennie
Basong of Accounting for the 2nd day. The winners for Mr.
and Ms. Quality, who displayed their wit and confidence in
the Question & Answer portion, were John Caleb Quijano of
Radiology and Cinderella Beronilla of POS for the 1st day and
Gino Paolo Santos of Rehabilitation Medicine and Joiada Faith
Racaza of Clinical Nutrition for the 2nd day.
9
During the Anniversary Week, our employees and doctors
enjoyed discounts from our Corporate Friends such as S&R,
Smart, Manila Ocean Park, Skechers, Sperry and Keds.
10
A Memorable Night of Celebrating our Doctors’ #MyAsianStory
By: Pinky I. Demaisip
In celebration of Asian Hospital and Medical Center’s
(AHMC) 14th Year Anniversary, doctors were all gathered
for a special night of recognition and thanksgiving dubbed
as “Celebrating our Doctors’ #MyAsianStory”l ast June 2 at
the Palms Country Club in Filinvest, Alabang.
The event was AHMC’s way to showcase the camaraderie
of the doctors and also as an avenue to recognize their
outstanding achievements and selfless efforts in providing
the best medical care to all Asian Hospital patients for the
past fourteen years and beyond.
Dr. Maloy Calaquian of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Dr. Maria Theresa Ribaño of the Department of
Pediatrics, and Dr. Hazel Marie Tala-Sunico of the Department of Dental Medicine served as the main event hosts
for the evening, supported by our very own, Red Cabrera.
The night was also filled with memorable speeches
and ceremonial gestures commemorating the valuable
contribution and partnership the doctors have graciously
rendered Asian Hospital throughout the years, including
the Chief Strategic Officer Sharon Hernandez, Chief
Medical Officer Dr. Manuel Villegas, Chief Quality Officer
Dr. Jose Acuin, Chief Finance Officer Grace Abba, and last
but not the least, from the AHMC President and CEO Mr.
Andres M. Licaros, Jr. Asian Hospital Staff Association, Inc.
11
(AHPSAI) President Dr. Leonor Leonardo also gave a very
meaningful message on behalf of the AHPSAI community.
Truly Asian Department Challenge Category
Full camaraderie and teamwork was witnessed as battalions of doctors graced the event parading their department’s
chosen color and energetic chants. There were seventeen
(17) departments that participated: Anesthesiology, Dental
Medicine, Dermatology, Emergency Medicine, Medicine,
Neuroscience, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Occupational
and Family Medicine, Ophthalmology, Orthopedic Surgery,
Otorhinolaryngology, Pathology, Pediatrics, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Psychiatry, Radiology, and Surgery.
And the three Best ‘Truly Asian Departments’ who
exemplified that meaning of synergy and collaboration that
night were the Department of Pediatrics, Department of
Dental Medicine, and the Department of Ophthalmology.
#MyAsianStory Doctors Video World Premiere
Doctors were further honored that night with the world
premiere of the #MyAsianStory Doctors Video featuring
select doctors who have been with Asian Hospital since
its inception and have inspiring stories to tell their fellow
doctors of their journey. These are:
Awarding of Honorees
At the heart of the program, Asian Hospital honored
exemplary Teams of Doctors that have exhibited
immeasurable dedication to excellent quality in patient care.
These awards have been carefully considered, crafted and
dedicated to the doctors who have been one with Asian
Hospital’s over-all goal of providing value-based healthcare
that ultimately translates to providing better treatment
outcomes at the lowest appropriate cost of care to delight
every patient and their family.
II. Innovation Category
This is where teams are recognized for their introduction of
new technologies and programs.
* Dr. Corazon Ngelangel and the
Asian Cancer Institute Team
* Dr. Jorge Garcia and the Asian Thoracic
and Cardiovascular Surgery Group
These awards are:
I. Sustained Quality Programs Category
Raffle Prizes Galore and All-Out Jamming!
These are programs that have been put together to introduce
standardized, high quality levels of systems and processes
in the hospital to ensure the consistent delivery of quality
care to all our patients.
As the whole program was drizzled with raffle prizes, the
doctors jammed and partied the night away with G-sustained
Band starting off with song numbers from the Department
of Ophthalmology, Department of Neuroscience, and
Department of Pediatrics.
In recognition and appreciation of their contributions in
medical excellence for their establishment of sustained
quality programs in a timely management of medical
emergencies, six (6) departments were recognized:
*
*
*
*
*
Code Blue Team
Code Purple or Rapid Response Team
Infection Prevention and Control Committee
Medical Records Committee
Mother-Baby-Friendly Committee
12
Heart of Champions
2015 Annual Service Excellence Awardees
Roiland Pachica
It is with pride and joy that Critical Care Services – Telemetry
celebrated the announcement of their very own Roiland Pachica
who won the Annual Service Excellence Award for Clinical.
“Roi”, as he is fondly called, started his journey at AHMC on
April 5, 2010 as a Clinical Assistant. When asked what winning
the Service Excellence Award meant for him, he passionately
said, “I would like to thank Asian Hospital and my co-workers for
this achievement. Hindi po ako makapaniwala until now mula
nang araw na ipinagkaloob po sa akin ang Service Excellence
Award. Ang goal ko lang ay pumasok at pagbutihin ang work
ko. Salamat po sa tiwala at napansin ninyo ako. Nakakawala
po ng pagod! Nang matanggap ko po ang award ay bumalik
sa isipan ko kung paano ako nag-apply hanggang sa ngayon
na regular na ako. Natutuwa po ang lahat sa pagkapanalo ko.
I will remain loyal to Asian Hospital and Medical Center and be
more diligent in my daily activity as Clinical Assistant. I will also
walk an extra mile if needed. God Bless and More Power!”
Josephine Umali
Besides being a five-year service awardee, Josephine Umali
also known as “Joy” also bagged the Annual Service Excellence
Award for Non-Clinical. Joy started her journey at AHMC as an
Admission Staff on September 6, 2010 and then transferred
to Credit and Collections – Financial Counselor. Due to her
exemplary performance was promoted as Supervisor, OPD/
Registration (OIC) last April 1, 2016. When asked about her
Service Excellence experience, she said, “Being a recipient of
the “Annual Service Excellence Award”, I am really flattered and
overwhelmed, because my effort was recognized. I literally froze
when my name was called. And until now, I am still in awe with
this achievement, and I felt my heart is overflowing with such
happiness. I am earnestly grateful and extremely honored to be
receiving such an important award. I have encountered several
challenges along the way but it helped me to be the person I
am today. A professional who knows exactly what she wants,
a person who sets her focus on achieving her goals and most
importantly, to continue being an asset to the company and to
always give world class quality customer care to our clients “The
Asian Hospital Way”. Winning this award is not possible without
the inspirations and motivations from my Bosses and co-workers
for whom I have deepest respect and where I derived my strength
to challenge myself to always perform at my best and always
with a passion. Thank you for letting me reach the stage where I
can proudly hold up to this award as a mark of my achievement.
I will continue to deliver results for this institution. Again, thank
you very much. I continuously believe that “WE ARE WHAT WE
REPEATEDLY DO; therefore excellence is not an act but a habit”.
13
New Services
Stereotactic Radiation Therapy (SRT)
The Conquer C Center of the Asian Cancer Institute
(ACI) is now offering Stereotactic Radiation Therapy
(SRT) services.
It is also used for a number of benign (non cancerous)
brain tumors such as:
What is Stereotactic Radiation Therapy (SRT ) ?
• Meningiomas growing in the base of the skull
SRT is a specialized type of external radiation
therapy that precisely delivers focused radiation to
a tumor. It is best for very small tumors. Doctors
use specialized scans to pinpoint exactly where
within the body the tumor target is located. With
detailed imaging, computerized three-dimensional
treatment planning and precise treatment setup, radiation beams are delivered with extreme
accuracy. The entire treatment can be completed
in one to five days rather than over several weeks.
It is used to treat:
• Brain and other brain disorders
• Brain metastases
• Benign tumors of the inner ear (acoustic
neuromas).
• Vestibular schwannomas
• Pituitary adenomas
• Chordomas
What differentiates Stereotactic Radiation
Therapy (SRT) from conventional radiotherapy?
It is the precision by which radiation beams are
delivered. The end result is the delivery of high doses
of radiation with sub-millimeter accuracy. It is used
for smaller lesions (ideally less than 3cm) compared
to standard external beam radiotherapy. Stereotactic
radiotherapy treatment has fewer side effects than
the usual type of radiotherapy, mainly because the
area being treated is smaller and less normal tissue
is exposed to radiation.
• Small Lung Cancers
For more information and assistance, you may visit
the Conquer C Center, Lower Ground, Tower 2 at
Asian Hospital and Medical Center. You can contact
telephone numbers:
• Lung metastases
876-5842 or 771-9000 local 8041/ 3842
• Abnormal blood vessels in the brain
(arteriovenous malformations).
• Liver metastases
14
Quality Corner
Our Singapore Experience
JCI Updates Workshop
by Christopher Malorre E. Calaquian, MD
Last April 14, 2016, Asian Hospital and Medical Center sent its
delegates to participate in the “Joint Commission International’s
(JCI) Updates” held in the Marina Bay Sand Hotel of Singapore.
Yours truly together with our hospital staff from Nursing Division
(Ms. Leslie Bathan), from our Pathology & Laboratory Services
(their Manager, Ms. Marinel Iglesia), and from our Human
Resources Dept (Ms. Janice Gayrama), were all there the night
before the said seminar or workshop. It was a well-attended
two-day affair, by delegates from the different neighboring
Southeast Asian countries and South Asian countries, our sister
hospital Makati Medical Center, and Medical City Hospital as
well. Participation by the different hospital CEOs, their Quality
Officers, their Safety Officers, and other significant hospital
staff managers added to the meeting of minds and intellectual
interactions to have a better understanding of each and every
JCI standard.
It was a first for our hospital to send representatives who are not
from our own Quality Management Department, but people
who are in the battle front handling the rigors of daily contact
with patients of the hospital, who are our true customers.
The workshop itself was headed by Paul Reis (center right), their
JCI Director for International Education, Claudia Jorgenseen
(center left), their Director for Standards Development, and Dr.
Nathan Erteschnik (center), a highly experienced JCIA Surveyor.
The main workshop focused on the new standards of the
5th edition and their elements, mainly to address (1) new
biotechnology such as implants and devices, (2) the more
effective but more dangerous drugs being used nowadays, and
Getting Ready for Another Gold
15
(3) the emerging infectious diseases such as Ebola, MERS, and
Zika virus.
It also tackled on how to do “Root Cause Analysis”, how to
practice “Culture of Safety”, introduction of the “Clinical
Care Program Certification”, the sharpening of our “Tracer
Methodology Skills”, and a deeper view of “Sentinel Events”.
They have even given a glimpse of the upcoming JCIA Standard
6th edition (due on July 2017) wherein it gives emphasis on the
new age of “electronic medical records” and “telemedicine”.
Our incredible group of delegates would be more than willing to
echo, share and disseminate whatever we have learned to the
other departments and units of AHMC!!
16
AHMC Nurses’ Day
By Chit Fajardo
This year has been an exciting one for AHMC Nurses. The
National Nurses Day is celebrated annually on May 6th to raise
awareness of the important role of nurses in society in the
different parts of the world.
May 12th is the final day of National Nurses Week celebration,
and it is the birthday of Florence Nightingale (1820-1910). The
English nurse became known as the founder of professional
nursing, especially due to her pioneering work during the
Crimean War (1853-1856). Due to her habit of making rounds at
night, Nightingale became known as “The Lady with the Lamp”.
National Nurses Week was first observed in October 1954, the
100th anniversary of Nightingale’s mission to Crimea. May 6th
was introduced as the date for the observance in 1982.
Nurses are the frontline to evidence-based practice (EBP).
They look beyond the illness and disease. Every patient has a
personal human response to the situation. Nurses are there to
guide, comfort and support holistic care. The management is
honored to continue supporting the tremendous work you do
every day in our hospital.
Your work shapes how well we care for our patients and their
families and visitors, and continues to define our organization’s
culture and advances the professional practice of nursing for
our community and society.
But this year, Asian Hospital and Medical Center celebrated its
first Nurses Day last May 20, 2016. It was a fun filled occasion
as we honor our nurses for the dedication and efforts they
have shown to their patients. Nurses Day is a time to pause and
celebrate what nurses do every day to care for patients and
make the world a better and safer place. It is a great opportunity
for nurses to truly celebrate their vocation.
NURSES: THE ROCK STARS OF THE SHOW
By: Caren Jane “CJ” D. Junsay, R.N., Heart Station
“ASIAN Nurses Rock!” This describes how nurses do in their jobs at Asian Hospital and Medical Center. The
nurses who consistently perform best, shine the brightest were given recognition and awards during the Nurses’
Day on May 20, 2016.
With this wonderful event, we are very much grateful for the time and recognition given to us. It is not
everyday that we are appreciated but this one sweet day, we felt the beauty of giving care. We are even more
motivated to bring out the best in our colleagues by seeing the strengths in them and not their weaknesses.
We will make everyday a Nurses’ Day. That is to
continue to empower ourselves by becoming best
in our roles, improving our craft and keeping the
loyalty of all our patients whom we are indebted
to serve.
Nurses’ Day concluded with games that everybody
had the chance to enjoy with a lot of freebies
like shirts, umbrellas, pouches and little stuff
that nurses can bring to work and use everyday.
Nothing could be sweeter than having the best
stress-reliever, a good back rub from our dear blind
masseurs. With this winning treat, the massage
experience championed this year’s theme: “A pat
on the Back, Nurses Rock!”
17
Pat on the Back, Nurses Rock
By Leslie Batan
A Pat on the back, Nurses rock is the theme for our
Nurses Day. This is our time to honor and recognize
all the hard work and the tireless efforts of our nurses
on their daily quest to deliver the best care that our
patient deserves.
It is a day filled with activities to make our nurses
feel special and give them time to relax and enjoy the
exciting games prepared specially for them.
Nurses got the chance to spin their win to collect their
destined freebies.
Nothing beats a good massage treat. A few minutes of
relaxation is a heaven for our stressed out nurses.
To our Nurses who Share and Care,
You are amazing!
Going above and beyond the call of duty, our nursing team provides care, comfort & compassion. They are truly
the heartbeat of healthcare and we thank each and every member for making Asian Hospital and Medical Center a
healthcare provider like no other. Happy Nurses Day!
18
Reflections
The Way It Was, The Way It Is
My Asian Story
By : Aina Retizos – Sales Diaz, MD
Indeed all doctors of Asian Hospital has his/her own story
to tell as to what , when , why, how he/she landed in this
hospital. My story may be similar to the rest. As early as 2001,
I was part of this institution—as a young doctor who would
like to try her “luck” in a new hospital , then, run by foreigners.
I have witnessed Asian Hospital’s birthing pains. A different
system existed at that time ,when medical tourism was at its
infancy. Pregnancy and women’s cancer were not the priority.
It was the Cardiovascular Team that gained waves. Yet some
obstetric , gynecologic and oncologic patients preferred to
be treated in this institution. Asian Hospital was a hospital
in a five-star hotel set-up. This included a very spacious
lobby with a grand piano and cozy sofas. The small private
rooms could fit in three to five watchers comfortably—that
was equivalent to a presidential suite in the hospitals nearby
. The menus for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks included
2-3 choices in the entrée. The corridors were spacious and
well-lighted. The staff would greet you with a smile despite
a busy day. The patient’s chart was neither too thick nor too
thin. Good quality disposable linens were used as drapes.
Dale abdominal binders were utilized. The house staff and
the junior consultants who are our front - liners were very
professional . Those were the descriptions that can best be
recalled by Dr. George Garcia, Dr. Mila Torres, Dr. Pacita Lazaro,
and Dr. Sol Alvarez.
I became pregnant with my second child in 2003. Because of
the confidence we had in our previous hospital, my husband
and I decided to deliver our second child there. However,
labor progressed rapidly; we had no choice but to deliver him
in Asian Hospital. Indeed, we understood why patients decided
to go to Asian Hospital. We were given the utmost care
someone could ask for. Everybody made us comfortable . They
gave us an unforgettable and wonderful birthing experience,
a first- hand experience of what it is like to be a patient in
Asian Hospital. Trusting the system and the competence of the
well-trained staff, not to mention a different ambience, could
probably be the reason why patients keep on coming back,
despite the high cost of an admission.
A lot of changes have happened the past 15 years. Some
changes are exciting. But there are certain changes that need
to be more exciting. We have seen CEOs , CFOs and CMOs
come and go but we , the working force, the doctors, at least
most of us, are still here—hoping to see more meaningful
changes in our Asian Hospital Family. We are confident that
Asian Hospital remains committed to continuously enhance
the quality of its Patient Experience and bolster its reputation
as one of the premier hospitals in the country—a hospital with
global expertise and a staff that truly cares.
Dr. Aina Retizos-Sales Diaz
is a consultant OB-Gyne Oncologist at
Asian Hospital and Medical Center
19
The Cardiologist, OFW and Survival 101
By: Saturnino P. Javier, MD
Ours is a country where overseas Filipino workers (OFW) drive
the economy to stability and resiliency. Their remittances from
years of hard work in foreign lands propel the local economy to
withstand global events that can impact on the market much
more negatively.
The Filipino doctors’ clinics abound of OFW tales – stories of
motivated, ambitious, sometimes desperate Filipinos trying to
change the course of their lives by working elsewhere where
pastures are greener, dreams are bigger, rewards are greater.
Here at Asian Hospital, the four corners of my clinic have
been mute witnesses to genuine pitiable pleadings, pathetic
bargaining, occasional deceptive strategies, even fatalistic
posturing.
A cardiologist is usually called upon to assess a prospective
worker’s condition if he or she has any cardiac impairment that
may pose a threat to his well-being while working elsewhere.
In many cases, he provides the final go-signal allowing or
prohibiting the overseas worker from travelling and working
abroad. And that effectively puts the cardiologist at the
receiving end of pleas, tears, sobs, even subtle bribery.
This can be a tough call many times. For in the eyes of the OFW,
only the physician stands in the way of a life in the dreamy
state of California or the dizzyingly chaotic fast-paced existence
in New York. How can this heart doctor have the heart to be
the obstacle to a happier and more progressive life? How can
this doctor be a hindrance to a life away from galunggong and
kangkong, thus being viewed as the uncaring, uncooperative
and unyielding force that recklessly crushes a dream?
In reality, the cardiologist happens to be just doing his job of
ensuring that a worker is medically fit to travel and work abroad.
How can a well-meaning clinician let someone with severe
unstable coronary artery disease work as a seaman where the
physical demands of the job are made more challenging by
extremes of weather conditions while at sea? How can one let
an engineer undertake mining chores when one of his heart
valves shows severely defective coaptation, rendering him
breathless even with ordinary activities of daily life?
Personal safety takes the backseat for most breadwinners. For
many of us, Iraq is a war zone – or Iran is a danger zone. For
many of them, those are comfort zones – or treasure zones.
This middle-aged male engineer from the south so desperately
wanted to leave for Afghanistan (yes, the land of the Talibans)
that he had to borrow funds from relatives to undergo a
cardiac procedure that would allow him to get the clearance
that he so desperately wanted. In a casual conversation with
him one time in the clinic, I asked him if the peace and order
situation in Afghanistan did not make him think twice about
leaving. He casually remarked, as if on cue – “better unsafe but
with sure food on the table, rather than be seemingly safe in
this country but where one dies anyway from poverty.” I was
sorry I even asked. Who am I to even think that he has not
considered those thoughts? Who am I to even remotely doubt
the certainty of his decision, the passion of his conviction?
On many occasions, there are some pretty, relatively young,
but unschooled, Japan-bound province-bred girls who are
sent over by some agency physicians for evaluation of high
blood pressure, presumably because of stress or nervousness
when their blood pressures are being taken by a physician
(“white coat hypertension”). Before I can even lay my hand
on their arms to take their blood pressures, they will plead and
cry to clear them medically. Alternately giggling and fidgeting,
with tremulous hands, sweaty foreheads and quivering lips, I
can only imagine the pressure on them to have a normal blood
pressure.
I remember another middle-aged man from Bicol who wanted
me to conceal his abnormal cardiac findings just so his medical
examiner in the agency would finally grant him the permit
to leave and work abroad. Out of desperation perhaps, he
tucked three 1,000 peso bills under my palm to presumably
help him out of the situation. I would normally have turned
ballistic at the idea and would immediately have sent him out
of the clinic. But I saw the incident differently. Here was one
dreamcatcher (I call them such) who seemed to have clutched
on to this strategy as a last resort to ensure that I would allow
him to leave. I had ample dose of humour to make light of
the situation by telling him that bribing me would require a
lot more than three thousand pesos. In the end, I made him
realize that my findings were both for his protection and mine
– and bribery would not lead him anywhere. What a pleasant
surprise for him that I still gave him his clearance, and his
money back, simply because there was not enough medical
reason not to allow him to work.
In all storylines that involve OFW in the clinics of Filipino medical
professionals, the overwhelming message is an instructively
uplifting, though occasionally depressing, quest for survival.
Whether crying, begging, pleading, compromising, conceding
or outright lying, the Filipino worker can mirror the country at
its finest – and also its worst.
(For comments, [email protected])
Dr. Saturnino Javier
is a consultant Cardiologist ,
specializing in Interventional Cardiology
at the Asian Hospital and Medical
Center
20
Health Corner
State-of-the-Art Solution to Back Pain
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS) /
Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion
By : Dr. Larry Acuña
Back pain is a common condition affecting 80% of
adults at least once during their lifetime. It is the most
common reason of visits to a physician particularly to an
orthopedic specialist. Moreover, back pain is the most
common cause of work related disability. In conditions
where medical and physical therapy are no longer
effective, spine surgery is necessary.
Traditionally, spine surgery is done as “open surgery,”
meaning the area being operated on is opened with a
long incision to allow the surgeon to view and access the
anatomy. The traditional technique is to strip the muscles
from the bony attachments, free the nerve from the
compressing structures and apply spine instrumentation.
Stripping-off muscles causes more post-operative pain,
more blood loss and longer hospital stay.
But there is a better surgical way of solving Back Pain
problems. In recent years, a state-of-the-art procedure
called Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS) has
given patients a better option. Minimally invasive spine
surgery (MISS) uses advanced technology and innovative
techniques to treat back pain caused by a variety of
spinal disorders. The use of progressive tube dilators
enable to create an access to adequately free nerve
compression and application of spine instrumentation
without stripping the muscles.
Through computer-assisted technology and highly
specialized tools, minimally invasive spine surgery
(MISS) is an attractive option for patients who want a
quicker recovery after surgery, less post-operative pain,
and smaller incisions. Minimally invasive spine surgery
minimizes soft tissue damage (eg, muscles). MISS is a
less risky, less invasive option compared to traditional
open spine surgery.
The Asian Hospital & Medical Center has internationally
trained doctors who can perform Minimally invasive
spine surgery (MISS). The Hospital also has the most
advanced Image Guided Surgery Machine (Brainlab
Curve) with pedicle access system, which is used to
perform the state-of-the-art procedure. This Brainlab
Curve equipment offers more accurate placement
of pedicle screws, less exposure to radiation, faster
operation—which ultimately improves patient’s safety.
Treatment evolutions have improved outcomes
tremendously. Bringing back one’s life to its normal
condition is a challenge to medicine. Doing it with a
safe and faster recovery is even a greater challenge.
This challenge requires both technologically advanced
equipment and the expertise of doctors. Minimally
invasive spine surgery is a state of the art procedure,
which offers better outcome, less hospital stay, faster
recovery and earlier return to work.
In line with this commitment, the Asian Hospital &
Medical Center has been investing continuously on
state-of-the-art technologies that improve the quality of
life and enhance patient safety.
Dr. Larry Acuña
is an Orthopedic Surgeon, with
specialty in Spine Surgery, at Asian
Hospital and Medical Center
21
CSR Corner
Corporate Social Responsibility Updates
by: Kris Garcia- Yabes
February, being the heart month is a time to show our
love not only to those who are dear to us, likewise, to our
needy brothers and sisters. It was during this time when
Cavitex, one of our sister companies , opened the doors
to reach out to the community in Parañaque to provide
medical assistance to both the elders and children. A
total of 170 patients were seen by our resident doctors
from Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. Free medicines
were also provided to ensure of their recovery.
Last March, Asian Hospital and Medical Center (AHMC)
through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)celebrated
the International Women’s Month together with the
Gender and Development (GAD) and City Health Office
(CHO) of Muntinlupa. Free Clinical Breast Exams (CBE),
Pap Smear, spa, were some of the activities offered to
empower and honor women. We also extended the
celebration to select public schools and discussed about
cervical cancer and menopause to the teachers.
Free medical services to qualified indigent patients were
also provided by Asian Hospital. Three (3) patients with
different cases were served from January to May of this
year. They have different stories. Different experiences..
Different sentiments.. Different dreams.. But one
common purpose --To recover.. live longer.. and enjoy
life.. This is what AHMC and AHCI would like to give to
these impoverished patients:
*Robert, 37 years old, was suffering from End Stage Renal
Disease due to Glumerulonephritis for almost 10 years.
He had been undergoing dialysis since then and was
forced to resign from work due to his health condition.
Furthermore, Robert experienced severe headache
toward the last hour of his dialysis session. His mother, a
senior citizen, derives her income from being a part-time
meat vendor and sales agent as her side-line career just
to be able to earn money for his son’s medical needs. To
help reduce the pain and alleviate the enlargement of
the A/V shunt, a venogram was performed last February
18, 2016 by a team of specialists here at Asian Hospital.
*Philip, 22 years old, was suffering from Congenital
Heart Disease (VSD) discovered since he was 8 years old.
The family of 7 depended on their father who was a parttime laborer, earning a meager income and mother who
occasionally did laundry services to help support their
daily needs. To finally comfort and healing to Philip’s
condition, he underwent an open heart surgery last May
2, 2016 under a team spearheaded by Dr. Jorge Garcia,
Founding Chairman of AHMC and Division Head of
Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
*Abigail, an 8 year old girl suffering from Congenital
Heart Disease (PDA) became sickly and underweight in
spite of the healthy meals served to her. Her parents
decided to bring Abigail to the hospital on May 4,
2013 for consultation. After a series of diagnostic and
laboratory examinations, they found out that Abigail
has a Congenital Heart Disease. It was unexpected and
the family members were in dilemma on where to get
financial support for the needed surgery. Last May 28,
2016, Abigail finally underwent the procedure through
Dr. Jean Villareal, a Pediatric Cardiologist. She can
now play with her friends with liberty and enjoy her
childhood.
We are continuously finding ways on how to maximize
the assistance we can provide to the indigents. We
envision to undertake more activities that can make a
difference in the lives of the people we serve.
22
News and Events
Annual Stockholders’ Meeting
The Annual Stockholders’ Meeting of the Asian Hospital
Incorporated (AHI) was held on May 2, 2016 at the
Bellevue Hotel in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. Mr. Jose
Ma. K. Lim, Chairman of Asian Hospital Incorporated
and President/ CEO of the Metro Pacific Investments
Corporation (MPIC), presided over the meeting. The
event was also graced by Mr. Augusto Palisoc Jr. , MPIC
Hospital Group President and CEO, and the Board of
Directors of AHI.
Mr. Andres Licaros Jr., President and CEO of Asian Hospital
and Medical Center, presented the President’s Report for
2015 that focused on the following major points :
• Digitalization and Technology
• Staff Development Programs
• Integration of Services
Mr. Licaros cited the achievements of the institution in
2015 such as :
• Creation of the Asian Cancer Institute (ACI) that aims
to transform cancer care in the country by offering
global expertise in cancer care via the Multidiscplinary
Team (MDT) approach and serving patients with a
Filipino heart that comforts and heals.
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• Establishing the foundations of the new areas of
excellence such as the Neuroscience Institute and
the Cardiovascular Institute.
• Continuing training activities that resulted in skills
enhancement of the medical and clinical staff such
as Residency Programs, MAGNET, symposia, and the
like.
• Digitalization of the hospital information system with
active participation in HIMSS, expansion of Orion
health modules, and other technological upgrades.
• Enhanced Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
activities such as community service programs and
health education campaigns.
• Asian Hospital’s robust financial performance
in 2015, marked by strong income growth and
impressive bottom-line figures, was highlighted.
The event also marked the launch of the special campaign
called #My Asian Story which features inspiring personal
stories of the Asian Hospital’s doctors, staff, and patients.
News and Events
The Ateneo Master in Business Administration in Health (MBAH)
And Leadership Management Development Program (LMDP)
The Asian Hospital Management, in partnership with
Ateneo Graduate School of Business, offered the LMDP
Batch 2 and MBA-Health last February 2016. The courses
are open to our doctor-partners and AHMC Employees.
The Class Started last April 4, 2016 for the LMDP with
28 Students and for the MBAH with 26 Students which
started last April 11, 2016.
Both courses are held in the Hospital once a week from
5:00 pm to 9:30 pm.
AHMC Merchandise Store Launched
The merchandise store of
Asian Hospital and Medical
Center, in coordination with
the Asian Hospital Employees’
Multi-Purpose
Cooperative
was officially launched last
May 11. The objective of
the store is to showcase the
AHMC brand through various
merchandising materials used
by our employees, doctors,
guests, and loyal patients.
Portion of the sales will be
donated to the Asian Hospital
Charities, Inc.
Present during the ribbon
cutting ceremony were Chief
Strategy Officer, Ms. Sharon
Hernandez, Ancillary Services
Director, Dr. Shirard Adiviso,
and Chief Quality Officer Dr.
Jose Acuin. Dr. Acuin is also the
current President of the Asian
Hospital Charities, Inc.
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News & Events
Top Cancer Expert from Mayo Clinic Visits Asian Hospital
Dr. Axel Grothey, Professor of Oncology and Consultant at
Mayo Clinic Rochester, visited Asian Hospital and Medical
Center on March 4, 2016 and shared his expertise during the
Multidisciplinary Team Discussion of Colorectal Cases conducted
at the Asian Cancer Institute Meeting Rooms.
The participants included experts from various medical
disciplines—Asian Hospital’s
gastrointestinal consultants,
radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and other cancer
specialists. Also in attendance were medical oncology fellowsin-training from UP-PGH, Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center,
and the University of Santo Tomas.
Various cases were presented and the interchange of ideas from
the multidisciplinary group provided meaningful, productive
insights that could help guide and enhance the quality of care for
gastrointestinal cancer patients.
This Multidisciplinary Team Discussion of Colorectal Cases is
in line with Asian Hospital’s continuing skills enhancement
program for its medical staff.
Dr. Axel Grothey
Mayo Clinic
Maximum Skills. Minimal Risks
The Ancillary Skills Competency Validation (ASCV) 2016
By Maya Montemayor, RMT
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The ASCV 2016 kicked-off last May 10, 2016 with a commencement
program organized by Mr. Albert Henoguin, Associate Director
for Ancillary Services. Under the program, representatives from
the different departments presented plans to validate the skills
of each technical staff in their respective units, in compliance
with the SQE standards of the JCI 5th edition.
The awarding of the topnotchers of each department served
as the highlight of the event, as the whole Ancillary Group
recognized their exceptional performance by presenting
them with certificates and tokens. Keeping up with the fiestatheme of the program, the attendees enjoyed the savory
assortments of native delicacies.
The Ancillary Group held the culminating ceremony of the
ASCV program last June 3, 2016 at the Conference Facility Unit
1 & 2. The month-long activity culminated in a celebration
that was well-attended by Ancillary management and staff.
The program successfully validated the skills of all technical
staff. Likewise, it promoted teamwork and camaraderie
amongst all members of the Ancillary Group.
News & Events
The 2016 Most Distinguished Physician Award
Congratulations Dr. Corazon A. Ngelangel
Director of the Asian Cancer Institute
Dr. Corazon A. Ngelangel receives the 2016 PCP Most Distinguished Physician and PCP Exemplar in Healthcare
Advocacy Awards from PCP President M. Lopez and PCP Awards Chair I. Alejandro.
Dr. GONZALO F. AUSTRIA MEMORIAL (MOST
DISTINGUISHED PHYSICIAN) AWARD is the highest award
that can be given to a Fellow of the Philippine College
of Physicians in recognition of outstanding local and
international achievement (past or present) in three or
more of her/his roles as a practicing internist, researcher,
teacher, healthcare advocate or community developer
leading to the advancement of Internal Medicine as a
specialty. (Dr. GF Austria formed the Philippine College
of Physicians in 1952-53).
AHMC is honoured and salutes the distinguished Dr.
Gonzalo F. Austria Memorial Awardees within its medical
consultancy staff: Dr. Augusto D. Litonjua (1995), Dr.
Sol Z. Alvarez (1998), Dr. Thelma E. Tupasi (2006), Dr.
Clemente M. Amante (2007), Dr. Esperanza I. Cabral
(2013), Dr. Corazon A. Ngelangel (2016)
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