03/03/2026
I belonged to the third batch of this new breed of doctors in pursuit of Dr. Bengzon's vision of the Atenean doctor -- a five star physician that not only excels as a clinician but is a public health advocate, a social catalyst, an effective educator and an efficient manager of health systems and organizations.
It was a gamble. It was new. We would get questions why we would take an MBA while pursuing a medical degree. More than a decade after finishing medical school, I noticed a surge of specialists taking masters in hospital or business administration not only because of its relevance but it is a way to fill that gap in social inequity. It demands a doctor to function as a steward in sustaining health systems, creating policies to ensure accessibility and availability of services and spearheading organizations way beyond the walls of the clinic.
My background in UPD taught me how to build from the ground up working closely with the community. It showed me how deeply rooted learned helplessness and medicancy is in our culture and how lazy, band-aid solutions will never end cycles of poverty because of massive corruption.
ASMPH taught me magis. It taught me to understand organizational systems from a management point. It taught me to devote my time to be of service to others as there was a sense of community far greater than all the letters after our names. There were pillars to look up to who were not only excellent clinicians but were selfless leaders who led with integrity and compassion.
Working in geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities and in both private and government hospitals in Benguet, Pangasinan, Northern Samar, Palawan and Quezon Province have broadened my understanding of what it is to be a physician. We have not closed that gap in social inequity yet (frustrating, yes but largely due to so many external factors beyond our control) but we will continue to be of service to others.
Dr. Bengzon and to all our dear mentors, you are a huge part of who we are today, why we do the things we do and why we still choose to stay. Sir, you have paved the way for so many of us and helped achieve our personal dreams and our hopes for this country.
Maraming, maraming salamat, Sir. Have a great adventure. 🙏
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Dr. Alfredo Rafael Antonio Bengzon, a distinguished physician, educator, public servant, and visionary leader who helped shape healthcare and public policy in the Philippines, and former President and CEO of The Medical City.
Dr. Bengzon devoted his life to improving the well-being of others. He served as Secretary of Health in the post-EDSA government, championing access to affordable medicine and advancing reforms that improved the lives of countless Filipinos. In the private sector, he was respected for his leadership and for elevating standards of patient care and medical excellence at TMC. He also played a key role in shaping future health professionals through his leadership in academia.
A recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service, Dr. Bengzon leaves a legacy defined by integrity, compassion, and service.
He will be deeply missed and remembered by all whose lives he touched.
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