6 U.P. News: Folio of Winners
Nov-Dec 2012
Dr. Greg Pastorfide is UP Med’s Distinguished Alumnus 2012
Marine scientist leads ...
Photo from philstar.com
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Pastorfide
Philippine premier obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Gregorio Banzon Pastorfide has been named a Distinguished Alumnus awardee for 2012 by the UP Medical Alumni Society (UPMAS). The highest award that the UPMAS gives out yearly was presented to Pastorfide (UP College of Medicine, Class of ’67) in ceremonies held at Edsa Shangri-la Manila last December 20. The Distinguished Alumnus ward (previously called Outstanding Alumnus award) is given to an alumnus/ alumna “whose qualities of leadership, professionalism and dedication to quality care exemplify the high standards of conduct and ethical behavior in patient care embodied in the objectives of the College, envisioned by Hippocrates and epitomized by Galen.” Pastorfide hails from Balanga, Bataan where he was influenced by his mother, a nurse who delivered most of the babies in their town some 50 years ago. The young Greg accompanied his mother when she did her rounds, witnessing firsthand how happy couples are the moment a baby comes into their lives. The realization that such service gives so much to joy to people convinced him to pursue a career in obstetrics and gynecology. He was handpicked by this role model, renowned OB-Gyne Dr. Constantino
Manahan, also a recipient of an outstanding UP alumnus award two years before he died, to become one of the residents to train at the UP College of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology. Pastorfide pursued his residency in the US, beginning at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center in 1968 up to 1969, and next at Tufts University of Medicine at the New England Medical Center and St. Margaret’s Hospital. The year 1972 saw him as a research fellow of the Endocrine Research Group at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital – Harvard Medical School and a year later he was awarded a clinical fellowship at the Boston Lying-in Hospital - Harvard Medical School. In those six years abroad, Pastorfide apprenticed under the likes of world-renowned endocrinologist Dr. Melvin Taymor and trophoblastic expert Dr. Donald Goldstein. Pastorfide opted to return to the Philippines in 1974. His first job was at Cardinal Santos Medical Center where he eventually became Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for six years (1981-1986). He then practiced at the Makati Medical Center and joined the faculty staff of UP PGH, under the invitation of Dr. Manahan. By 1998, Pastorfide became its Academic Chairman in Obstetrics and Gynecology. It was during his page 8>
Former PGH resident ...
Photo courtesy of Dr. Datiles
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Datiles.
Datiles moved to the US in 1979 after finishing his ophthalmology residency, and went on to complete his basic and clinical cornea and cataract research fellowships at the NEI. He also completed his corneal and cataract surgical fellowship at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University. In 1983, Datiles became a primary cornea and cataract clinical research principal investigator. Datiles is recognized around the world for his expertise in cataract detection, measurement and monitoring, as well as the development and testing
of anti-cataract drugs. In addition to his research, Datiles, together with Dr. Rafat Ansari of NASA-John Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, co-developed a clinical dynamic light scattering device that detects pre-cataract lens protein changes caused by oxidative stress. Datiles is also section editor for Duane’s Clinical Ophthalmology textbook series, and has served as guest editor, editorial board member and reviewer for the Journal of Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, among others.
coastal developments, or building structures that could withstand high floods. “We have to examine our development. As a nation, we like to be near any body of water. If you ask any Filipino child to draw their dream house, it’s by the water. As the sea level continues to rise, we need to start developing away from the coastal areas. Leave them as open lands. Cultivate mangroves, coral reefs and sea grasses, so there’s protection from future storms.” David, who got her doctorate in oceanography from the University of South Carolina, represents the new breed of TOWNS awardees. In the past, the awardees were high-profile or recognizable names in traditional disciplines such as former Sen. Leticia Shahani for foreign service, columnist Rina David for women’s rights advocacy, broadcast journalist Cheche Lazaro, advertising executive Yoly Ong, Evelyn Singson for finance, Ces Drilon for media, ballerina Lisa Macuja for the arts, champion bowler Bong Coo for sports, Mona Valisno for education, and Lilia de Lima for law, to name a few. Not in the limelight
Recently, the awardees have been women in the sciences or male-dominated fields. “The direction is to spread the award to cover more people who are not usually recognized in their fields,” said Lorna Kapunan, secretary of the TOWNS Foundation Inc. “We are trying to recognize them because they are not in the limelight. We want to give them the limelight now. They deserve it.” Kapunan won the TOWNS award in 1995 for law. Although a corporate lawyer, Kapunan has handled pro bono cases, especially of battered women, written a primer on women’s rights, and dispensed advice on broadcast shows. She also sits on the board of the Red Cross, World Wildlife Fund, Ballet Philippines, Zonta Club, International Crescent for Red Cross, and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Kapunan has been in the spotlight for cases such as former President Arroyo’s plunder case, and for such clients as Aleli Morales-Arroyo and Rhian Ramos. “Lately, I’ve shifted from women’s rights to men’s rights,” she said. Asked about her good-looking clients such as athlete James Yap, endorser-entrepreneur Hayden Kho and actor Derek Ramsay, she remarked, “Hazards of the trade.” The recent awardee for alternative lawyering, solon Arlene Bag-Ao, was honored for championing grassroots organizations. She gained international exposure as the lead counsel of 1,700 Sumilao farmers fighting for their farmland in Bukidnon, against a large corporation. This year she was the only female member of the prosecution team in the impeachment trial against Chief Justice Renato Corona. Kapunan described the TOWNS awardee
The Manila-born ophthalmologist and researcher is the son of a New York surgeon who established a mission hospital in Zamboanga, and a school teacher. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree, cum laude, and Doctor of Medicine degree, also cum laude, from the University of Santo Tomas. He is married to Jacqueline Romero, with whom he has six children. When asked via email about his thoughts on receiving this prestigious professional award, Datiles expressed his gratitude to God for “my life, my beloved family, my vivacious and always resilient Filipino heritage” as well as the “opportunities, blessings and good models” he had throughout his life. He also expressed thankfulness toward his professors and mentors in both UP and the UST, “where I underwent world-
as “passionately crazy.” “The typical TOWNS awardee thinks out of the box and walks the extra mile.” In the past, the screening committee and judges have rejected nominees who, despite their media exposure, lacked a body of achievements with an impact on the society. The candidate must be between the ages 21 and 45. After 45, one has already been wellestablished in society, said Kapunan. In the last batch, Kara ConstantinoDavid was probably the only high-profile awardee, who was voted by her peers for her reportage and documentaries. The expansion of the fields beyond the mainstream discipline acknowledges the women’s entrepreneurial spirit. Recent winners have been trailblazers. Jo Enrica Enriquez, executive director for Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (Asia-Pacific), advocated the passage of the anti-trafficking law. At 25, Therese Fernandez, president of Rags2Riches, became the youngest TOWNS awardee. Her company recycled over 700 tons of scraps into fashionable lifestyle items which are sold overseas. Agriculture researcher Marissa Romero did a study on Rice for the Health Conscious, which addressed the need to improve the quality of rice and processing of fruits and vegetables for better nutrition. Another research specialist, Regina Alampay, made a study on Filipino work economics and how to make our culture work for the company and make it globally competitive. Carmela Lapitan, the first female urologic surgeon to be admitted as diplomate in the Philippine Board of Urology, advocated quality care for Filipinos suffering from urinary incontinence. Economic professor Stella Quimbo helped formulate the National Insurance Act which helped initiate the Philhealth program. Her studies backed up policies to make health insurance more accessible to Filipinos. Myla Villanueva, CEO of Novare Technologies and president of Global Telecom Women’s Network, not only pioneered in the infor mation and communication technolog y, but also mentored other women to become leaders in this field. Therese Badoy founded Rocking Society through Alternative Education, which inspired volunteerism among the youth. Burmese puppets
The launch of the search for TOWNS awardees also coincided with the inauguration of the collection of Burmese puppets and African dolls at the Museo Pambata, headed by Nina Yuson, another TOWNS awardee. (Source: http://lifestyle.inquirer. net/75520/the-new-breed-of-townsawardees-thinks-out-of-the-box-and-walksthe-extra-mile)
class training to become a physician and ophthalmologist like our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.” Finally, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be an instrument “to serve our sick and blind fellow men, and students and physician-colleagues who also strove to better themselves to in turn help more sick and blind patients.” Datiles advises UP students and fellow UP alumni to “promote meritocracy, where merit prevails. It is also important to be always inquisitive, like little children; to be optimistic of the future despite obstacles; to keep on striving for perfection; expect and apply one’s best effort always; and be confident that one will succeed in the end in whatever quest you choose with God’s help and guidance.”