Saving for Your Rainy Day: Why We Need to Invest in Mental Health | The Medical City

Saving for Your Rainy Day: Why We Need to Invest in Mental Health

By The Medical City (TMC), Ortigas | October 12, 2020

why invest in mental health

When we think of the word investment, it is often attached to an object of financial significance that we seek to protect for years to come. In particular, psychiatrist from The Medical Department of Psychiatry and Vice President of the Philippine Psychiatric Association (PPA), Dr. Luzviminda Katigbak says the most precious thing we need to invest in is not a tangible object; rather, it is our mental health.


When we see mental health depicted in popular media, it often features an anxious patient in the warm office of her psychiatrist, in a space far separated from the day-to-day world that one is used to. Several months into quarantine, however, the reality is much closer to one’s home than their mental health professional’s clinic, as many are forced to sequester themselves in isolation due to quarantine measures. As a result, mental illnesses are experiencing a meteoric rise during this quarantine. In response to this the World Mental Health Day, the World Health Organization, United for Global Mental Health, and the World Federation for Mental health have all begun calling for a global movement to invest in mental health.

Investing in mental health

When we think of the word investment, it is often attached to an object of financial significance that we seek to protect for years to come. In particular, psychiatrist from The Medical Department of Psychiatry and Vice President of the Philippine Psychiatric Association (PPA), Dr. Luzviminda Katigbak says the most precious thing we need to invest in is not a tangible object; rather, it is our mental health.

“When we say invest in mental health, the meaning of that is primary prevention. When we invest, it’s not about treatment or cure anymore. We invest so we can prevent mental health and disorders,” says Dr. Katigbak. Especially in such an uncertain time, many have slowly fallen into pits of despair as the period of uncertainty goes on, it is vital that professionals are more proactive than reactive in the ways that they treat mental illness.

According to Dr. Katigbak, the term investment allows for mental health to become a more manageable concept. “When we say invest, people put a high value on it. Investment has a return, just as taking care of your mental health does.” As one takes care of their mental health, one’s interactions with their family and work can increase and make them a productive member of society. By thus treating mental illnesses as something we can protect in the long run, we are able to prevent the onset of anxiety, depression, and other intense emotions.

This more proactive approach to mental health continues the momentum that the community has been experiencing prior to the pandemic in a much more tangible way. As information surrounding mental health becomes more widespread, individuals have been increasingly less likely to shrug off their problems, especially if they have no prior experience with mental illness.

The movement towards a better society

Like a broken leg or the flu, one’s state of mind can very much affect how they live their day-to-day existence, Dr. Katigbak reminds us. As the world remains in a pandemic, the limits and resilience of many have been tested, shaken, and overturn many times over. While depression and anxiety are normal responses to situations such as these, the length of time we have endured in this pandemic will most likely have a deeper impact on the mental health of many. As such, Dr. Katigbak proposes that we become more aggressive in how we talk about mental health issues.

While the information surrounding mental health is much better than it was a decade ago, many things still need to be done to spread more awareness. A commitment of many mental health care professionals has thus been to bring their advocacies to different seminars, workshops, and lectures which aim to teach others about the specifics of different ailments. By fitting these events into their schedules, Dr. Katigbak says health care professionals are able to take a much more proactive approach to mental health care

“While there is still definitely a gap, technology is on our side,” says Dr. Katigbak. In the past, traffic and travel were barriers for individuals to seek help from mental health professionals, one may now only need a gadget and internet connection to have access to proper care. This, according to Dr. Katigbak, has shown a significant increase in consultations and the spread of mental health awareness. This has been vital as there are many who still haven’t been able to seek help or are currently experiencing relapses.

What we can do

To manage one’s mental health, a general suggestion that Dr. Katigbak gives is to exercise as this increases what she calls “happy hormones”. This may be done regardless of one’s living conditions, as one need only be creative and innovative to do exercise routines. An example would be to climb your condo’s stairwells as a means to exercise. Another thing one can do is to take breaks and to breathe in between tasks when one stuck to their desks and computers. This can very much ease one’s mind from feeling overwhelmed amidst all the work that needs to be done.

Dr. Katigbak also mentions that while we may be physically isolated, we must not be socially detached. As such, we must try to connect with people or reach out to those who may need a connection. Examples of people who need this the most are the elderly. “It is incumbent of younger people to look after the mental health of older people,” says Dr. Katigbak as many older generations may not have immediate access to professional help in the same way young people do. Things the youth can do are to install apps in the gadgets of their grandparents or send them webinars that they can view.

By taking these proactive steps and educating others about what can be done to help one’s mental health, one can help both themselves and those around them. This pandemic has shown that mental health can be fragile especially in such a precarious time. These don’t need to be grand things, rather little everyday actions that can help us stay healthy in this pandemic, says Dr. Katigbak. By investing in mental health, we can prevent the onset of ailments and encourage a much healthier society.

-

This article was written by Alexandra Goño, writer/contributor to Rappler and Town and Country Philippines.



Share

facebook icon share twitter icon share linkedin icon share mail icon share icon

Saving for Your Rainy Day: Why We Need to Invest in Mental Health

By The Medical City (TMC), Ortigas

October 12, 2020


why invest in mental health
When we think of the word investment, it is often attached to an object of financial significance that we seek to protect for years to come. In particular, psychiatrist from The Medical Department of Psychiatry and Vice President of the Philippine Psychiatric Association (PPA), Dr. Luzviminda Katigbak says the most precious thing we need to invest in is not a tangible object; rather, it is our mental health.

When we see mental health depicted in popular media, it often features an anxious patient in the warm office of her psychiatrist, in a space far separated from the day-to-day world that one is used to. Several months into quarantine, however, the reality is much closer to one’s home than their mental health professional’s clinic, as many are forced to sequester themselves in isolation due to quarantine measures. As a result, mental illnesses are experiencing a meteoric rise during this quarantine. In response to this the World Mental Health Day, the World Health Organization, United for Global Mental Health, and the World Federation for Mental health have all begun calling for a global movement to invest in mental health.

Investing in mental health

When we think of the word investment, it is often attached to an object of financial significance that we seek to protect for years to come. In particular, psychiatrist from The Medical Department of Psychiatry and Vice President of the Philippine Psychiatric Association (PPA), Dr. Luzviminda Katigbak says the most precious thing we need to invest in is not a tangible object; rather, it is our mental health.

“When we say invest in mental health, the meaning of that is primary prevention. When we invest, it’s not about treatment or cure anymore. We invest so we can prevent mental health and disorders,” says Dr. Katigbak. Especially in such an uncertain time, many have slowly fallen into pits of despair as the period of uncertainty goes on, it is vital that professionals are more proactive than reactive in the ways that they treat mental illness.

According to Dr. Katigbak, the term investment allows for mental health to become a more manageable concept. “When we say invest, people put a high value on it. Investment has a return, just as taking care of your mental health does.” As one takes care of their mental health, one’s interactions with their family and work can increase and make them a productive member of society. By thus treating mental illnesses as something we can protect in the long run, we are able to prevent the onset of anxiety, depression, and other intense emotions.

This more proactive approach to mental health continues the momentum that the community has been experiencing prior to the pandemic in a much more tangible way. As information surrounding mental health becomes more widespread, individuals have been increasingly less likely to shrug off their problems, especially if they have no prior experience with mental illness.

The movement towards a better society

Like a broken leg or the flu, one’s state of mind can very much affect how they live their day-to-day existence, Dr. Katigbak reminds us. As the world remains in a pandemic, the limits and resilience of many have been tested, shaken, and overturn many times over. While depression and anxiety are normal responses to situations such as these, the length of time we have endured in this pandemic will most likely have a deeper impact on the mental health of many. As such, Dr. Katigbak proposes that we become more aggressive in how we talk about mental health issues.

While the information surrounding mental health is much better than it was a decade ago, many things still need to be done to spread more awareness. A commitment of many mental health care professionals has thus been to bring their advocacies to different seminars, workshops, and lectures which aim to teach others about the specifics of different ailments. By fitting these events into their schedules, Dr. Katigbak says health care professionals are able to take a much more proactive approach to mental health care

“While there is still definitely a gap, technology is on our side,” says Dr. Katigbak. In the past, traffic and travel were barriers for individuals to seek help from mental health professionals, one may now only need a gadget and internet connection to have access to proper care. This, according to Dr. Katigbak, has shown a significant increase in consultations and the spread of mental health awareness. This has been vital as there are many who still haven’t been able to seek help or are currently experiencing relapses.

What we can do

To manage one’s mental health, a general suggestion that Dr. Katigbak gives is to exercise as this increases what she calls “happy hormones”. This may be done regardless of one’s living conditions, as one need only be creative and innovative to do exercise routines. An example would be to climb your condo’s stairwells as a means to exercise. Another thing one can do is to take breaks and to breathe in between tasks when one stuck to their desks and computers. This can very much ease one’s mind from feeling overwhelmed amidst all the work that needs to be done.

Dr. Katigbak also mentions that while we may be physically isolated, we must not be socially detached. As such, we must try to connect with people or reach out to those who may need a connection. Examples of people who need this the most are the elderly. “It is incumbent of younger people to look after the mental health of older people,” says Dr. Katigbak as many older generations may not have immediate access to professional help in the same way young people do. Things the youth can do are to install apps in the gadgets of their grandparents or send them webinars that they can view.

By taking these proactive steps and educating others about what can be done to help one’s mental health, one can help both themselves and those around them. This pandemic has shown that mental health can be fragile especially in such a precarious time. These don’t need to be grand things, rather little everyday actions that can help us stay healthy in this pandemic, says Dr. Katigbak. By investing in mental health, we can prevent the onset of ailments and encourage a much healthier society.

-

This article was written by Alexandra Goño, writer/contributor to Rappler and Town and Country Philippines.


Share

facebook icon share twitter icon share linkedin icon share mail icon share icon

Related News

February 13, 2024

Wound Care Summit 2023: Pioneering Excellence in Enterprise Healthcare

1st Enterprise The inaugural Medical City 1st Enterprise Wound Care Summit was a resounding success, marking a significant milestone in the continuous advancement of wound care knowledge and practices. Hosted on December 16, 2023, with meticulous planning and executed with precision, the summit brought together leading experts, healthcare professionals, and enthusiasts from various disciplines to exchange ideas, share experiences, and delve into the latest developments in the field.

At the heart of the summit was the enlightening keynote address delivered by Dato Professor Harikrishna R. Nair, the esteemed President-Elect, Wound Union of Wound Healing Societies. His insightful presentation not only set the tone for the event but also inspired attendees to explore new horizons and push the boundaries of conventional wound care practices.                     

"International wound care is a mosaic of best practices, woven together by the threads of experience from healers worldwide." Dato Harikrishna says.  

The summit's first segment was dedicated to engaging lectures and didactics, where speakers like Rhyan Hitalla, Jason Roxas, Joseph Imperial, and Vanessa Segui captivated the audience with their expertise and diverse perspectives. Hitalla's discourse on establishing a wound care center provided invaluable insights for those looking to venture into this specialized field, while Roxas' exploration of Lymphedema Therapy shed light on a crucial aspect of wound management often overlooked. Imperial's discussion on Stomas Markings and Planning and Segui's unique take on the Time Concept from a nurse's viewpoint added depth and richness to the discourse, sparking lively discussions and igniting new ideas.           

The subsequent workshops were a hands-on opportunity for participants to hone their practical skills and deepen their understanding of essential wound care techniques. From mastering Ostomy Pouching Techniques to delving into the intricacies of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) and mastering Bandaging and Compression Therapies, the workshops provided a platform for participants to interact with expert facilitators, share best practices, and learn from real-world scenarios.

One of the summit's most remarkable aspects was the active participation of TMC subsidiaries and network hospitals from South Luzon, Pangasinan and Ilo-ilo, underscoring the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange within the medical community. The summit served as a catalyst for forging new partnerships, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and leveraging collective expertise to tackle the complex challenges of wound care. 

Dr. Marco Fulvio Abad, Clinical Director of TMC Wound Care Center delivered his closing remarks: “Let this summit be a catalyst for sustained collaboration, ensuring that the knowledge shared here today continues to ripple across our healthcare landscape”.

In essence, The Medical City 1st Enterprise Wound Care Summit was more than just a gathering of professionals; it was a testament to the unwavering commitment of the healthcare community to push the boundaries of excellence and innovation in wound care. By facilitating dialogue, sharing knowledge, and promoting continuous learning, the summit laid the groundwork for a brighter future where patients receive the highest standard of care, and healthcare professionals are empowered to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those they serve.

Read more

January 29, 2024

Unveil a New You with The Medical City's Exclusive Rhinoplasty Promo - Limited Time Offer!

We at The Medical City understand that confidence comes when you feel great about how you look. That’s why we’re excited to offer you a transformative experience with our exclusive Rhinoplasty promotion. For a limited time, redefine your profile and enhance your natural beauty for only ₱75,000—this is your chance to save while achieving the look you've always wanted.

Why Choose Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, is not just about enhancing your appearance. It's about bringing symmetry to your face and sometimes even improving breathing issues. Our board-certified surgeons use the latest techniques to ensure a natural and harmonious outcome that complements your unique facial features.

What's Included?

  • Special Promo Price: Get your Rhinoplasty for only ₱75,000! It's a significant saving from the regular price of ₱99,000.
  • Free Consultation: Every second week of the month, we offer a free consultation. Discuss your goals and concerns with our experts and get personalized advice without any commitment.
  • Expert Care: Our experienced surgeons and state-of-the-art facilities ensure you receive top-notch care from start to finish.

How to Secure Your Schedule?

Ready to take the next step? Filling out our simple booking form embedded on this page will set you on the path to your new look. Our patient coordinators will get in touch to schedule your free consultation and discuss all the details.

Promo Details

  • This promotional offer is exclusively available at The Medical City Ortigas - Wellness and Aesthetics Institute.
  • The package rate of Php 75,000 covers the outpatient hospital bill and the professional fee of the attending doctor.
  • The procedure, augmentation rhinoplasty with silicone implant, will be performed under local anesthesia. Gore-tex implant and additional rhinoplasty procedures, such as but not limited to, alar plasty, tip plasty, may be requested but will be subject to additional costs.
  • A downpayment of Php 10,000 is required upon securing a schedule for the rhinoplasty operation.
  • The surgery must be scheduled Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
  • The promotional offer is valid for a duration of 3 months, from February 1 to April 30, 2024.
  • Free consultations with TMC Aesthetics Surgeons are available on the following dates:
    • February 5 to 10, 2024
    • March 4 to 9, 2024
    • April 8 to 13, 2024
  • Outside the specified dates, patients may opt for a consultation with TMC Aesthetics Surgeons at a rate of Php 1,500.
  • Patients are encouraged to schedule a consultation appointment to avoid waiting. This can be done through the following contact information: 89881000 ext. 6576 or 6586 or tmc_wcl@themedicalcity.com or +63 9453393555.
  • By availing the TMC Rhinoplasty Package, patients agree to allow The Medical City to use before-and-after photos for marketing and promotional purposes. Any use of these photos will be done with respect to patient privacy and confidentiality.
  • Patients with comorbidities requiring medical clearances, diagnostic tests and medicines may be subject to additional costs.
  • This promo cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount.
  • In the purchase of goods and services which are on promotional discount, the senior citizen or PWD can avail of the promotional discount or the discount provided under the Expanded Senior Citizen Act of 2010/An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability, whichever is higher.

  • Duration: This promo runs from February 1 to April 30, 2024.
  • Permit: We're fully authorized to offer this promotion, as evidenced by our DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-185131, series of 2024.

Don’t miss this opportunity to achieve the aesthetic you desire with affordability and expert care you can trust. Book your free consultation today!

Use the hashtag #TMCRhinoplastyPromo to share your journey and connect with others taking this exciting step!

Read more

January 18, 2024

The Medical City Breaks New Ground with the Inaugural Philippine Thyroid Ablation Congress and Workshop

In a momentous stride forward in the realm of endocrinology and thyroid care, The Medical City hosted its inaugural Thyroid Ablation Congress and Workshop on October 21 and 22. This pioneering event, held at the Center for Advanced Skills, Simulation and Training Innovation (CASSTI) Room, lower ground floor of The Medical City, brought together medical professionals from diverse disciplines to explore the intricacies of thyroid ablation techniques, fostering the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and experiences that promise to revolutionize the landscape of thyroid treatments.

The workshop united leading experts, seasoned practitioners, and emerging professionals as this activity stimulated further research and innovation in microwave ablation, encouraging participants to explore and contribute to the ongoing development of this medical technique. Attendees were immersed in a series of enlightening lectures, hands-on demonstrations, and interactive panel discussions. The focus extended beyond theoretical comprehension, emphasizing the practical application of innovative ablation procedures to ensure participants gained a holistic understanding of the topic.

Dr. Rainer Lutanco, a Thyroid Surgeon of The Medical City and key organizer, underscored the workshop's significance in advancing medical practices. "Thyroid disorders impact millions worldwide. Exploring advanced ablation techniques is crucial for enhancing patient outcomes, reducing discomfort, and ensuring quicker recovery," Dr. Lutangco said.

A pivotal aspect of the workshop was the live demonstration and hands-on sessions, enabling participants to witness experts perform thyroid ablation procedures using the latest technologies, including ECOBaseMed. This immersive experience provided invaluable insights into the techniques, empowering attendees with practical skills essential for their day-to-day clinical practices.

Beyond technical aspects, the workshop nurtured a spirit of collaboration and camaraderie. Networking opportunities allowed participants to exchange ideas, share case studies, and establish professional connections, setting the stage for future collaborations and research endeavors.

The success of the event is attributed not only to the expertise of the organizers and presenters but also to the state-of-the-art facilities provided by The Medical City. Participants lauded the hospital's commitment to advancing medical education and research, recognizing the profound impact such initiatives have on improving patient care and treatment outcomes.

The success of The Medical City's inaugural Thyroid Ablation Congress and Workshop not only marks a significant achievement for the hospital but also establishes a high standard for future medical education initiatives, ensuring continuous advancements in medical practices and techniques for the benefit of patient care.

To learn more about Microwave Ablation, contact The Medical City Surgery Suite at 8988-1000 local 6274/6276.

Read more

January 12, 2024

Transformative Care Delivered: The Compassionate Impact of The Medical City's Wound Care on Wheels

In a pioneering move towards compassionate healthcare, The Medical City presents Wound Care on Wheels. An innovative program that delivers essential medical treatment directly to the homes of individuals dealing with chronic wounds and ostomy complications.

The Medical City’s Wound Care Center was established to cater to the increasing number of patients with stoma and wound problems, staffed by highly competent nurses who specialize and are well-trained in the field of stoma and wound care.

Offering a convenient and personalized approach, TMC Wound Care on Wheels ensures continuous monitoring, promoting healing, and extending comfort beyond the traditional hospital setting. The program's overarching goals include providing comprehensive care at home that is closely monitored by the doctor-in-charge and ultimately enhancing the overall quality of life for patients.


Wound Care on Wheels provides comprehensive assistance to individuals of all ages dealing with chronic wounds and ostomy complications requiring multidisciplinary care. This includes vascular catheter care, management of neoplastic wounds, stoma counseling and education, stoma distal feeding and irrigation, as well as foot and nail care for diabetic patients as part of preventive care. The program is specifically tailored for patients who encounter difficulties in traveling to the hospital. Through a meticulous selection process, patients are chosen based on criteria such as the need for continuous monitoring, personalized attention, and the comfort of receiving care in the familiar environment of their homes.

Dr. Marco Jose Fulvio Abad, the champion of the Wound Care on Wheels program and the esteemed Medical Director of TMC Wound Care Center, has been instrumental in guiding the program toward success. His pivotal role involves overseeing its impactful contributions to transforming lives, facilitating the healing of wounds, and uplifting spirits.


"We've seen lives transformed, wounds healed, and spirits lifted. The gratitude we receive from our patients is our greatest motivation" states Dr. Abad.


With more than a thousand patient visits this year, the program has undeniably transformed lives, healing wounds, lifting spirits, and leaving a lasting impact. Isabelita, an ostomy patient, shares, "The convenience of care brought to my doorstep by The Medical City Wound Care on Wheels has been a game-changer. They didn't just heal my wounds; they mended the inconvenience, making recovery a journey of comfort and compassion."



"Wound Care on Wheels was born out of our shared vision to make healthcare accessible and convenient, especially for the patients who often find it challenging to travel for medical treatments" Rhyan Hitalla, the TMC Wound Care Center Business Manager added..

As The Medical City Wound Care Center sets sail on this ambitious journey of expansion, it does so with a commitment to pioneering advancements in wound care, fostering community health, and ultimately, making a positive impact on the lives of those it serves. The horizon is broad, and the direction is clear – towards a future of healing, innovation, and inclusivity.


For more information, contact The Medical City Wound Care Center at 8988-1000 local 6671/3313.

Read more

December 22, 2023

Serenade of Healing: The Medical City's Compassionate Symphony in Stroke Care Excellence

In the delicate realm of healthcare, stroke emerges as an unexpected and pressing concern for many Filipinos. With nine out of a thousand people grappling with this medical emergency, it stands as a leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death in the Philippines. In response to this urgent need, The Medical City has woven a tapestry of compassion, collaboration, and expertise to redefine stroke care, setting new standards in global healthcare delivery.

The recent accolade of a prestigious 5-star rating for Mechanical Thrombectomy by the Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology (SVIN) in their Mission Thrombectomy 2020+ campaign propels The Medical City into a new echelon of life-saving endeavors. Mechanical Thrombectomy, a minimally invasive emergency procedure, has now become the gold standard for addressing moderate to severe strokes, involving the extraction of blood clots to restore blood flow and mitigate brain damage. This groundbreaking 5-star rating not only signifies a pivotal achievement in stroke care but also mirrors The Medical City's unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and continual advancement in addressing the dynamic healthcare needs of its patients.


Time is of the Essence: A Symphony of Swift Response

In the orchestration of stroke care, The Medical City understands the profound impact of time. The symphony begins with the recognition of early stroke symptoms: the subtle drooping of a face, the poignant weakness on one side, the slurred speech that demands attention, the imbalance that shifts life's equilibrium, and the doubling of vision that signals a silent emergency. With a heart tuned to the urgency of the moment, The Medical City's team acts swiftly, understanding that time is a precious melody in the composition of stroke care.



Mechanical Thrombectomy: A Compassionate Revolution

The pulse of The Medical City's stroke care resonates with the revolutionary strides taken through the launch of its Endovascular Thrombectomy (EVT) program in September 2018. This transformative initiative underscores a dedication to broadening acute stroke interventions and reshaping the landscape of stroke care in the Philippines. In the subsequent three years, The Medical City witnessed a consistent uptick in the adoption of EVT, benefiting 31 patients from September 2018 to August 2021. Notably, the medical team achieved an admirable success rate of 92.3% in restoring blood flow for the majority of these individuals.


Team Spirit: The Soulful Harmony of Expertise

The compassionate ethos of The Medical City resonates in the harmonious collaboration of its multidisciplinary team. Operating as a symphony of care, the hospital boasts a 24/7 service encompassing patient assessment, triage, team activation, transport, and case preparation. The Brain Attack Team, composed of neurologists, neuro-interventionalists, neurosurgeons, and stroke nurses, embodies a collective commitment to delivering global standards of care. This model extends its healing touch to The Medical City's Clark, South Luzon, and Iloilo facilities, radiating compassion across diverse communities.

Dr. Erwin Jocson, Interventional Neuroradiologist, emphasizes the importance of choosing the right hospital for stroke care, stating, "the nearest hospital may not always be the right hospital." Every note played by The Medical City's Brain Attack Team, under his guidance, has orchestrated successful outcomes, turning potentially devastating strokes into stories of triumph.


Patient-Centric Care: A Symphony of Compassion

In the narrative of stroke care, Dr. Joann Soliven, Acute Stroke Unit Specialist at The Medical City, underscores the increasing frequency of stroke cases, even among the younger population. A compassionate call echoes through her words: "We must be more vigilant in promoting stroke awareness in the community." This call extends beyond awareness to a collaborative spirit, reaching other hospitals like Quirino Memorial Medical Center and Veterans Memorial Medical Center. Together, they form a network ensuring the swift transfer of stroke patients to specialized facilities, providing access to life-saving interventions regardless of financial means.


The Heartbeat of Dedication: Every Neurocritical Care Specialist Matters

In the heart of The Medical City's dedicated network, every neurocritical care specialist is a crucial note in the symphony of care. The Level 1 NeuroICU doesn't just represent a designation; it symbolizes a commitment to a complete and structured delivery of advanced modalities. From clot-buster medications to clot-retrieval procedures, emergent neurosurgical interventions, and robust neurocritical care, each note played is a melody of hope for stroke patients.

As The Medical City pioneers advanced stroke care in the Philippines, it does so with a dedicated heartbeat. The dedicated network, the collaborative spirit, and the commitment to delivering global standards of care resonate in every note played by the multidisciplinary team. Beyond medical excellence, The Medical City adds a cherry on top of the cake—excellent patient experience. In this symphony of dedication, patients are not just recipients of care; they are the heartbeats, the rhythms, and the stories of triumph that echo through the halls of The Medical City, defining a new era in stroke care and embodying the true essence of healing.

To know more about TMC's 5-star stroke care, visit tmcph.co/5StarStrokeCare.



Read more

December 15, 2023

Revolutionizing thyroid management through Radiofrequency Ablation for thyroid nodules

Ortigas – On December 12, 2023 the team of Ears Nose Throat-Head and Neck Surgeons, composed of Dr. Ruby Robles-Lee, Dr. Mary Harmony Florentino-Que, Dr. Ma. Victoria Pascual and Dr. Maria Karen Alcantara-Capuz of The Medical City ENT Head and Neck Institute, performed their first Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) of thyroid nodules. The Medical City is one of the few healthcare institutions in the Philippines that offer the procedure.

Radiofrequency ablation of thyroid nodules, pioneered by South Korean Professor Jung Hwan Baek, is an innovative, minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that uses friction heat delivered through a thin needle to shrink benign thyroid nodules from the inside. This procedure preserves healthy thyroid tissue, allowing the thyroid to function normally without the patient’s need for lifetime medication.

The TMC ENT RFA Team (Drs. Robles-Lee, Florentino-Que, Pascual, and Alcantara-Capuz) had their training in South Korea early this year under the tutelage of the inventor himself, making TMC one of the pioneer institutes in the Philippines to offer the service that is performed by doctors trained under Professor Baek.

The 54-year-old male patient had a benign thyroid nodule by biopsy and disclosed bothersome symptoms of pressure and bulge in the neck in May of 2023. He was then referred for RFA. The procedure was performed in about an hour. During the procedure, the patient felt minimal discomfort and could speak and move about his day immediately.

“When I was recommended the RFA procedure, I was excited that an alternative procedure besides surgery is now available.” says the patient.

Aside from no pain and less downtime to recover, the procedure is done on an outpatient arrangement, under local anesthesia, providing a scarless alternative to select patients bothered by the appearance and discomfort of a thyroid lump.

For select patients with thyroid lumps who are apprehensive about going under the knife, radiofrequency ablation for thyroid nodules is an advantageous and safe choice to consider. With The Medical City ENT Head and Neck Institute offering this service, more opportunities are open for people to have control of their thyroid health. For inquiries about Radiofrequency Ablation for thyroid nodules or if you would like to contact our TMC ENT RFA team, you may call the institute at (02) 8988-1000 or 8988-7000 ext. 6251 / 6465.


A group of nurses in a hospital room  Description automatically generated

From left to right: Drs. Mary Harmony Florentino-Que, Maria Karen Alcantara-Capuz, Ma. Victoria Pascual, and Ruby Robles-Lee

A group of doctors in a operating room  Description automatically generated

Dr. Maria Karen Alcantara-Capuz viewing the ultrasound for guidance during the radiofrequency ablation procedure on the thyroid nodule

Read more

December 12, 2023

Beyond One Size Fits All: Premier Philippine Hospital Uses Multi-OMICs Platform to Deliver Precision Patient Wellness Intervention to Living Healthy

In the dynamic realm of healthcare, we've transcended the era of generic solutions. The spotlight now gleams on an era of excitement—personalized, customized, and bespoke care. But amidst this thrilling progress, the real thrill lies in transforming lofty promises into tangible outcomes. Embarking on a quest for genuine personalization, The Medical City takes an exhilarating dive into the intricate details of life's blueprint—the very essence of our DNA.

Nestled within the Wellness and Aesthetics Institute, The Wellness Longevity Program is not just a program; it's a symphony of cutting-edge medical science and research. It elegantly weaves together precision medicine, lifestyle interventions, and proactive health strategies to craft a bespoke treatment approach. Here, the magic happens: delivering the right treatment, to the right patients, at the right time. Get ready for a healthcare journey that's as thrilling as it is transformative!


Delivering the right treatment for the right patient at the right time

Through Precision Medicine, experts can unlock the potential of our DNA to tailor patient healthcare, making medical decisions that truly align with each individual's needs. Under the umbrella of precision medicine are biological age testing, pharmacogenomics, and nutrigenetics.

Biological Age Testing 

Step into a world where your well-being is decoded, not by mere years but by the vibrant tapestry of your biological age. Imagine a tool that unveils the secrets of your body's inner workings, guiding you towards a lifestyle that resonates with vitality and longevity. Biological Age Testing is not just a diagnostic marvel; it's the compass that empowers your journey to a healthier you. With every result, it whispers insights into your body's unique rhythm, encouraging choices that sync with your biological essence. It's not just a test; it's the key to unlocking a vibrant, energized, and resilient life—a life where every heartbeat echoes the symphony of well-lived years. Embrace the future of health, where understanding your biological age becomes the catalyst for a lifestyle that's not just lived but celebrated.

Pharmacogenomics 

Embark on a revolutionary journey where your unique genetic code becomes the compass to personalized well-being. No more trial-and-error hassles or wasted time and money on generic prescriptions. Picture this: a cutting-edge analysis of your genetic makeup, unveiling a tailored roadmap for medications. Empower yourself with the knowledge to reducing unnecessary side effects, and welcome a health odyssey where every prescription is as unique as your DNA. It's not just about medicine; it's about precision, efficiency, and a breakthrough approach that transforms your healthcare experience. Get ready for a future where your genes steer the course to optimal health, sparing you the pitfalls of polypharmacy, and infusing your wellness journey with excitement and precision.

Nutrigenetics

Get ready to revolutionize your health journey with the magic of Nutrigenetics! Say goodbye to generic diets and hello to a personalized nutrition experience crafted just for you. Imagine a world where your genetic profile is the compass, guiding you to optimal well-being. Whether you're battling weight concerns, managing chronic conditions, or simply aiming for peak health, this service is your game-changer. It's not just about what you eat; it's about what YOUR genes crave for ultimate vitality. Brace yourself for a culinary adventure tailored to your DNA—where every bite is a step toward your healthiest, happiest self! Nutrigenetics: because your unique code deserves a menu as extraordinary as you are!


Journey to Longevity: Integration of Lifestyle Intervention, Preventive Health and Precision Medicine

But it does not stop there. Under the expert guidance of TMC-WAI, this all-encompassing program not only incorporates lifestyle interventions but also encourages patients to embrace preventive health-seeking behaviors, ensuring a holistic approach to fostering a longer and healthier life.

Dr. Kathrina Bundalian, a Lifestyle Medicine specialist and Head of the Preventive Health Section at WAI, emphasizes that “making positive choices in lifestyle, such as getting good sleep, staying connected, and keeping an active lifestyle, along with taking preventive steps like regular check-ups, adds an extra layer, boosting the chances of a longer health span.”

The preventive, predictive, and precise treatments all encapsulated in the Wellness Longevity Program are essential tools for achieving longevity. Whether you aspire to lead a longer and healthier life for the sake of your loved ones or to fulfill your life's purpose, it all hinges on the decisions you make today. Are you ready to navigate your wellness longevity journey? Reach out to The Medical City Wellness and Aesthetics Institute at 8988-1000/7000 loc. 6386/6579.


Read more

September 05, 2023

Precision, Safety, and Innovation: A New Chapter in Spine Surgery at The Medical City

Pasig City – In the relentless pursuit of seamless surgical advancements, The Medical City (TMC) made history on August 12, 2022, by acquiring the O-arm Imaging and StealthStation Navigation systems. This major leap marks a significant shift in the landscape of spine surgery in the country. The integration of the O-arm and StealthStation brings forth an avant-garde, minimally invasive surgical technique. This revolutionary navigation system provides real-time 3D intraoperative insights, equipping surgeons with meticulous precision during the procedure. Moreover, patients are positioned laterally, empowering the surgeon with unparalleled control, accuracy, and maneuverability, all while ensuring optimal visibility of the surgical site.

On August 9th 2023, after a year of its acquisition, TMC successfully completed its 25th procedure using the O-arm and StealthStation Navigation System. The surgery was led by Dr. Larry Acuña, a renowned spine surgeon, and assisted by Dr. John Alfred Yap, Dr. Dexter Maverick Falcon, and anesthesiologists Dr. Michelle Luciano and Dr. Patricia Quintin.

This remarkable procedure bestowed transformative benefits to a 66-year-old male patient, battling the challenges of scoliosis. Faced with five years of escalating low back pain, caused by degenerative changes in his lumbar spine, his struggle encompassed spine instability, disc degeneration, and nerve impingement.

"This procedure extends renewed hope to patients grappling with spinal conditions that necessitate groundbreaking interventions. It offers a less invasive approach, hastening recovery and empowering patients to reclaim their normal lives." Acuña said.

The multifaceted advantages of the O-arm extend for both the surgical team and the patient resulting to minimal incisions and a swifter recovery period for patients. In addition, the reduction of radiation exposure coupled with the liberty for the medical team to exit the operating room, and eliminating the need for cumbersome lead protection, fosters a more secure environment. Furthermore, the system's 3D cameras illuminate intricate anatomical structures, minimizing disruption to normal anatomy—a pivotal consideration in intricate procedures that could potentially lead to revision surgeries.

TMC proudly stands as the pioneer among Philippine hospitals to embrace these transformative surgical imaging systems. This state-of-the-art arsenal empowers surgeons to visualize intricate anatomical nuances with extraordinary precision. The O-arm Imaging system provides real-time 3D insights into the surgical arena, complemented seamlessly by the StealthStation Navigation system's ability to meticulously track the positions of surgical instruments relative to the patient's anatomy. As a result, this facilitates heightened precision, diminished invasiveness, and a notable reduction in complications—ultimately translating to shorter recovery times.

Today, an array of surgical innovations caters to an extensive range of procedures, encompassing realms from prostate cancer surgery to gynecological interventions and cardiac procedures. The Medical City, radiating innovation, has single-handedly redefined the narrative of surgical excellence in spine procedures. In this trajectory, precision, safety, and patient well-being converge harmoniously, promising a future that marries cutting-edge medical science with unwavering compassion.

For more information, contact The Medical City Surgery Suite at 8988-1000 local 6274/6276.

Read more

September 01, 2023

TMC initiates dialogue with DOH, Philhealth to help address concerns facing implementation of universal health care

Pasig City, September 1, 2023 - “People here in The Medical City and people in the government, we need to look beyond ourselves, we need to look beyond today, and ask what we can do to influence the way things are, because at the moment, we are actually under constraint, because we do not have unlimited resources,” said Dr. Eugenio Jose F. Ramos, President and Group CEO of The Medical City, during the event, held last August 9, 2023 at the Augusto P. Barcelon Auditorium of the TMC Ortigas in Pasig City.

“When we walk with the government, with the DOH, with the PhilHealth, we will also be thinking in terms of is this going to be sustainable — given the fact that we still need to communicate well and work in order that Filipinos change their mindset from volume to value when it comes to caring for themselves, their family, their community, and for future generations.”

TMC initiated the forum to open the discussion of UHC to various stakeholders, reflecting TMC’s commitment to promoting mutual understanding, shared vision, and collaborative action.

Dr. Ramos was echoed by VP and TMC Enterprise Managed Care Head, Lawrence Y. Sibayan, who noted that TMC has been striving to be ahead of the challenge by actively seeking to overcome the challenges facing the implementation of UHC.

“If we don’t work together, or in this case, if we do not form networks and let the fragmented healthcare system continue, the consequences will grow ten-, hundred-, a thousand-fold. The goal is to make sure that our patients get the right care at the right time,” Sibayan stressed.

The Universal Health Care Act (Republic Act No. 11223), enacted into law in February 2019, mandates that all Filipinos should be guaranteed equitable access to quality and affordable health care goods and services and protected against financial risk. Under this law, all Filipino citizens become automatically enrolled into and covered by PhilHealth as they access quality healthcare throughout all corners of the nation.
“For the past 4 years, the UH Law has been progressively implemented across public and government-led healthcare facilities, but there is still much to be cascaded and operationalized throughout the public-private partnered healthcare ecosystem, noted considering the significant number of privately- owned healthcare facilities in the country,” Sibayan added.

By detailing what these public-private network partnerships would entail, as well as the costing exercises required by Philhealth before a clear and more updated pricing system becomes available across all health facilities (HFs), the government representatives were able to establish actionable next steps and open lines of communication with the Medical City brand’s own Network. 

Dr. Ruben Kasala, EVP and CEO of The Medical City Ortigas, opened the forum by acknowledging the participation of all representatives onsite and remotely via Zoom from TMC’s hospitals in Clark, Pangasinan, South Luzon, and Iloilo, to over 50 clinics in Metro Manila and selected provinces.

While welcoming the representatives from DOH and PhilHealth, Dr. Kasala remarked, “This signifies our collective commitment to the universal healthcare of our Filipino patients. As we gather here today, let us remember that we are not just shaping the future of healthcare, but also we are contributing to the future of our nation.”

Sibayan kicked-off the presentations as one of TMC’s main representatives in local and international partnerships with provider networks, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and local government units (LGUs).

“We are almost halfway through in the implementation of the Universal Healthcare Law. Unlike in other projects that you can totally stop, we can’t do that, otherwise a lot of our countrymen would suffer,” Sibayan comments while referencing Thomas Zelmer’s metaphor of fixing an airplane in mid-air.

Dr. Lester M. Tan, Director III of the DOH Bureau of Local Health Systems Development, was the first out of three guest speakers to share his recommendations on how public, private, and mixed Health Care Provider Networks (HCPNs) should be formed and mobilized. 

UHC Act Sections 18, 19, and 19.3 specify that: 

  • PhilHealth shall endeavor to contract public, private, or mixed Health Care Provider Networks for the delivery of individual-based healthcare services. 
  • The DOH, DILG, PhilHealth, and LGUs shall endeavor to integrate health systems into province-wide and city-wide health systems. 
  • The private sector shall also be encouraged to participate in the integrated local health system, which is a public-led health care provider network, through a contractual arrangement with the province-wide or city-wide health system. 

Dr. Tan comments, “Under a devolved setup, we have around 1,600 health systems in the country, so they are composed of the different municipalities, cities, and provinces wherein they all have their own territories. And we want to address this fragmentation and streamline the management.” 

By promoting cooperation among LGUs and linking the public and private sectors in varying degrees among three different levels — primary care provider, health care provider network, and apex and end-referral hospitals — the DOH hopes to address most health concerns of the general population at the primary care level, and subsequently navigate or coordinate with the more specialized facilities whenever the population would need higher levels of care. 

“The service capability of each facility in the network should be profiled. You should know all of the services in all levels of the facilities within the network so that you would be able to know the appropriate level of care and where the patients would be going,” Dr. Tan says. 

Dr. Clementine Bautista, acting Senior Vice-President of the UHC Surge Team of PhilHealth, was the forum’s second guest speaker from the public sector. Her presentation focused on the provider-payment mechanism reforms that would support PhilHealth availment and service delivery across HCPNs under the UH Law. 

Under the UH Law, PhilHealth has key deliverables for health system reforms, which include automatic PhilHealth coverage, benefits packages that focus on primary care, contracts with the larger HCPNs, as well as a shift to paying providers using performance-driven, close-end, prospective payments based on disease or diagnosis-related groupings (DRGs) and validated costing methodologies. 

Since they started shifting from a payment mechanism based on all-case rates (ACR) in 2013 PhilHealth hopes to move towards a more responsive mechanism relying on IT-systems, DRGs, shadow billing, and improved claims processing by 2025 and onwards. “We are targeting about 5 to 6 million claims for it to be relevant to us. So the more hospitals, the better.” 

Dr. Mel Santillan, Head of PhilHealth’s Benefits Development and Research Department, explained the tools, frameworks, and language that both PhilHealth and hospitals could use while implementing shared costing methodologies during the crucial live-testing phase. “Bago pa mangyari lahat ng DRG na pinag-uusapan . . . ang step one talaga is to properly cost healthcare services,” Dr. Santillan mentions. 

The objective of sharing this framework with participating health facilities was to allow for deeper understanding of PhilHealth’s costing principles, a more standardized use of Philhealth’s data collection tools, and better preparation in their respective institutions for the costing surveys beginning in calendar year 2023. 

Dr. Santillan adds, “We want to get to know you. We want to be closer to you, [have] better communication with you, and troubleshoot if there are problems. Open po ang line namin 24/7, diba?”  

After the presentations, an open dialogue led by representatives of The Medical City Enterprise (Mr. Bob Munoz, President and CEO of Proser/The Medical City Clinic; Dr. Eugene Ramos, President and Group CEO of The Medical City Enterprise; Mr. Jose “Eckie” Gonzales, Chairman of The Medical City) enabled clarifications to be addressed and action items to be established for the remainder of 2023.  

Photos by Kevin Espiritu

Read more

August 18, 2023

Joy and Andres: Meet The Medical City Pediatric Patients' New Bestie

In the realm of pediatric healthcare, where young patients' emotional and psychological well-being is as paramount as their physical health, the integration of medical dolls shines as a beacon of hope and compassionate care. These innovative companions, carefully designed to mirror various body parts of the kid, transcend mere toys to become invaluable tools in alleviating the anxieties and uncertainties that often accompany a pediatric patient. Seamlessly blending education with comfort, medical dolls empower children and their families, fostering understanding, emotional resilience, and a sense of control throughout the challenging journey.

On August 18, 2023, The Medical City welcomed Joy and Andres, Kythe Foundation’s uniquely tailored medical dolls, in an intimate event at the Cancer Center of the hospital. This activity brought together TMC and Kythe Foundation officials, pediatric patients, and their respective families. Dr. Angelita Sievert-Fernandez, Executive Director of Kythe Foundation, Dr. Joseph Vincent Eric Alba, Head of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Dr. Agnes Alarilla-Alba, Director of Institute of Pediatrics, and Dr. Beatrice Tiangco, Director of Augusto P. Sarmiento Cancer Institute graced the occasion, representing the collaborative efforts of both organizations.

The partnership between The Medical City and Kythe Foundation, established in 2022 for their child-life services, aims to enhance the quality of life for hospitalized children with chronic illnesses. Notably, The Medical City is the first tertiary hospital to receive these purposeful medical dolls, aiding Kythe Foundation’s vision to place them in more than 45 hospitals across the country by the end of this year. 

 “No child wants to be in the hospital, and no parent wants to bring their child to the hospital; that is why we wanted to have the concept of play inside the hospital, so our pediatric patients can feel comfort to be at ease and help them to have an uplifting outlook on their medical journey,” Fernandez said.

Dr. Alarilla-Alba and Dr. Tiangco gratefully accepted the medical dolls at the 8th Floor, Cancer Center and expressed their excitement as new hope and improvement await for The Medical City benefitting its pediatric patients.

“Magandang expression po ang mga dolls na ito…and we hope na maka tulong at maka-bawas ng stress at hirap. Tandaan lang po natin na pag lagpas po ng hirap, may ginhawa. (These dolls are a good form of expression and we hope that it can help and lessen the burden. Let us remember that behind every adversity comes solace.)”  Tiangco said.


In the efforts to introduce Joy and Andres to The Medical City community, the said dolls will be exhibited at the Main Hospital Lobby from August 18-20, 2023, and will be housed at the Augusto P. Sarmiento Cancer Institute for the time being.


To know more about Joy and Andres, you may call Augusto P. Sarmiento Cancer Institute at (02) 8988-1000 local 6214.

Read more

August 01, 2023

The Medical City Pioneers Innovative Tumor-Debulking Procedure in the Philippines

Pasig City – On July 8, 2023, The Medical City made history in the field of medical innovation by successfully performing a case of tumor-debulking using percutaneous ultrasound-guided thermal ablation, specifically Microwave Ablation. This breakthrough procedure, conducted by the Section of Head and Neck Surgery of TMC's Department of Surgery, establishes TMC as the first tertiary hospital in the Philippines to offer this advanced technique using the ECO BASEMED Microwave Ablation Machine.

The team, led by Dr. Rainer Yu Lutanco and supported by Dr. Michael Jeff B. Fontano, Dr. Christelle Anne M. Almanon, and Dr. Gracielle Mia Banares, utilized an innovative approach to tumor-debulking. This approach involves the use of an electromagnetic field that induces cellular death through coagulative necrosis via dipole and ionic mechanisms.

The patient, a 64-year-old male with unresectable Thyroid Cancer, is stricken with cancer that has completely encased the carotid arteries and has partially blocked the upper airway, resulting in difficulty breathing. Traditional treatment methods would involve trying to remove as much cancer tissue as possible to relieve the strangulation effect of the tumor. However, this technique is known to have significant complication rates and is a recognized high-blood loss procedure. Therefore, with the use of the Ablation Machine, the Section of Head and Neck Surgery was able to achieve the desired outcomes through percutaneous methods, resulting in a safer and overall more effective treatment strategy.

While the microwave ablation technique has already gained worldwide recognition as a safe and effective method for managing tumors amenable to ablation, in the Head and Neck, this procedure is more commonly used for non-cancerous thyroid nodules. The procedure performed at The Medical City was the first to make use of this technology for metastatic, unresectable thyroid cancer in the country.

As demonstrated by the procedure performed at TMC, image-guided thermal ablation offers several advantages, such as faster recovery time, lesser blood loss, reduced morbidity and mortality rates, accurate targeting enabled by ultrasound image guidance, lower procedural cost, and daycare treatments resulting in reduced hospital stay, with short-term studies showing superior outcomes to conventional techniques.

"Through this minimally invasive technique, patients at our section can benefit from more accurate and precise procedures," Dr. Lutanco said.

The ablation was performed under general anesthesia due to the nature of the disease blocking the patient's airway. The microwave antenna was placed under image guidance, utilizing ultrasound to ensure proper localization and placement. The antenna was positioned within the lesion, and the power and time of energy delivery were adjusted to ensure the ablation covered not only the entire lesion but also a centimeter of normal

parenchyma surrounding the lesion (A0 ablation). Hydrodissection was employed to protect nearby structures and prevent inadvertent thermal injury. The adequacy of ablation was assessed through overlapping ablation techniques and confirmed using post-ablation ultrasound.

The Department of Surgery at The Medical City is a world-class facility managed by a team of internationally trained and renowned surgeons, hepatologists, radiologists, oncologists, pediatricians, and intensivists. Within the department, the Section of Head and Neck Surgery offers a wide range of diagnostic, therapeutic, medical, surgical, and radiologic services for head and neck conditions. Patients can expect comprehensive care from a team of experts utilizing the latest techniques and technology.

With its successful implementation of percutaneous ultrasound-guided thermal ablation, TMC proves its commitment to innovation in healthcare, cementing its status as a leading institution in the medical field.

Read more

August 01, 2023

The Medical City Cardiovascular Institute performs its 11th Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) Procedure

Pasig City -- July 12, 2023, The Medical City Cardiovascular Institute achieved a significant milestone by successfully performing its 11th Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) procedure, boasting a consecutive success rate of 100%.

Led by Dr. Paolo Prado, Director of the Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) Clinical Care Program and an experienced Interventional Cardiologist, The Medical City TAVI Team performed their first unproctored TAVI procedure. The team also included Dr. Adrian Manapat, leading the TVCS Team, together with Dr. Alduz Cabasa, Dr. Donato Marañon, Dr. Vic Lazaro, Dr. Rafael Poblete, and a competent Cath Lab team comprised of skilled nurses and allied operating staff.

“As the procedure of TAVI becomes more and more mainstream, and made available to the older patients, who may have high surgical risk, we will now be able to help those, who may otherwise be considered as inoperable.”

 Dr. Paolo Prado, Director of the Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) Clinic Care Program

Dr. Paolo Prado shares how the team prepared for this groundbreaking procedure: “We had to study the patient’s case very well. We had to make sure the procedure is right for the patient; the anatomy is favorable and that fixing the aortic stenosis will relieve the patient of his heart failure symptoms and add years of good quality of life. As expected, after we implanted the valve, the patient started to feel better, his symptoms improved, and he was able to do more in life.”

The patient who underwent this life-saving procedure is an 86-year-old male, suffering from Massive Pleural Effusion, Severe Calcified Aortic Stenosis, and Acute Decompensated Heart Failure. Before qualifying for TAVI, the patient underwent confirmatory diagnostics imaging, particularly Cardiac MRI with TAVI protocols.

“The procedure went smoothly, and each member of the team performed well as expected. Teamwork is important when dealing with cases like this, which involves each member of the team doing his/her best in a concerted effort, with the goal of making the patient well again.” Dr. Prado mentioned when asked about his expectations of the TAVI procedure in terms of team workflow, patient’s prognosis, and health management.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is a safe and minimally invasive procedure that utilizes state-of-the-art advancements for patients with severe aortic stenosis. It aims to restore the blood flow of the heart by deploying a bio prosthetic valve over the diseased valve, using a groin artery approach.

“When we open the Stenosis (Narrowing) the symptoms of breathlessness, fainting and chest pain are relieved. The patient can now do normal activities of daily living (bathing, grooming, self-care, walking around the house), without the debilitating symptoms of Aortic Stenosis. Life expectancy is also extended since patients with aortic stenosis die sooner if the problem is not treated.” Dr. Prado added.

Compared to traditional surgical methods, TAVI only requires a few small incisions, resulting in reduced chest and heart trauma, and a quicker recovery period, allowing the patient to swiftly return to their healthy normal routine.

Dr. Paolo Prado in action during the 11th TAVI Procedure

From left Interventional Cardio Fellow, Dr. Joseph Garcia and Dr. Khristine Gonzales; TCVS, Dr. Adrian Manapat; Interventionist, Dr. Donato Marañon; and The Director of The Medical City Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) Program, Dr. Paolo Prado.

Individuals with Severe Aortic Stenosis often experience frequent chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath. If left untreated, these symptoms can lead to heart failure. TAVI offers a solution to these patients, providing renewed hope and improved quality of life. If you have more questions about TAVI procedure or would like to contact our excellent team of medical experts, you may call The Medical City Cath Lab at (02) 8988-1000 or 8988-7000 ext. 6278 / 6320.

Read more

June 30, 2023

The Medical City Earns the Philippines Its First 5-star Rating in Stroke Care

Stroke is one of the leading causes of adult-onset disability in the Philippines and it continues to affect the health of Filipinos aged 50 and above.

The Medical City (TMC) has set a new standard in life-saving efforts by earning a distinguished 5-star rating for performing Mechanical Thrombectomy in the country.

The coveted rating was bestowed upon TMC by the Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology (SVIN) as part of their Mission Thrombectomy 2020+ campaign. The campaign aims to recognize institutions that demonstrate outstanding performance in delivering timely and effective Mechanical Thrombectomy procedures to stroke patients.

Mechanical Thrombectomy (MT) is a minimally invasive emergency surgery that has been the new standard of care for the acute treatment of moderate to severe stroke. It is a life-saving procedure that involves the removal of blood clots from blocked arteries in the brain, restoring blood flow, and minimizing potential brain damage.

When it comes to stroke care, time is of the essence, and the institution's quick and effective care plays a crucial role in saving lives and ensuring better patient outcomes.

Dr. Erwin Jocson, an Interventional Neuroradiologist, and his highly specialized team of neurologists and neurocritical care specialists have played an instrumental role in this achievement.

Dr. Jocson reflects on the challenging journey leading to this victory. "In 2016, I would give lectures to other hospitals about stroke interventional management, but nobody would care to listen. Some colleagues deemed it 'impossible' to achieve in our developing country. Now, six years later, the landscape has transformed, and our brand stands as a testament to our exceptional capabilities."

This accolade goes beyond the individual efforts of its exceptional professionals. The collaborative approach of the brain attack team, working in synergy with other clinical services to address patient comorbidities, has significantly enhanced the quality of care. Furthermore, the dedicated rehabilitation specialists and ward staff have ensured a holistic approach to patient management and rehabilitation, setting a new benchmark for treating stroke patients.

TMC’s achievement of earning the Philippines its first 5-star rating in stroke care not only signifies a new standard in saving lives but also highlights its unwavering commitment to excellence--continuously innovating and progressing in meeting the healthcare needs of patients, ensuring they receive the quality care they deserve.

Read more

June 02, 2023

Next-Level Transformations: The Medical City Ortigas Demonstrates HIS Capabilities to Visiting Colleagues from Mayapada Hospital

Manila, Philippines — The Medical City Health Informatics and Technology Group (HITG), headed by Chief Informatics and Technology Officer Nelson M. Tiongson, welcomed delegates from the Mayapada Healthcare Group (headquartered in Indonesia) last 29th of May 2023 to share best practices on implementing hospital information systems (HIS) and electronic medical records (EMR). 

The Medical City Ortigas served as a reference site for exhibiting the Arcus Air Hospital Information System, which went live last July 2021 and has since expanded to support not only operational and management changes, but also cultural changes within the hospital. The implementation of the core HIS jump-started a digital transformation journey that steered the organization into being more strongly data-driven and accepting hospital-wide operational updates, despite its project execution phase coinciding with the early and frantic start of the pandemic. 

Mr. Tiongson and his team were able to detail key learnings and challenges during each step of the implementation of Arcus Air, which invited further discussion with the Mayapada delegates regarding how a health tech solution like Arcus could work for or against their current infrastructure. 

“Streamlined workflows, increased focus on patient-centered tasks for health professionals, and improved efficiency on data collection for both clinical and operational domains were some of the major values that has been the product of implementing HIS,” Mr. Tiongson explains. 

After a morning of discussions with the HITG, the teams proceeded to visit key units within hospital operations throughout the patient journey. The site visits started with quick but warm conversations with The Medical City's leaders: Dr. Eugene F. Ramos, Enterprise Head and CEO, Dr. Ruben G. Kasala, Executive Vice President and CEO of TMC Ortigas, and Atty. Martin P. Samson, Chief Operating Officer of TMC Ortigas. 

The HITG also emphasized that strong management support was one of the key factors in the success of the project implementation. A top-down approach in change management was employed, with the above key leaders at the forefront of the whole cultural transformation.

Dr. Ramos, as the leader of TMC Ortigas during the go-live of Arcus Air, highlighted how the Arcus Air HIS needed to serve the people using it — at the same time, changes in processes and management were crucial to supporting the implementation of these tools, in order to get the rest of the hospital community to adopt its use into their day-to-day operations. 

The hospital tour continued throughout major patient touch points, starting from admission until they reached billing and cashiering. Leaders within these units were able to share their insights on how Arcus Air integrates with and impacts their daily processes: namely patient queueing, patient registration, clinical documentation, and patient management for nurses and doctors, administration and execution of orders and procedures, generation of the bill, up to receipt of payments.

As of May 2023, The Mayapada Healthcare Group is the third hospital delegation that made a reference visit to The Medical City regarding the implementation of HIS and EMR.

Knowledge-sharing site visits can be immensely beneficial for hospitals based in different regions, to help not just with their medical advancement, but with finding better solutions for operational efficiency and end-to-end healthcare delivery. The Medical City continues to invite, visit, and partner with institutions from around the globe to make sure its vision and mission of delivering excellent and compassionate healthcare to patient partners across its entire network are achieved.

The Medical City HITG welcomes all inquiries from guests and professionals who would like to learn more about the hospital’s digital transformation journey. To schedule a formal site visit or a learning session, you may send a request letter to hitg@themedicalcity.com. 




Read more

May 10, 2023

Chikiting Ligtas: Addressing the Gap in Immunization Coverage

The Philippines has been grappling with two major public health crises in recent times - the COVID-19 pandemic and low immunization coverage for children. The pandemic has disrupted routine health services, causing a decline in immunization coverage and leaving children vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases. In response, the Department of Health and the Pasig Local Government has partnered with The Medical City to launch the "Chikiting Ligtas" campaign.

This collaborative initiative aims to bridge the gap in immunization coverage and provide supplemental immunization against measles, rubella, and polio for children below 5 years of age. By doing so, the campaign seeks to protect children against the risk of outbreaks of these vaccine-preventable diseases. The Medical City and its partners also aim to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination and encourage parents to prioritize their children's immunization needs to ensure their health and safety.

The vaccination campaign will be intensive and simultaneous, with open eligibility for all children below 5 years of age, regardless of their immunization status. The schedule of the campaign is as follows:

  • May 8 to May 13, from 9 am to 12 noon at the 6th floor Barcelon Auditorium Lobby
  • May 22-25 and May 29, from 9 am to 12 noon at the 6th floor Barcelon Auditorium Lobby
  • May 30-31, from 9 am to 12 noon at the GF TMC Foyer

The Medical City and its partners have put in place safety protocols to ensure the safety of both healthcare workers and patients during the vaccination campaign. They have also made arrangements to accommodate the large number of children expected to participate in the campaign.

Vaccination is a critical component of public health, and it is essential to ensure that children receive their vaccinations on time. The "Chikiting Ligtas" campaign is a commendable effort by The Medical City and its partners to address the low immunization coverage in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents and caregivers must take advantage of this opportunity to vaccinate their children and protect them against the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Read more
hope mobi clinic

March 08, 2023

MOA inked to give free breast cancer screening to San Juan indigent residents

March 8, 2023--In celebration of International Women’s Day, The Medical City (TMC), AIA Philippines, and the local government of San Juan have come together to launch the Hope Mobi Clinic–an on-the-go cancer screening program that brings the TMC brand of care outside the four walls of the hospital. The three entities have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to formalize the partnership on March 8 at the San Juan City Hall. 

Hope Mobi Clinic’s pilot program will provide free breast cancer screening that aims to help improve early detection rates among women of San Juan who may not have access to these services. The mobile clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art digital mammogram and medical professionals who are committed to providing quality healthcare services.

The MOA signing ceremony was led by Mayor Francis Zamora, TMC’s Augusto P. Sarmiento Cancer Institute (APSCI) Director Dr. Beatrice J. Tiangco, AIA Philippines’ Head of Branding and Communication Bernadette R. Chincuanco. Also in attendance were San Juan District Representative Ysabel Maria J. Zamora and the Mayor’s wife, Keri Zamora, who is a breast cancer survivor herself and CEO of Caring Keri--an NGO dedicated to improving the lives and protecting the rights of San Juaneño women and children. 

During the ceremony, the parties expressed their commitment to providing affordable and accessible healthcare services to the residents of San Juan City.

Mayor Zamora highlights how Hope Mobi Clinic is distinct from other screening programs, specifically its coverage from screening to treatment of qualified breast cancer patients. This is in line with APSCI’s SCRAP (Screen And Prevent) Cancer Program.

“This is a very important MOA because not only are we giving free medical consultation and breast cancer exams to qualified women in San Juan; those who will unfortunately be diagnosed with the disease will be given free treatment by The Medical City and AIA Philippines,” Zamora said.

Hope Mobi Clinic will provide free breast cancer screening to pre-qualified women of San Juan aged 50 to 65 years old who do not have any history of cancer or tumor. And should these patients’ results show that they have a malignant tumor, TMC and AIA will cover the expenses for medical intervention until surgery treatment. 

Dr. Tiangco, meanwhile, expressed her optimism about the partnership stating that the goal of The Medical City is to be the Philippines’ partner in health through the Hope Mobi Clinic and to save Filipinas from the dreaded disease. 

“As Filipinos’ partner in health, TMC's goal in offering Hope Mobi Clinic is to give access to early cancer detection to otherwise healthy women who, just because they are 50 to 65 years old, are at higher risk than the general population in developing breast cancer–the most common cancer in the Philippines, in Asia and in the world. By detecting breast cancer early, and subsequently undergoing surgical treatment, women of San Juan can be saved from this dreaded disease and go on to lead healthy and cancer-free lives for years to come,” said Tiangco.

Chincuanco also expressed her support for the Hope Mobi Clinic initiative, stating "We are proud to be part of this initiative that will provide access to cancer screening and treatment services to those who need it the most. Thank you to the city government of San Juan and The Medical City for this partnership that gives us the opportunity to bring to life our purpose of helping Filipinos live healthier, longer, better lives.”

The Hope Mobi Clinic is set to roll out in the coming months and both TMC and AIA are excited to extend the program with other partners in the future as well. 

Read more
award ceremony

November 24, 2022

THE MEDICAL CITY CEO NAMED MOST INSPIRING EXECUTIVE AT ACES AWARDS 2022

Dr. Eugenio Jose F. Ramos, Chief Executive Officer of The Medical City (TMC), was conferred as one of Asia’s Most Inspiring Executives at the Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability Awards (ACES) 2022 on November 22 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The ACES Awards acknowledges successful corporations and business leaders in Asia across 2 key domains: leadership and corporate social responsibility, and acknowledges their achievements in consideration of their contributions towards sustainable and exemplary impacts made within their communities, industries, and the immediate world. Over 470 submissions received, 93 were selected as winners across several award categories.

The award, created to identify successful visionaries and help people learn from the success of the awardees, was given to Dr. Ramos for his leadership during the COVID-19 years, as The Medical City re-organized its operations to effectively handle both COVID and non-COVID patients.

To communicate that the hospital is indeed a safe place for all, TMC launched the “TMC One Complex, Two Hospital Systems” in April 2020 at the height of the pandemic. The two-in-one hospital system delineated separate areas and pathways – including emergency rooms, diagnostic labs, hospital wards, and elevators for COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 cases.

Through Dr. Ramos’ leadership, TMC reassured people that it would be safe to visit a hospital to seek treatment for COVID-19 as well as for other reasons. The TMC leaders saw that if people avoided hospitals when they needed urgent treatment, they would only become part of a second pandemic with illnesses that might have been resolved if treated early.

 “This allowed our doctors and healthcare workers the safety zone they needed to ensure that their patients would get the care they needed, without fear of COVID infection,” explained Dr. Ramos.

Although the award was given for his inspiring leadership, Dr. Ramos explains that the healthcare workers and the patients of The Medical City were the ones who provided him with the strength and inspiration to face the daunting challenges of the global pandemic.

“There was no rule book to handle a global pandemic that paralyzed our economy. No one knew what we were dealing with – some of our most senior doctors, because of their age, were put at risk, while the others were separated from their families due to quarantine and the risk of infections. Our healthcare workers bravely stayed on duty, and we could do no less,” said Dr. Ramos. “The care and compassion they gave to our patients, despite the risks they faced and the fatigue they endured, was both humbling and inspiring.”

Chairman of The Medical City, Jose Xavier ‘Eckie’ Gonzales, congratulated Dr. Ramos on his award.

“Dr. Gene Ramos is a rare breed of physician – one who not only administers excellent care to his patients but also to the institution that he manages. It is a well-deserved award, as I also get inspiration from his leadership,” Gonzales said.

Read more
on-going clinical trials recruitment

November 16, 2022

NOW RECRUITING | The Medical City recruits patients for cancer clinical trials

Today's advancement in cancer treatment exists all thanks to the people who were generous enough to participate in clinical trials. As hope springs from continued patient partnership, join us in our search for the next cancer cure.

If you have been diagnosed with any of the following conditions, and want to explore more treatment options, get in touch with us at The Medical City - Augusto P. Sarmiento Cancer Institute or consult your doctor if there is a clinical trial that is suitable for you.



For inquiries, please contact Mr. Ian Daniel N. Macinas at +63 908 502 6673.

Read more
notice to the shareholders of professional services, inc.

October 26, 2022

Notice to the Shareholders of Professional Services Inc. (PSI)

Read more
breast cancer awareness month poster

October 24, 2022

The Medical City honors Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women. This year, it is estimated that about 30% of newly diagnosed cancers in women will be breast cancers.   

In line with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, The Medical City (TMC)  lined up several activities to raise breast cancer awareness and rally in support of breast cancer patients and survivors. As the leading institute in Breast Cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, TMC aims to  make the advocacy for early detection louder with the campaign “Make The Rounds Against Breast Cancer.”

TMC kicked off the campaign by opening the art exhibit titled RISE on October 4. RISE art exhibit encourages the public to Reach out, Include, Support, and Empower everyone with more information on breast cancer and RISE together above it. The art gallery features artworks of Lydia Velasco and Galerie Artes that are inspired by powerful women and nature. The exhibit wrapped up on October 15 and part of the proceeds went to the Divine Mercy fund for breast cancer patients. 

Further, as part of the partnership with Marco Polo Ortigas, the hotel hosted the 15th-anniversary celebration of EMBREACE (Eliciting Meaning in Breast Cancer Experience), TMC’s Breast Cancer Support Group, on October 8. The meeting, which was attended by breast cancer patients, survivors, and volunteers–or collectively called Breast Friends, was led by Ms. Rose Anne Ambrocio, RN, Nurse Supervisor at TMC, Head of EMBREACE, and a breast cancer survivor herself. Dr. Gia Sison and Ms. Gina Jose–both breast cancer survivors–also graced the event and shared their respective journeys. Dr. Maria Fidelis Manalo gave a message of hope to the group, highlighting empathy and compassion for others. Ms. Elizabeth Bravo-Bustamante led the art therapy session.

TMC Breast Center doctors have also organized a pop-up store called Segunda Mammo where preloved designer bags were sold on October 11-13. Anchored in the principle of patient partnership, TMC also partnered with Watsons to bring Look Good, Feel Great–a 2-day free makeover drive that aims to empower patients with boosted confidence so they can go about their day feeling more powerful to take on any challenge. Marissa, a BRCA patient, who supervised the Segunda Mammo booth was given a makeover by volunteer makeup artists.

To make the season of sharing more meaningful, The Medical City also held a hair donation drive called Share A Hair on October 14 and 15. A total of 112 ‘Superhairoes’ donated their locks for the benefit of cancer patients needing wigs. One of them is a first-time donor who lost her mom to cervical cancer 5 years ago and the other one is a cancer patient about to start her chemotherapy. Gentlemen and toddlers, as young as 3 years old, also came in support, proving that generosity knows no age or gender. The longest hair donated was 34 inches! 


At The Medical City

TMC Augusto P. Sarmiento Cancer Institute (APSCI) adopts a unique multidisciplinary team approach to cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and management. It applies innovative molecular technologies in diagnosis and treatment for truly customized care.

TMC’s Breast Center, under the auspices of APSCI, is the center for ambulatory care of women at risk for developing breast cancer or already diagnosed with the disease. The Center also delivers screening packages for breast cancer and subsequent same-day breast ultrasound if needed for better interpretation of mammographies. So whether it is prevention, diagnosis, treatment, or a second opinion that is sought, the Center is ready to help find the answers in a quick and timely manner.

To learn more about the services offered by TMC APSCI Breast Center, visit https://tmcph.co/BreastCenter or contact (02) 8988-1000 local 6527 or 6528. 

Read more
qr code to avail tmc geriatric health check packages

October 08, 2022

Celebrate Healthy Aging with Exclusive Discounts on Geriatric Preventive Health Packages!

Through Preventive Health Checkups, senior loved ones can be screened, medically supported, and encouraged to achieve functionality, comfort, and confidence in a lifestyle that helps them thrive.  

You may view the complete package inclusions below and fill out the form for us to help you schedule your health check. 




You may also learn more about Elderly Care in this episode of CNN Med Talk Health Talk, featuring Dr. Marc Evans Abat, Head of our Center for Healthy Aging:  https://tmcph.co/ElderlyCare

Read more
hospital of the year award

June 23, 2022

The Medical City Ortigas bags HOSPITAL OF THE YEAR and MEDICAL TOURISM AWARD at Healthcare Asia Awards 2022

The awards program recognizes remarkable performances or cutting-edge development from healthcare organizations across Asia. The Medical City’s continuous efforts to care for international patients and to thrive despite the mounting challenges brought by the pandemic have distinguished the hospital from its competitors and elevated it to the status of award winners at the recently-concluded Healthcare Asia Awards.

Amid the pandemic, TMC submitted itself for assessment and testing by the Joint Commission International (JCI) and subsequently earned its Gold Seal of Approval® for a record sixth time. JCI is the world’s premier healthcare quality improvement and accreditation body. The Gold Seal of Approval® is a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to providing safe and effective patient care.

TMC’s Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) Program also retained its status as the first of its kind in the Philippines and currently one of only 15 around the world that is certified by JCI. AMI is the medical term for heart attack.

“The pandemic did not disappear in 2021, but instead generated more surges. As the country struggled with inadequate vaccine supplies, delayed vaccinations, and mounting pressure to open up the economy, we at The Medical City adapted perhaps faster and better than most,” says TMC President and CEO Dr. Eugenio Jose F. Ramos.

“We devised a 2-hospital-in-1 complex to secure the safety and patronage of the non-COVID cases for which we won the COVID-19 management award at last year’s Healthcare Asia awards, launched our new Hospital Information System just a month before the second COVID-19 surge, and three months before having a home-run with our 6th JCI accreditation and 3rd Acute Myocardial Infarction certification,” adds Dr. Ramos.

Notwithstanding the pandemic and under severe limitations, TMC coped, survived and continued to deliver quality care and safety measures to its patients. With the same vigor it had during preparations for previous accreditations, TMC braced for the JCI virtual survey which took place on October 11 to 14, 2021. This involved a comprehensive inspection of the facility, review of practices and procedures, and examination for evidence of sustained compliance and improvement.

On October 18 and 19, 2021, a JCI surveyor conducted the virtual inspection and certification survey for TMC’s AMI program. The TMC Cardiovascular Institute’s AMI program was established to treat heart attack patients effectively and rapidly. It targets a 60 minute or less Door-to-Balloon time which means that a heart attack patient who walks through the doors of the hospital’s Emergency Department should have the blocked coronary artery opened in the Catheterization Laboratory (Cath Lab) within 60 minutes.

With the pandemic posing additional challenges in both hospital emergency processes and patient reaction time in seeking care, it has been especially difficult for TMC to prepare for reassessment and recertification. The commitment to rapid response, a holistic approach to heart health, and positive patient outcomes year on year were what earned TMC its third consecutive AMI Clinical Care certification.

Aside from these recognitions, TMC reinforced its telehealth and remote healthcare services in a timely response to the pandemic so that when patients cannot come to the hospital, the hospital will go to them.

TMC also launched its new hospital information system and electronic medical records in the middle of 2021 which was part of TMC’s latest phase of digital transformation that introduced improved features and functionalities in its core IT systems, and implemented a more robust, flexible, and efficient system to enable key hospital processes and services.

These achievements reiterate TMC’s commitment to offer the highest quality care and ensure utmost safety for patients even in the face of this global health crisis.


Back to Health, Back to the City

The Medical City had to reassure people that it would be safe to visit a hospital to seek treatment for COVID-19 as well as for other reasons. The hospital leaders saw that if people avoided hospitals when they needed treatment, they would only become part of a second pandemic with illnesses that might have been resolved if treated early.

This was the same reason why The Medical City remained open for foreign patients throughout the pandemic. The global health crisis may have substantial negative effects on medical tourism but there is still a demand for high-quality, safe, and affordable care in foreign lands. The Medical City’s long track record of accepting and assisting patients traveling to the Philippines enabled the hospital to easily adapt to the ever-changing travel restrictions. Its partnership with various government agencies likewise ensured a seamless experience for foreign patients.

Launching the Back to Health, Back to the City campaign, The Medical City encouraged more foreign travelers to visit the country and avail of the hospital’s services, including medical procedures, traveling to tourist spots, shop hop experience, and wellness relaxation at partner hotels. The Medical City offered foreign travelers a 15% discount on all in-patient and out-patient procedures. Despite travel restrictions, The Medical City has sustained and even surpassed the pre-pandemic numbers of international patients seeking medical care and procedures.

Accolades for The Medical City Ortigas and The Medical City South Luzon

This is the fifth year in a row that The Medical City Ortigas has won awards from Healthcare Asia. Last year, the hospital’s out-of-the-box strategy “TMC One Complex, Two Hospital Systems” earned the COVID Management Initiative of the Year award. In 2020, it won its first Hospital of the Year award and Customer Service Initiative of the Year award for its Red Coat Ambassadors Program.

In 2019, lauded for his leadership skills and his ability to foster, encourage, and inspire The Medical City community, TMC President and CEO Dr. Eugenio Jose F. Ramos took home the CEO of the Year Award. And in 2018, the hospital clinched the Marketing Initiative of the Year award for “Sing-A-Lung,” the hospital’s pulmonary test that patients can sing.

Another TMC enterprise hospital, The Medical City South Luzon was declared as this year’s winner of the Secondary Hospital of the Year and ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) Program of the Year awards also by Healthcare Asia Awards.

Just last year, TMC South Luzon bagged these two awards from Healthcare Asia – Service Delivery Innovation Initiative of the Year and Employee Engagement of the Year awards.

 The Medical City is the country’s largest healthcare network with its main facility located along Ortigas Avenue in the business district of Pasig City, Metro Manila, while the provincial hospitals are situated in Clark, Iloilo, Laguna, and Pangasinan. This is supplemented by a network of over 50 clinics in strategic locations scattered all over the Metro and in select provinces, a concrete proof of the hospital’s commitment to make high quality healthcare accessible to its growing customer base.

Read more
eyeglasses promo

June 15, 2022

Get 10% OFF LASIK, Dry Eye Screening, and Dry Eye Package for BETTER VIS10N!


Procedure

Full Rate

Reduced Rate

Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)

P82,060

P73,854

*Screening Fee not included

Dry Eye Screening

P 1,405

P1,264.50

Dry Eye Package

P3,895

P3,505.50


Promo Mechanics:

1. This promo can only be availed at EVI, The Medical City Ortigas.

2. The 10% discount applies to the given procedures only.

3.This promo cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount.

4. In the purchase of goods and services which are on promotional discount, the senior citizen or PWD can avail of the promotional discount or the discount provided under the Expanded Senior Citizen Act of 2010/An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability, whichever is higher.

5.. The promo runs from June 15-August 31, 2022.


Book an appointment now!



Read more
notice to the shareholders of professional services, inc.

May 26, 2022

Notice to the Shareholders of Professional Services Inc. (PSI)

Read more
themedicalcity blue logo

May 26, 2022

Notice to the Shareholders of Professional Services, Inc. (PSI)

Read more
three women

March 11, 2022

Friendship goals: See the world better, TOGETHER

A lot of things have happened, and not happened as the COVID-19 pandemic turned just about everyone’s world upside down. What was a routine to us two years ago now feels like a distant memory.

With the changes and uncertainties brought about by COVID-19, it’s easy to lose track of the things we would like to accomplish. But these three ladies have proven that it does not have to be this way. No pandemic can get in the way of their friendship goals.

Meet young working moms Jo-Cathrina Enad, Diane Bernardo, and Charmaine Lampa who are enjoying 22 years of friendship and counting. They met in grade school but became good friends when they were in high school.

Jo-Cathrina or JC is the funny girl among the three, yet she is steadfast and tireless. Diane, on the other hand, is competitive and zealous. While Charmaine or Mae is more adventurous and easy going of the three. What they have is a “no-frills, low-maintenance and no-judgment type of friendship - nothing pretentious."

“This is because we went through different life stages together - college, early adult life, getting married then having kids. As we grew older, we have learned to accept each other's flaws and strengths,” said JC.

On February 13, 2021, one of their friendship goals came to fruition. They had LASIK eye surgery, the most performed laser refractive surgery to correct vision problems, at the Laser Refractive Center of The Medical City (TMC) in Ortigas, Pasig City.

“We have talked about having LASIK for years but didn't have the guts and time to do the screening not until December 2020 when JC told us that a friend had undergone LASIK successfully. We decided to do the screening together,” said Mae.

“JC’s friend recommended LASIK eye surgeon Dr. Maria Cecilia Gertrudis C. Agdeppa. We tried inquiring with other providers, but we liked how Dr. Agdeppa and the nurses took care of us during the screening,” added Diane.

With different errors of refraction prior to their LASIK surgery, all three ladies now enjoy their best vision ever at 20/20.

These three ladies attested that it was not a conscious decision to have the LASIK procedure during the pandemic. Their primary reason for undergoing LASIK was to have an excellent vision for them to be finally free from wearing eyeglasses or contacts.

“Having the procedure amid the pandemic was not an issue. We were confident with how TMC is handling COVID and non-COVID patients,” said JC.

The benefits of LASIK are as valuable during a pandemic as they are otherwise. Patients like JC, Diane, and Charmaine believe that one of the best benefits then was that they didn’t have to wear glasses under their face shields.

When the government required everyone stepping out of their homes to wear a face shield on top of a face mask to "effectively lessen the transmission of COVID-19,” wearing spectacles behind the face shield for the three ladies was cumbersome and annoying. Wearing a mask alone also caused fogging of spectacle glasses more so with a face shield which may impede further one’s vision.

Doctors also opined that the most important benefit is that you’ll be able to see better than you ever have without the need to touch your face, worry about contact lens hygiene, or adjust to wearing glasses 24/7. It is convenient, it keeps your eyes safe, and you will have the vision you have always wanted.

The three ladies were one in saying that having LASIK is one of the best life decisions they have ever made.

“No more hassles of looking for our glasses in the morning or wearing contact lenses to glam up. No more squinting when watching TV. Playing with our family has never been better!” said Mae.

Asked about what’s next on their bucket list after this life-changing LASIK experience, they exclaimed “Travel! Our families have a scheduled beach getaway, hopefully, it will happen soon!”


Experience LASIK at The Medical City

Dr. Agdeppa who also heads The Medical City Laser Refractive Center said LASIK is a low-risk procedure at the best of times and still holds true even during this pandemic.

“We have implemented extensive safety protocols following the recommendations from the Department of Health and The Medical City’s Hospital Infection Control and Epidemiology Center (HICEC), as our top priority continues to be the health and wellbeing of our patients and staff,” Dr. Agdeppa shared.

“Though the risk of getting infected with COVID-19 is less in laser refractive surgeries as they are non-aerosol procedures, we have instituted in our Center a variety of infection control mechanisms before, during, and after surgery. Examples of which are online pre-appointment screening, temperature checks, social distancing, frequent sanitation and disinfection of high-touch surfaces and regular monitoring of ventilation and air-exchange within the Center.”

“Our doctors and staff are all fully vaccinated yet we still maintain extra safety precautions when we treat our patients. Frequent hand washing with soap and alcohol, wearing masks and other PPEs, and placing breath shields for our equipment are mainstays in ensuring patient safety and a comfortable LASIK Center experience,” added Dr. Agdeppa.

The Medical City Laser Refractive Center caters to multiple refractive errors that can be corrected by laser surgery, addressing the following conditions: Myopia (Nearsightedness), Hyperopia (Farsightedness), Regular and Irregular Astigmatism, and Presbyopia (normal loss of near focusing ability that occurs with age).

The process begins with screening: determining if you are a good candidate for laser refractive surgery. A complete and thorough eye exam will identify any other ocular conditions that may be contraindications for laser refractive surgery, issues that may complicate the procedure, or cause less than optimal outcomes. Your medical history will also be reviewed, to ensure that you are fit to undergo surgery, and that no systemic illness will put your eyesight at risk.

LASIK which stands for Laser-Assisted In-situ Keratomileusis is just one of the several laser refractive surgeries that can be done at the Laser Refractive Center of The Medical City. Other surgeries such as Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) and Trans-Epithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy (TransPRK) using Streamlight® are also offered in the center. Same as LASIK, they permanently alter the shape of the cornea (the clear covering in the front of your eye) to correct refractive errors (or “grade”) — making you less dependent on glasses and contact lens for many years.

The surgery itself takes a mere 20 minutes, but preparation can take up to a few hours. It is a quick and comfortable surgery, and improved results are expected as early as the next day with LASIK. Consistent and close follow up with your refractive surgeon will ensure that you enjoy your vision for many years to come.

Aside from improved vision and reduced dependency on eyeglasses or contact lenses, the benefits of LASIK eye surgery include long-lasting results, quick results and quick recovery, cost-effective, enhanced lifestyle, and improved work performance.

For more information about LASIK eye surgery at The Medical City Laser Refractive Center, please call 8988-1000 or 8988-7000 ext. 7783 or 7784.

Read more
testimonial

March 29, 2022

#MyTMCexperience: Rod Cruz

Rod Cruz is a TMC Eye & Vision Institute Patient who had his Photo Refractive Keratectomy (PRK) Procedure done at the Lasik Center last June 2021. Experts cite PRK as an alternative to LASIK for patients whose eyes meet certain criteria, such as having thin corneas or chronically dry eyes. 

Why did you have the need for PRK? 

My vision is already at -8.50/9.00 and with astigmatism. Also, I’ve been wearing glasses since I was 8 years old. So PRK is something very beneficial for me.

What made you decide to go to TMC to have your procedure done? What other centers / providers did you consider going to?

For my healthcare needs, I’ve always trusted TMC. I’ve also considered the location of the hospital if ever I’ll be eligible for the surgery since it is very near my home. There was also an ongoing promo back then that made me more interested. 

I considered St. Luke’s for the procedure as well.

What stood out the most about us during your experience here at TMC? 

It’s the overall excellent patient care. Ever since The Lasik Center called me to give me more details on the surgery, to my assessment day, follow up check-ups, random inquiries, until my scheduled date of surgery, until now that I am recovering, I can say that they really took good care of me. They made me comfortable all throughout the process and I didn’t feel the hesitation to ask anything about it. They know me by name even when I call! I don’t have to introduce myself every time I go to the clinic. They really know their patients.

Who were the doctors / specialists who made an impact on you while handling your case? 

All the nurses are very responsive, helpful, and are always approachable. They respond quickly to my calls and texts which I truly appreciate. I cannot remember all their names, but I remember Nurse Ava who’s been constantly handling my case and keeping in touch. I am amazed by how consistent they are when it comes to providing excellent patient care whether you are interacting with a familiar nurse or not. Dr. Lulu (if I remember correctly), was also very kind and accommodating. As for my doctor, Dr. Duyongco-Lenon, she’s very excellent in what she does, has genuine empathy for her patients, and answered all my questions in a way that I can easily understand. I felt like I was very blessed to be her patient.

How happy are you with the results of the procedure? What has the recovery process been like for you? 

I am extremely happy with the result. It’s all worth it. For someone who’s been wearing eyeglasses/contact lenses for almost 20 years, it was truly life changing. 

The recovery process was challenging at first because of the fluctuating vision but it got so much better around 2 weeks after the surgery.

Would you recommend TMC PRK / LASIK services to others? Why or why not? 

Yes, absolutely. You’ll get excellent patient care, the results that you desire, and at a reasonable price. I think it’s the patient care that really made a difference!


Interested in booking a screening or procedure? You may contact the Lasik Center at 8988-1000 / 8988-7000 ext. 7783 or 7784 or mobile no. 09352990689 for further inquiries.


Read more
tmc back to health, back to the city promo information

February 17, 2022

Back to Health, Back to the City

“While so much changes especially in the area of healthcare have happened brought about by COVID-19, health institutions such as The Medical City network of hospitals have established a new landscape in how care is delivered but with the same standards and same commitment to the patients,” says Dr. Christian Delos Reyes, Chief Marketing Officer, The Medical City (TMC) Ortigas.

TMC, the largest healthcare network in the Philippines, is composed of one flagship complex in Ortigas, Metro Manila, four provincial hospitals, and over 50 clinics across the country. It has taken its brand into the global arena through the operation of Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC), the first and only private hospital in Guam.

To communicate that TMC hospitals are indeed a safe place for all, TMC Ortigas launched the “TMC One Complex, Two Hospital Systems” in April 2020 and was immediately replicated in all TMC hospitals. The two-in-one hospital system delineated separate areas and pathways – including emergency rooms, diagnostic laboratories, nursing units, and elevators for COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 cases.

TMC had to reassure people that it would be safe to visit a hospital to seek treatment for other reasons apart from COVID-19. The TMC leaders saw that if people avoided hospitals when they needed treatment, they would only become part of a second pandemic with illnesses that might have been resolved if treated early.

This was the same reason why TMC remained open for foreign patients throughout the pandemic. The global health crisis may have substantial negative effects on medical tourism but there is still a demand for high-quality, safe, and affordable care in foreign lands.

“Some of our normal activities may have been delayed or canceled because we are still in a pandemic but healthcare should not and should never be compromised. It is crucial that you stay connected with your healthcare provider, and do not delay taking care of your health,” says Dr. Delos Reyes.

For patients in Guam and the Pacific Island, The Medical City Referral Office (TMCRO) provides continuing medical travel assistance for their visit to the Philippines.

“We provide support and facilitate requests from outpatient services to end-to-end inpatient experience from pre- admission to discharge. Patients are assured that local and international guidelines and standards are strictly followed to keep them safe while getting the care that they need,” shares Lawrence Sibayan, AVP for Marketing and Business Development (TMC Ortigas).

“For those who would like to get in touch with our TMC Referral Office staff, you may contact the office at 988-8627,” adds Sibayan.

Sibayan also reminds the public that effective February 1, fully-vaccinated international travelers from countries with visa-free entry to the Philippines and returning overseas Filipinos will no longer be required to undergo facility-based quarantine, but must present a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test results. The test should be taken within 48 hours prior to departure from the country of origin. Travelers should also present proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

“This important update plus the services the TMCRO offers make it easier for patients to travel and seek medical care at The Medical City in the Philippines,” says Sibayan.

Back to Health, Back to the City 

With this development, TMC launches “Back to Health, Back to the City” promo which entitles interested international patients residing in Guam and the Pacific to discounts as much as 15% for inpatient and outpatient services. Apart from this, they may also avail of a special Executive Check-Up package that includes 3 days and 2 nights stay at any of their chosen participating hotels, and a “Shop- Hop” experience to major shopping malls around the area. This also comes with  free-of-charge services such as facial skin analysis, body fat analysis, personalized ECU assistance, pick-up and drop-off, plus free meals. For more details, contact The Medical City Referral Office at telephone number +1 671 9888627, email: assist@themedicalcity.com, or sign up at https://bit.ly/BacktoHealthBacktotheCity


Read more
lasik, transprk or dry eye package promo

February 14, 2022

Share the gift of better vision with our Eye Love You Two Promo!


Enjoy a 20% discount on the second LASIK, TransPRK, or Dry Eye Package if you and your loved one both qualify for the same procedure!

  1. This promo can only be availed by two people regardless of relationship.

  2. This is a buy 1 and get the second procedure at 20% off promo for all qualified utilization of same service. If the other patient did not qualify for any procedure upon doing the Eye Screening Service, the other one can still avail the procedure at 10% off rate.

  3. The promo is open to all patients and can only be availed at The Medical City-Ortigas, Eye and Vision Institute.

  4. This promo cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount.

  5. In the purchase of goods and services which are on promotional discount, the senior citizen or PWD can avail of the promotional discount or the discount provided under the Expanded Senior Citizen Act of 2010/An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability, whichever is higher.

  6. The promo runs from February 14 to March 31, 2022. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-137078 Series of 2022. 


Ready to book an appointment now? You may fill up the below form to avail this promo:

https://bit.ly/eyeloveyoutwoform 





For more information about the procedures and your eligibility, you may also contact the Eye and Vision Institute at 8988 1000 local 7783 or 7784 and mobile no. 09352990689. 



Read more
notice of annual stockholders meeting

January 26, 2022

Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders

Read more
hospital opening

January 17, 2022

The Medical City introduces a one-stop care destination for brain health

the medical city doctors

By consolidating services under these departments on one floor, TMC-INS allows collaboration and provides an easy transition between various levels of care. The facility is a one stop destination for easy access to diagnosis, treatment, therapies, and rehabilitative services. Services and programs for patients seeking neurologic and psychiatric care are available in one easy-to-access location for the patient’s convenience.

Aside from the Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry clinics, the EMG or Electromyography rooms, EEG or Electroencephalography room, and the High Dependency (Transition Care) Unit can also be found in the INS floor.

The unit is a step down as well as an Anticipatory area for neurologic patients who have been stabilized and discharged from the Critical Care Unit but still needing close monitoring. Stroke patients who may have mild deficits but have high potentials to deteriorate because of the location of brain involvement and/or unstable comorbidities, and patients to be transitioned from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to standard care areas. 

This step down facility is under the Stroke/Neuro-critical Care Unit of the INS and staffed by nurses trained for stroke and neuro-critical care. Patients may be admitted directly from the Emergency Department, ICU, or regular care areas.

There is also a spacious area for Neurorehabilitation in collaboration with the hospital’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department. 

The complex also includes the Movement Center and Memory, Language and Thinking Center (MeLT). The Movement Center accommodates patients with movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and Dystonia. Launched in 2016, this center also offers movement disorders consult and profiling, Basic Memory Screening and Botulinum toxin chemodenervation therapy. 

MeLT is a one-stop shop for patients with Dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases for assessment, evaluation, and management. It also provides holistic care to individuals with memory impairment including screening for anxiety, depression, caregiver burden, and even long-term follow-up check-ups.

The Center for Behavioral Health (CBH), which was originally located on the Ground Floor of the Podium Building (The Medical City Ortigas), has also moved to the INS Floor. Launched in 2018, the CBH is the first in the country to offer services that cover the entire continuum of mental health care–from wellness to illness, from assessment to early recognition, to therapeutic intervention to home care. 

CBH also provides care that necessitates one therapist to care that compel shared responsibility among several team members ranging from individual therapy to group therapy, and from promotive to preventive care.

“It’s only fitting that we are here together because there is no way for the Institute to be united than to physically share a common space where exchanging and sharing of ideas [happen],” said Dr. Rafael S. Claudio, TMC Chief Medical Officer, during the inauguration of the INS Floor at the 6th Floor of the Nursing Tower (TMC Ortigas). 

“The patients that we serve, those needing diagnostic procedures, psychiatric consultation services, and assistance in accessing the services that they need now have a place to go to,” said Mercedes Leido, INS Operations Manager.

Leido also shared that in terms of patient care, the proximity among INS outpatient services will enable faster and easier patient workflow, while spacious consultation and procedure rooms will give patients more comfort and provide them with a safer environment.  

The inauguration of the INS Floor held last December 6 also served as an avenue for The Medical City Neurology Week’s 2021 kick-off. Present during the inauguration were Chief Operating Officer Atty. Martin P. Samson, Chief Marketing Officer Dr. Christian G. Delos Reyes, and Dr. Claudio.

Along with them were INS Director Dr. Louie C. Racelis; Dr. John Jerusalem A. Tiongson, chairman of the Department of Neurology; Dr. Almario G. Jabson, chairman of the Neurosurgery Department; Dr. Ma. Monica Cardinez-Tan, chairwoman of the Department of Psychiatry, Dr. Cornelio G. Banaag, Jr., section head of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and doctors and staff from the INS departments and units. 

The theme of the Neurology Week celebration was “#getLINCDT Log In: Neurologic Care in the era of Digital Transformation.” Among the highlights of the week-long celebration were a two-day scientific forum, launch of the TMC Multi-hub and Spokes model for stroke care, and a lay forum on COVIBESITY (COVID and obesity). 

This “spanking new unit” as Dr. Racelis described it, is spacious enough for three departments to share for them to cater to their growing number of patients. 

“We might have the same genotype (type of species) but with different phenotypes (traits or characteristics). We can be described as a pot with three different flowers,” said Dr. Tiongson.

Dr. Racelis also shared a story about sailors from the west who were able to reach their destinations because they had a crow’s nest above their mast that enabled them to see far beyond the horizon and look out for storms and see the future better. 

The crow’s nest in the story is the new INS facility which serves as an avenue for doctors to treat patients with neurological concerns and breaking through the limits that the pandemic has bordered upon it. 

The modern facility also promotes a relaxing environment conducive to healing and recovery. In light of the new normal, all INS services are accessible online which are aligned to the medical institution’s theme moving forward: TMC Care Anytime, Anywhere. 

For inquiries or to schedule an appointment, please email the Department of Neurology at neurology@themedicalcity.com or call tel. nos. 8988-1000 / 8988-7000 ext. 6270.

Read more
world antimicrobial awareness week

December 07, 2021

The Medical City Wins Antimicrobial Resistance Champion Award

Even before the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the global medical community has long considered Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) as one of the greatest threats to health and development. And while the fight against the COVID-19 continues, AMR should continue to be top-of-mind for physicians and public health officials.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines antimicrobials—including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics—as “medicines used to prevent and treat infections in humans, animals, and plants.”

As a result of drug resistance, antibiotics and other antimicrobials become ineffective and infections become more difficult to treat. AMR can also lead to longer hospital stays, a higher risk of disease spreading, and a greater chance of dying due to infection.

Every year, we celebrate the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) on November 18 to 24. The goal of WAAW is to increase awareness for AMR. It aims to encourage actions among healthcare workers, policymakers, other concerned sectors, and the general public to be AMR Awareness champions to help prevent the further emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections.

In line with the celebration of the Philippine Antimicrobial Awareness Week (PAAW) this year, the DOH Pharmaceutical Division held a contest titled, "Call for AMR Champions" wherestakeholders from hospitals, primary healthcare facilities, and the industry participated.

TMC’s entry showcased the hospital’s best practices in implementing Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) and in advocating for AMR awareness. It spotlighted various strategies of the AMS Committee, including prior approval of restricted antimicrobials, prospective audit and direct feedback, point of care interventions, and education for healthcare workers and patients among others. TMC’s entry bested 12 others and emerged as the winner in the Hospital Category.

TMC’s Hospital Infection Control and Epidemiology Center (HICEC) led the Antimicrobial Awareness Week celebration. The highlight of which was the lobby display of various information materials aimed at promoting responsible actions to protect antimicrobials so that they remain effective for people and animals.

“We need to be better stewards of these precious, life-saving drugs if we want to continue using them well into the future,” said Dr. Karl Evans R. Henson, Infectious Diseases Consultant and HICEC Director.

Dr. Henson also said that improper and inappropriate intake of antibiotics or antimicrobials is dangerous and can lead to AMR. He advised the public to use antibiotics only when prescribed by a physician and make sure to take the correct dose, as well as always finish the prescribed treatment regimen, and not to reuse or share leftover antibiotics with others.


Reference: https://www.who.int/news/item/26-08-2021-world-antimicrobial-awareness-week-2021-spread-awareness-stop-resistance

Read more
aging skin ad

November 17, 2021

Get Youthful, Glowing Skin Without Surgery

Aging makes skin wrinkle, rough, hollow, change color, and lose elasticity. Most people start seeing these effects as early as their 30s.

The lucky ones age at a slower pace. Others do so faster. It all depends on extrinsic and intrinsic factors.

Extrinsic factors come from the environment, like exposure to sunlight, stress, smoking and other lifestyle causes.

Intrinsic factors are genetic. This involves not only the skin but other structural components like bone, muscle, and fat.  Aging leads to bone resorption (when bone recedes and retrudes) due to osteoporosis, reduced volume in the subcutaneous fat, and muscle contraction that produces fatigue, skin sagging, and signs of fatigue.

Thanks to media, people turn to less invasive aesthetic procedures like injectables that give the most natural effects.

The past three decades has seen a rise in these minimally invasive procedures for facial rejuvenation. The simplicity of the process, and the minimal downtime have contributed to its popularity.

Dermal filler injections help restore skin volume.  Dermal fillers are gel-like materials injected under the skin to fill up the wrinkles and restore volume that we lose during aging. It fills hollow sunken areas and wrinkles on the face or hands to make you look younger. It is a minimally invasive procedure that rejuvenates dark circles around the eyes, neck, hands and help contour the lips. These are small procedures with small changes that will make you look less tired, and more refreshed.

Fillers are composed of several compounds, the most used of which is hyaluronic acid. This natural compound is found in our skin, eyes, and joints. Hyaluronic acid when injected gives a very natural appearance and can be dissolved when patient dislikes the results. 

Other available fillers are Poly-L-Lactic acid and Calcium hydroxylapatite. Poly-L-lactic acid is a synthetic filler that stimulates production of our own collagen under the skin after months of injection with the filler. Calcium hydroxylapatite is found in our bones and is proven safe and biocompatible.

A little swelling, redness and bruising are normal after the injection. These will slowly subside in a few days, and be totally gone in two weeks.

A board-certified dermatologist will assess your facial anatomy and recommend the right filler for you.

Results are visible after injection, although the outcome comes two weeks after the procedure, after the skin has fully absorbed the substance. It is important that you come back two weeks after the procedure to see if any touch ups are needed.

Duration of the results depends on the kind of fillers used, but it usually lasts for 12 to 18 months.

Dermal fillers are not for everybody. Those with a history of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma (including CREST), systemic or discoid lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis or polymyositis cannot have them. It is also contraindicated for those with a history of anaphylactoid shock or severe allergic reaction.

Botox injection is another minimally invasive procedure for facial rejuvenation. Small amounts of purified botulinum toxin are injected into a muscle to relax thus making skin smoother and tighter.

Botox is a quick treatment for wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes. It also contours the face and makes it slimmer. It makes the nose look more refined as well.

Other non-cosmetic uses of botulinum injection are the treatment of hyperhidrosis or too much sweating especially in the armpits, pores, keloid, flushing and redness. The effect lasts six to eight months.

After treatment, you are barred from touching treated areas. Neither should you engage in strenuous activity at least 24 hours after injection.

Botox injection, like dermal fillers, is not for everyone. It isn’t safe for pregnant and nursing women as well as those with neurologic diseases like acute spinal cord injury, Alzheimer’s Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), ataxia, Bell’s Palsy, brain tumor, cerebral aneurysm, epilepsy and seizures and others.

Botox can be combined with dermal fillers for best results. Soft tissue fillers last longer when injected in immobile areas. Hence, injected fillers last longer when muscles are relaxed. Botox and dermal filler injections are safe and can be done two weeks apart. Lasers and tightening machines can also be used two weeks after botox injection.

Say goodbye to aging skin. 

Botox and dermal fillers are among the non-surgical dermatologic procedures available at the Aesthetics Center of The Medical City Wellness and Aesthetics Institute. The center has the ambiance of a hotel and spa and ensures that clients can have their procedures done in complete privacy. All treatments, procedures, and surgeries are conducted within the Aesthetics Center for total privacy and safety from airborne diseases and cross-contamination.

The center’s highly-qualified and board-certified dermatologists will help you achieve your beauty goals in the safest way possible. Call The Medical City Aesthetics Center at 89881000 or 89887000 ext. 6588 or 6592. 

Read more
five four promo

October 27, 2021

Enjoy this exciting anniversary treat from The Medical City! Save 5.4% off our regular prices!

TMC Outpatient Promo Mechanics:

  • The promo is available only on October 28, 2021, from 12:01 am to 11:59 pm.
  • The promo covers outpatient procedures and services excluding packages.
  • The promo is open to all patients and can only be availed at The Medical City-Ortigas
  • This promo cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount.
  • In the purchase of goods and services which are on promotional discount, the senior citizen or PWD can avail of the promotional discount or the discount provided under the Expanded Senior Citizen Act of 2010/An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability, whichever is higher.



TMC Get Checked Drive Thru Promo Mechanics:

  • The promo is available only on October 28, 2021, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
  • The promo covers all RT-PCR test at the drive thru of The Medical City-Ortigas.
  • The promo is open to all patients and can only be availed at The Medical City-Ortigas
  • The promo applies to all patients who have booked at https://online.themedicalcity.com/online-services/tmccovidswab
  • This promo cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount
  • In the purchase of goods and services which are on promotional discount, the senior citizen or PWD can avail of the promotional discount or the discount provided under the Expanded Senior Citizen Act of 2010/An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability, whichever is higher.



TMC Bundle of Joy Anniversary Promo Mechanics:

  • The promo is available only on October 28, 2021, from 12:01 am to 11:59 pm.
  • The promo applies to all Normal Spontaneous Deliveries and Caesarian Section Deliveries at The Medical City-Ortigas.
  • The promo is open to patients due to deliver their babies at The Medical City-Ortigas Delivery Suite.
  • This promo cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount
  • In the purchase of goods and services which are on promotional discount, the senior citizen or PWD can avail of the promotional discount or the discount provided under the Expanded Senior Citizen Act of 2010/An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability, whichever is higher.
Read more
biker at a parking space for bikes

September 09, 2021

Pedalling through Safety

The busy streets of the Metro are now filled with the quietness of the city. What once buzzed so noisily can now be painted in a still picture, depicting the calmness of this city life.

The loud horns of the jeepneys, huge wheels of the buses, and roars of the motorcycles are nowhere to seen and heard when the enhanced community quarantine was first implemented in March of 2020.

Hard lockdown was in place and the strict force of the Philippine National Police was felt everywhere. Only front liners were allowed to pass through the checkpoints, because the threat and harm of the virus is still so strong.

When the pandemic wasn’t around yet, one would not witness human feet traversing through the streets of the city on their way to work. But because of the virus, people had no choice but to walk to their destinations as no available transportation is accessible.

Since 2019, members of the management dreamt to make the MATI Tower a green one. Although they knew that it would require work, it did not stop them from taking small steps to achieve it. Lights were changed to LED, adding greeneries around the building and installing light sensors to make the tower more environment friendly.

Progress is felt when biking spaces were added, enhancing the area to encourage more employees and patients to bike their way to TMC instead.

Employees, doctors, and patients are all encouraged to make a mindful choice just like the reminder that if they want to keep their heart healthy, they must take the stairs when going one or two floors down.

A portion of the Parking slots are now allocated for bicycle and scooter owners. From an initial 3 car slots that catered the bicycle and scooters, a total of 13 car slots were sacrificed so that more bikes and scooter may be accommodated. There is also a bicycle lane painted in green leading all the way up to the parking spaces.


To top this, a charging station is placed next to the bike repair station where riders may fix and inflate their tires. A brilliant and practical idea from the creators of this Bicycle Lane project. Mobility Awards recognized TMC for its bike-friendly workplace because of its recently improved bike parking facility. The institution received a gold award for this innovation and change, encouraging people to shift to cycling as a means of transport.


A working student from the Malabon University, artist Marvin Mendiola filled the walls of the parking lot with his smooth strokes of art. He was asked to paint “A Park in the City” which portrayed the Enterprise including TMC Ortigas, Guam, Pangasinan, Clark, and more.


Not only are there provisions for the bicycles, but the riders are greeted with a magnificent and peaceful mural of the city. The bright blue clouds are just over the walls buildings which are surrounded by a park filled with trees, bushes, plants, benches, and lamp posts.

It is a serene masterpiece that envelops the parked bicycles. One that will place a smile on the faces of the riders when they park at or leave the area. For only Php 10.00, the riders will enjoy a 24-hour parking stay, a convenient and super affordable price to pay.

“I believe that the morale and support of the management, together with the warm spirit brought by this project, will encourage more and more patients to visit The Medical City. Moreover, MATI and TMC’s set up of COVID safe areas for patients, strict protocols upon check-ups, excellent service from our personnel, and a nice area for them to park their bikes will encourage more patients to come to us.” testified by MATI Chief Operating Officer Dr. Michael Edmond S. Dazo.

Read more
pre-eclampsia screening package promo

July 06, 2021

Avail of a 20% discount on Preeclampsia Screening Packages!

Promo mechanics:

  • Promo period is from July 12 to September 2021.
  • All procedures are done only at the Women’s Healthcare Center of The Medical City Ortigas.
  • Promos is open for all pregnant patients in their 1st trimester (11 to 13 6/7 weeks or CRL 45mm to 85mm) and 2nd or 3rd trimester.
  • All procedures must be scheduled and done within the promo period.
  • This promo cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount.
  • In the purchase of goods and services which are on promotional discount, the senior citizen or PWD can avail of the promotional discount or the discount provided under the Expanded Senior Citizen Act of 2010/An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability, whichever is higher.
  • Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-123043 Series of 2021

For inquiries, please call The Medical City’s Institute for Women’s Health at 8988-1000/8988-7000 ext. 6336.



Read more
the medical city test travel package

July 08, 2021

#SafeTravels with The Medical City COVID Packages

The Safe Travels Promo is open to all patients of TMC needing COVID-19 RT-PCR test and/ or medical travel certificate for clearance.

  1. Full and reduced rates as follow:


PROCEDURE TOTAL PRICE REDUCED RATE
Safe Travels Package 1 (Individual) P 6,140 P 4,500
Safe Travels Package 2 (Group of 3) P 17,190 P 12,300
OFW Package P 5,000 P 3,500


  1. Patients must present any proof of travel such as but not limited to travel itinerary, ticket, OWWA ID.
  2. Collection of RT-PCR sample may be done remotely (at home or hotel) within Metro Manila or at The Medical City Ambulatory Care Center, except for the OFW Package that can only be done at the latter. 
  3. Medical Certificate, applicable to Packages 1 and 2 will be issued after teleconsultation with The Medical City Primary Care Physician.
  4. Official results shall be available within 24 hours* from the time of collection and shall be sent to patients via email.
  5. Procedures must be done within the promo period (July 8 to September 30, 2021).
  6. This promo is available only at the The Medical City, Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City.
  7. This promo cannot be used in conjunction with any other promo or discount.
  8. In the purchase of goods and services which are on promotional discount, the senior citizen or PWD can avail of the promotional discount or the discount provided under the Expanded Senior Citizen Act of 2010/An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability, whichever is higher.
  9. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-122842 Series of 2021


*Release of results may take longer depending on possible re-collection/re-run of samples based on recommendation of pathologist.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is TMC Safe Travels Promo?

  • TMC Safe Travels Promo offers CoVID-19 RT-PCR test packages for travel purposes.

Who can avail of this promo?

  • All individuals needing COVID-19 RT- PCR test and/ or medical travel certificate for clearance may avail this promo. Just present any proof of travel such as but not limited to travel itinerary, ticket, and OWWA ID.

What are the packages and their inclusions?


Package Inclusion Rate
Safe Travels Package 1 (individual)
COVID-19 RT-PCR test, free home service, and teleconsultation for medical travel certification by TMC primary care physician

P 4,500
Safe Travels Package 2 (group of 3)

COVID-19 RT-PCR test, free home service*, and teleconsultation for medical travel certification by TMC primary care physician

*service to be rendered in one location only

P 12,300
OFW Package
COVID-19 RT-PCR test (In-hospital service)

P 3,500


What is the operating hours?

  • Booking and Appointment is open 24/7. Expect confirmation within 24 hours from time booking. This service is not available for same- day service. Please take note of the travel requirements and book ahead of time.
  • For Home Service, The Medical Technologists collect samples from Monday to Sunday, 7:00am to 2:00pm.
  • For In- Hospital Service, The Ambulatory Care Center is open from Monday to Sunday, 7:00am to 6:00pm
  • For Teleconsultation, The Medical City Primary Care Physicians are available from Monday to Saturday, 10:00am to 9:00pm

What are the steps to avail this promo?

For Home Service:

  • Click this link (https://bit.ly/safetravelsregistration) and input patient’s personal details, preferred schedule, and package to be availed.
  • For Safe Travels Package 2 Group of 3, Home service will be rendered in one location only.
  • You will be contacted by the laboratory representative for validation and confirmation of schedule.
  • You will be visited by the Medical Technologist for sample collection and facilitation of payment (payment may also be done ahead of time)

For In-hospital service at the Ambulatory Care Center

  • You may book and pay (payment may also be done during your visit) thru The Medical City’s Online Platform (bit.ly/ambu-online).
  • You will receive a confirmation for your appointment.
  • Go to TMC Ambulatory Care Center on the day of your appointment and proceed with the sample collection.

For teleconsultation:

  • Make sure you that you already have your RT-PCR results and official receipt before booking online.
  • Go to Patient Portal via online.themedicalcity.com/online-services. Log- in as an existing user or sign-up for a new account.
  • Click “Ambulatory Care Center” from the “Online Services” tab and search for “Ambulatory Care Tele-Consultation with Medical Certificate”
  • Choose your preferred schedule, confirm your booking details, and click “Book Now” to proceed.
  • Select “HMO / Corporate” as payment method then click “Proceed”. Attach the OR for Safetravels Package and click “Submit”.
  • You will receive a confirmation for your appointment.
  • Go to “Appointments” tab then click “Forms”. Choose “Doctor’s Forms” and “Submit Document” to upload your RT-PCR result.

What are my payment options?

  • For home service, you may pay in cash or credit card prior the onsite specimen collection or during the home visit. Other options are via online payment link, or bank transfer thru Banco De Oro.
  • For in-hospital service at The Medical City Ambulatory Care Center, you may pay online thru the TMC Online Portal (https://online.themedicalcity.com/patient/) prior your scheduled visit or onsite during your appointment.

Can I use my HMO or company guarantee for this service?

  • You will be directed by TMC laboratory representative to contact your HMO Call Center or Company HR to secure Letter of Authorization (LOA) for your procedure.

How will I get my result?

  • TMC laboratory representative will send your results via email. Your official receipt will be sent thru email as well.


Read more
healthy aging home package

June 23, 2021

Age well with the Healthy Aging Home Package

What is TMC’s Healthy Aging Home Package?

The Medical City (TMC) Healthy Aging Home Package is a home-based Preventive Health Check for senior citizens

What are included in this package?

The following are included in the package:

  • Geriatric Doctor home visit for physical assessment;
  • Laboratory Test;
  • ECG to monitor heart status; Cardiovascular Test (ECG);
  • Post-check-up teleconsultation with Geriatrician for Healthy Aging Planning and Advise

Who can avail of this service?

Patients 60 years old and above can avail of this package

How can I avail of this service?

To book for the package, patients may send their request via email at tmc_wcl@themedicalcity.com and/or call (02) 8-988-1000 ext. 6582, 6386, 6579, Mon-Sat 6:00am-5:00pm

What are the consultations with the geriatrician?

The Attending TMC geriatrician will see the patient 3 times: 1st is a pre- visit teleconsultation assessment; 2nd is a face-to-face home visit for physical assessment; and 3rd is a post- check-up teleconsultation. A link for teleconsultation will be sent to the patient’s email.

What are the schedules for consultation?

  • Pre- visit Consultation: 2 days prior preferred home- visit consultation
  • Home-visit Consultation: every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
  • Post- Assessment Consultation (For results interpretation)

What are my payment options?

Patients may pay in advance via online bank transfer

Can I use my HMO or company guarantee for this service?

You may coordinate with your HMO/ insurance provider for possible coverage. You can request LOA through themedicalcity.com/loa-request

How much does this package cost?

The package costs P32,412 less the senior citizen’s discount

Is the quality the same if done in the hospital?

Yes, tele- remote care has shown effectiveness in delivering health services for convenience and utmost safety of the patient

What should I expect during the home visit?

All schedules will be coordinated with the patient. The visit for the physical exam by the Doctor, blood extraction by Medical Technologist, and ECG by the Cardio Technologist will happen on the same day. The blood extraction and ECG is expected to last for 30mins, depending on the condition of the patient


Read more
the medical city dermatology department poster

June 10, 2021

Get FREE Facial Analysis When You Book Your Skin Assessment at The Medical City

  • Open to all Wellness and Aesthetics Institute clients from 18 years old and above
  • Promo runs from June 16, 2021 to September 30, 2021
  • Includes consultation with a Board Certified Dermatologist and a Visia skin analyzer
  • Only valid in The Medical City Ortigas Wellness and Aesthetic Institute
  • Cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts, packages or promotional offer
  • Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-121376 Series of 2021



Read more
healthcare asia awards 2021

June 01, 2021

The Medical City Ortigas bags COVID Management Initiative of the Year Award; TMC South Luzon wins two awards at the Healthcare Asia Awards 2021

As the pandemic reached the Philippines, it was no surprise that premier health institution The Medical City (TMC) too had to confront an overwhelming number of severely ill patients in its Intensive Care Unit (ICU), the spill-over of very sick patients at the ER, and exhaustion of its frontliners.

However, despite these challenges, TMC remained committed to prioritize the safety and welfare of its patients and staff as it implemented multiple strategies to make the hospital a safe place for all. 

To communicate this, TMC Ortigas launched “TMC One Complex, Two Hospital Systems” in April 2020 which refers to the hospital’s new normal hospital operation that provides patients with clear-cut processes and division for COVID-19 patients in isolated areas and separate safe access for non-COVID-19 patients who need consults, diagnostic tests, intervention, and management of their diseases. Exclusive pathways were identified from the moment a patient enters the hospital to his or her planned appointment or destination.


TMC also initiated partnerships with local government units, and the Department of Health which covered COVID-19 testing, efficient contact tracing, and management of patients. In March 2020, TMC formed an alliance with the big hospitals in Metro Manila and led a collective appeal to the government to designate a big government hospital as the COVID-19 Hospital so that efforts, manpower and resources could be centralized and better controlled.

The hospital also implemented Teleconsult and Home Care services in case patients cannot leave their homes, as well as Lab on Wheels which provides home-service collection of samples for routine testing at TMC clinical laboratory. Further, its Vaccine on Wheels provides pre-vaccination teleconsultation and home- service administration of flu vaccine.

TMC also launched an Online HMO Concierge that provides personalized medical coordination for patients online and the Medical Concierge, for those visiting the hospital.

In recognition of these initiatives, TMC Ortigas received the COVID Management Initiative of the Year award at the recently concluded Healthcare Asia Pharma Awards 2021. This is the hospital’s fifth award since 2018.

In 2020, TMC Ortigas bagged the coveted Hospital of the Year award and Customer Service Initiative of the Year for its Red Coat Ambassadors Program.

Healthcare Asia Awards 2021 Winner: The Medical City from Charlton Media Group on Vimeo.

In 2019, lauded for his naturally endowed leadership skills and his ability to foster, encourage, and inspire his medical community, TMC President and CEO Dr. Eugenio Jose F. Ramos took home the CEO of the Year Award.

TMC Ortigas, in 2018, clinched the Marketing Initiative of the Year award for "Sing-A-Lung," the hospital's pulmonary test that patients can sing.

TMC South Luzon gets double win

TMC South Luzon was also recognized by Healthcare Asia for its pioneering program in remote healthcare in the Philippines and for its employee engagement initiatives. 

The hospital received the Service Delivery Innovation Initiative of the Year and the Employee Engagement Initiative of the Year awards during the virtual awarding ceremony held on May 12, 2021. 

As the COVID-19 scare and government-imposed lockdowns almost eliminated face-to-face consultations and treatments, TMC South Luzon initiated healthcare delivery innovations to provide patients with options to accessing services and medical expertise.  

At the height of the nationwide lockdown period, TMC South Luzon introduced its Virtual Clinic enabling patients to consult through various telehealth platforms, complemented by a Call Center featuring a call concierge  and a Telehealth Hub where doctors can have private sessions with their patients. 

In addition to virtual consultations, TMC South Luzon also realized the importance of adequately and accurately informing its patients of the facts regarding issues of concern and new developments.  Misinformation about the coronavirus shared online fueled a lot of anxiety and fear.  Through its Social Media Doctor (SMD), the hospital provided its social media followers with a licensed doctor to respond to medical queries and to refer them to specialty doctors upon request.

TMC South Luzon also launched a Drive-Thru service not only for COVID-19 tests, but also for other services such as laboratory blood works, electrocardiogram (ECG), X-ray, and pediatric vaccinations. The hospital also re-launched its Home Care services for patients who are either reluctant or incapable to go to the hospital for their nursing, physical therapy, nutrition management, and diagnostic needs.

TMC South Luzon’s second award, the Employee Engagement Initiative of the Year, was given in recognition of its efforts in fostering positive changes in the workplace by keeping the employees engaged, if not inspired.

By providing the needed tools and opportunities for development, TMC South Luzon nourishes a culture of engagement as well as an incentivized environment where everyone’s efforts are recognized and valued. Exposed to such a positive workplace condition, employees develop a sense of pride, purpose, and pleasure in what they do. This resulted in an over-all performance at the end of a tumultuous year that exceeded all expectations. TMC South Luzon believes that investing in its people is an investment for success.  

The Healthcare Asia Awards is an awards program organized by Healthcare Asia magazine, based in Singapore, to honor health institutions in Asia Pacific Region for their exceptional initiatives and unwavering drive to innovate and grow amidst market challenges.

About The Medical City

The Medical City (TMC) Network is composed of one flagship healthcare complex, four provincial hospitals, and over 50 clinics in Metro Manila and in select provinces in the Philippines. 

The main healthcare complex is located along Ortigas Avenue in the business district of Pasig City, Metro Manila while the provincial hospitals are strategically situated in Clark, Iloilo, Laguna, and Pangasinan: Our Network

TMC has taken its brand into the global arena through the ownership and operation of Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC), the first private hospital in Guam. TMC’s aggressive national and global expansion strategy demonstrates a commitment to bringing its unique, world-class brand of healthcare straight to the communities of its patients. 

Read more
tmc tips to stay healthy during the pandemic

May 27, 2021

Diabetes and COVID-19

Diabetes is a complex disease characterized by elevated blood sugar because of abnormal insulin secretion and/or insulin action. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that regulates the blood sugar in the body. Uncontrolled diabetes leads to different complications such as heart attack, stroke, leg amputation, blindness, and kidney failure. Data from the DOST-FNRI showed that the prevalence of diabetes in the Philippines increased from 5.6% in 2013 to 8.2% in 2019. Around 14.2% of the population already have prediabetes. Combining the prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes, one out of every five Filipinos have abnormal glucose levels.

COVID-19 is a novel disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus strain. Majority of the people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, lung disease, obesity, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. The invasion of the virus to the different cells of the body such as the heart and the lungs results in inflammatory changes which causes injury and multi-organ damage. Diabetes is associated with systemic inflammation. Studies show that patients with diabetes have more virus entry, weakened immune response, less viral elimination, and dysregulated inflammatory markers.

Patients with diabetes may have a similar risk of contracting COVID-19 as those people without diabetes. However, because of the inherent feature of the disease, patients with diabetes have a higher risk of hospitalization, ICU admissions, severe complications, and death once they have contracted COVID -19 compared to those without diabetes.

So what must a patient with diabetes do to remain healthy and prevent COVID-19?

  1. Follow the minimum health standards such as frequent handwashing, wearing of face masks and face shields, physical distancing, ensuring proper ventilation, and reducing time of interaction if any. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.  Stay home if sick and call the doctor for advice.
  2. Make sure to have several weeks of supply of maintenance medications, blood sugar monitoring device, batteries, and needles for those on insulin and other medical supplies to minimize trips to the pharmacy and  decrease risk of exposure. Keep simple carbs such as regular soda, honey or candies ready to be taken only when the blood sugars are very low and too ill to eat.
  3. Maintain good blood sugar control. Strive to eat healthy and be well – hydrated, exercise and do physical activities at home, have adequate sleep and learn how to manage stress. Know the individualized blood sugar target set by your doctor and monitor blood sugars regularly.  Be vigilant for signs of unstable blood sugar.
  4. Collect the contact numbers of your doctors and diabetes team, pharmacy and insurance provider. At the Endocrine Diabetes and Thyroid Center of The Medical City, a healthcare team composed of doctors, diabetes nurse educators and dietitians can be reached via telemedicine. Have your laboratory tests and procedures done as scheduled and get in touch with the healthcare team for proper guidance.
  5. Do not delay scheduled appointment with other specialists for specific treatment of diabetes complications such as eye procedures for retinopathy or immediate management of infected wounds to prevent worsening of the condition.
  6. GET VACCINATED!

In a position statement by the Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism on COVID-19 vaccination for adult individuals with diabetes, the society recommends that all adult individuals with Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 and Type 2 should consider vaccination against COVID-19 infection after thorough evaluation and discussion with their physicians. Individuals who may be immunosuppressed due to poor glycemic control can still be vaccinated with precaution, since potential benefits outweigh the known potential risks. Hence, patients with diabetes should be encouraged to have themselves vaccinated against COVID-19. They should also be reminded to continue practicing the minimum health standards even after vaccination.

For inquiries, you may call the Endocrine, Diabetes and Thyroid Center of The Medical City at 8-988-1000 or 8-988-7000 ext. 6611, and like The Medical City, Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism FB page (https://www.facebook.com/TMCendo)


REFERENCES:

  1. 10 Diabetes Care Tips During the Coronavirus  Pandemic  https://www.everydayhealth.com
  2. ADA How Covid – 19  Impacts People with Diabetes https://www.diabetes.org
  3. Inflammation : A Bridge Between Diabetes and Covid – 19  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. PSEDM Position Statement on Diabetes and Covid Vaccination
Read more
themedicalcity blue logo

May 06, 2021

Filipino Foods that Boost the Immune System

COVID-19 has dramatically changed our lives. Now more than ever, making sure that you are taking care of yourself with nutrition, physical activity, and getting enough sleep is extra important. Making sure you are eating a diet high in immune-boosting nutrients is one way you can take an active role in maintaining your health and wellness.

Whether you are preparing meals for yourself or your family, focus on making smart, healthy meals to include foods that boost the immune system.

Papaya

Papaya is a great source of vitamin C. In fact, it contains over 200% of the daily recommended amount for a person. It is also rich in vitamin A, folate, and potassium, which helps improve your eyesight, enhance muscle strength, keep you hydrated, speed up your metabolism, and even relieve anxiety and stress.

So next time you cook nilaga, tinola or ginisang papaya, remember this. But to get the Vitamin C, enjoy eating fresh ripe papaya.

Malunggay

Malunggay or Moringa is a known superfood, especially when it comes to naturally boosting your immune system. Moringa is loaded with fiber and iron. It contains seven times more vitamin C than oranges and four times more vitamin A than carrots. Make sure you add this to your Friday mongo guisado (mung bean soup) or chicken tinola for the weekend.

Turmeric

Turmeric is loaded with curcumin, a powerful antioxidant that helps your body repair damages and keeps inflammation away. Give your chicken curry not only a kick of color and taste but nutrition too.

Ginger

Ginger is one of the staple ingredients in a Filipino dish and an anti-inflammatory booster. It is known as a diaphoretic, which helps alleviate flu-symptoms if you feel you’re catching a cold or a fever. It also helps your body release toxins by inducing sweat. Make your own ginger tea or cook more foods with ginger, to keep yourself away from infection.

Your sinigang, chicken tinola and chicken curry among others will not be complete without ginger.

Salmon

Salmon is good for your heart and overall health. Aside from the benefits of omega-3, salmon also contains zinc, selenium, and bioflavonoid that help heal your body from within and help keep your immune system on point. Get your nutritious dose of omega-3 fatty acids with dishes like sinigang na salmon (salmon in sour tamarind soup).

Egg

Eggs are naturally high in cholesterol but they also contain a lot of protein. Protein is essential in keeping your immune system strong. Eggs are rich in nutrients such as zinc, selenium, vitamin D, and vitamin E, which support immune system functions.

So yes, the egg in your tapsilog, longsilog, and other Filipino breakfast staples are good for you. (You may want to skip the grease and garlic with plain steamed rice rather than the fried rice.) Hard-boiled eggs are healthy and can be your pre- or post-workout snack. If you feel like trying something different from your usual sunny side up and scrambled eggs, try using egg to make tortang talong (eggplant omelette).

Pechay

Pechay, like all types of cabbage, is a good source of protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, Vitamin B6, calcium, iron, potassium, vitamin K, and more. If you’re looking for a natural alternative to your daily vitamins to boost your immune system, pechay is your best bet. Add pechay to your bulalo, beef shanks or bone marrow stew with corn and green vegetables. Or for an even healthier everyday meal, add pechay to stir-fried, garlicky tofu.

Bell Pepper

Did you know that yellow and red bell peppers have twice as much vitamin C than oranges do?

So if you want to load up on vitamin C, make the bell pepper switch and don’t forget to add it to your bowl of chicken afritada (chicken braised in tomato sauce), caldereta (meat stew) or chopsuey.

Squash

Squash is an abundant source of powerful antioxidants, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene. Incorporating squash in your daily meals not only gives you more than 100% of the daily recommended dosage of vitamin A but also supports proper organ functions and boosts your immune system. Squash adds a perfect flavor and texture to pinakbet, or mixed vegetables steamed in shrimp.


For a private Nutrition Consult or personalized Diet Plan, you may call The Medical City Nutrition Management Services at 8988-1000 ext. 2017.


Source:

https://hellodoctor.com.ph/healthy-eating/filipino-food-boost-immunity/

Read more
covid-19 teleconsulation services schedule

April 27, 2021

FAQs on COVID-19 Teleconsultation Services

WHAT IS TMC COVID-19 TELECONSULTATION?

The Medical City COVID-19 Teleconsultation provides an alternative care delivery solution to mild and moderate COVID-19 patients. We provide guidance on screening for COVID-19, testing recommendations, and advice on isolation or quarantine. We aim to ensure that patients are attended to, and guided on their health condition and recovery through a physician-supervised tele-remote consultation.


WHO CAN AVAIL OF TMC COVID-19 TELECONSULTATION?

Patients who are covid suspect or confirmed positive for COVID-19 with mild to moderate symptoms which include:

  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Loss of smell and/or taste
  • Colds

This service can only cater to patients with non-emergency and non-life-threatening cases. It is not recommended for patients who require examination or diagnostic procedures that can only be performed in-person by the TMC physician.


WHAT TYPES OF CARE CAN I GET?

The TMC Physician’s assessment, advice, recommendation, and prescription are based on all the information or data that you will share during the teleconsultation. They will provide the following, as necessary:

  • One-Time Medical Video consultation
  • Prescriptions for medication
  • Order for laboratory procedures
  • Nutrition counseling
  • Mental health counseling
  • Infection Control Guidance


WHO ARE THE DOCTORS?

All Doctors are TMC Affiliated Specialists.


WHAT DO I NEED?

You need a desktop, laptop or your mobile phone connected to a strong and stable internet connection with at least 10Mbps.


HOW CAN I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?

You can book your appointment through these easy steps:

  1. Go to www.themedicalcity.com
  2. Go to Online Services and select TMC Remote Care
  3. Click Teleconsultation, select a doctor based on your preferred schedule.
  4. You will be redirected to log-in page. For existing users, enter your username and passwords; for new users, sign- up to create an account.
  5. Proceed to check-out and payment
  6. You will receive your e-receipt in email together with confirmation of your booking, and e-consult link.


HOW MUCH IS THE TELECONSULTATION AND HOW DO I PAY?

After selecting your doctor based on your preferred schedule, proceed to check-out and payment. You may pay the teleconsultation fee of 1,000 via credit or debit card. This service is not Philhealth and HMO compensable.


HOW DO I START MY SCHEDULED TELECONSULT?

There are two ways on how to start your scheduled teleconsult after confirmation and payment:

A. Through email:

  1. Log on to the email you used for your TMC Online Patient Portal account
  2. Look for “Service Appointment Request” email from The Medical City
  3. Click the telemedicine appointment link in the email you received


B. Through Patient Portal

  1. On the day of your consult, log in to Patient Portal
  2. Go to your appointment list under Outpatient Services
  3. View the details and find the link to the teleconsultation you booked


HOW CAN I KNOW MORE ABOUT THIS PROGRAM?

You may contact The Medical City - Command Center at:

(02) 8988-7000 ext. 3302 or 6513

Monday to Sunday (including holidays) 8AM-6PM


WHAT CAN I DO IF MY DOCTOR PRESCRIBED BLOOD TESTS AND/OR MEDICINES?

Wheels Program

To complete your overall teleconsult and remote care experience you may have your laboratory procedures and get prescribed medicines via:

Lab on Wheels

8988-7000 / 8988-1000 ext. 6122 / 6421

Monday to Sunday; 8:00am to 5:00pm


Pharmacy on Wheels

In partnership with Watsons Pharmacy, your prescription can be delivered right at your doorstep.

Check the Watsons Pharmacy near you (Within Metro Manila) http://bit.ly/TMC-POW

Monday to Saturday; Delivery Hours: 11:00AM to 5:00pm

Read more
ambulance next to a private plane

April 27, 2021

The Medical City partners with Ascent for air medical services

The Medical City is launching its partnership with Ascent, Asia’s on-demand helicopter service for air travel in a crowd-free and controlled environment. A leading healthcare provider in the Philippines, The Medical City services more than 50,000 inpatients and 500,000 outpatients a year, making it one of the most trusted organizations for local and international travelers and tourists in the Philippines.

Through these helicopter services, patients can expect a faster and more seamless healthcare journey between facilities of The Medical City, free from traffic congestion and other connectivity issues. Ascent can provide passengers with aircraft from the best-in-class operators that follow stringent COVID-19 safety protocols. A medical team can also accompany patients during flights.

With this partnership, patients and personnel of The Medical City can now fly to and from its world-class facilities and dedicated Ascent hubs within minutes. For example, The Medical City in Ortigas is now only 25 minutes away from its Clark branch. Ascent’s air services will include transport of medical personnel and sensitive medical cargo, such as organs or fragile medical equipment.

“With this partnership, your healthcare dedicated service is now more efficient, convenient and seamless,” says Dr. Christian Delos Reyes, Senior Vice President of The Medical City.

“Patients can now easily access medical air mobility services through Ascent, thereby avoiding wait times in traffic as they focus on their health. In addition, our personnel and sensitive cargo can now move more efficiently, improving the overall performance of our healthcare services.”

Lionel Sinai-Sinelnikoff, Founder and CEO of Ascent adds, “In line with our continued focus on democratizing access to air mobility, this partnership marks another step in the progress of the future of mobility in the Philippines. We are excited to save patients of The Medical City up to 85% of their time in traffic, especially in a situation where minutes matter, and essentially forming a safe travel bubble from the main branch of The Medical City to its wider healthcare network. This will have a tremendous impact, especially to less accessible areas where it may take ground ambulances several hours to reach.” The Medical City has been consistent with giving its patients an unparalleled healthcare experience, including innovative initiatives such as the recent TMC Drive-thru Lab.

Through this partnership with Ascent, The Medical City continues to elevate its healthcare ecosystem with a focus on both patient safety and experience as well as service efficiency and excellence. With Ascent, passengers and patients fly on fuel-efficient helicopters operated by a world-class operator, such as INAEC Aviation Corporation. Air operator partners of Ascent have unrivaled safety track records, abide strictly to stringent international operational standards, and are audited internationally to ensure the highest levels of safety and reliability.

About Ascent

Ascent is Asia’s first technology-powered air mobility service. It is an on-demand helicopter service designed to make cities more connected by moving people safely, seamlessly and affordably by air, using turbine single and twin engine helicopters, from Airbus, Bell and Leonardo. Ascent operates between more than 15 hubs of activity including international airports, central business districts, and popular leisure destinations. Users can complement their journey by availing of value-added services including luggage transport, first and last-mile ground transport amongst other services. In addition, passengers fly on curated aircraft in accordance to COVID-19 related safety protocols such as enhanced aircraft cleaning and frequent health checks on crew. With Ascent, passengers regain control of their time, and move in safe, crowd-free and controlled environments, with flights operated by best-in-class operators such as INAEC Aviation Corp in the Philippines, Advance Aviation and SFS Aviation in Thailand, ensuring the highest operational and safety standards. Ascent is committed to Climate Neutrality and is endorsed by the Department of Transportation and Department of Tourism in the Philippines. For more information, please visit www.ascent.flights.

Read more
the medical city online logo

March 25, 2021

FAQs on Patient Portal

1. What is the Patient Portal?

- The Patient Portal allows patients to view our services, book an appointment, order prescribed procedures or tests, and pay online directly through the website. Our online services offer outpatient procedures and tests from all our servicing units.

2. How can I access the Patient Portal?

- You may go to www.themedicalcity.com, click the “Login” button, and select “Patient” to create an account or to sign-in. 

3. What will happen after I register?

-Your account will be verified by our team to ensure that the details provided are accurate. After verification, you can do the following:

·         View the services offered by The Medical City.

·         View doctor’s information and availability.

·         Order the procedures that you want to avail.

·         Select and book your preferred appointment date and time.

·         Pay online. 

4. How do I know if my booking has been successful?

- To ensure that booking was successful, you will receive an email and SMS confirmation with your appointment details.

5. Why are there no available appointment slots?

- The number of available slots varies per service. When the appointment slots are full, you may select other available dates and times.

6. Why can't I find the procedure that I'm looking for?

- We have pre-selected the procedures as some special test requires preparation prior to conducting the procedure. You may still avail of those special procedures when you are at the hospital premises.

7.  What should I do if I misspelled my name in my booking?

-There is a verification process that will take place after registration. This is to ensure that the details you have provided are correct and accurate. 

8. What should I do if I do not have an email address?

- The email address is one of the minimum requirements needed to use the Patient Portal. You may create your own email account. 

9.  What should I do if my information was not saved?

- You are requested to input the details again. After filling out your information, you need to click “Save and Continue.”

10. What should I do if I forgot to save my booking confirmation?

- You may check your email address and SMS for the booking confirmation.

11. I changed my mind. Can I cancel or change my schedule?

- Yes, you can cancel or change your schedule. Create another booking with your new preferred date and time.

12. I have inquiries. Who do I contact?

- You may call our TMC hotline (8-988-1000) for concerns and inquiries.

13. How will I pay?

- You may pay using your debit/credit card or upload your HMO. You can go to “Billing and Payments” and click the “View” button to see the payment link. 

14. Can I pay using Cash?

- For procedures that will be done on-site, you may pay at the Main Cashier located at the Ground Floor. 

15. Can I use my HMO or company guarantee?

- You may call TMC Hotline at 8-988-1000 to check if your HMO or Company is among our participating partners.

16. What device can I use to access the Patient Portal? 

Here are the supported devices to use for our TeleConsultation services.

·         Desktop computer or laptop with webcam and speakers

·         Tablet device with built-in webcam and speakers, OR Smartphone

·         Internet Connection (at least 2.5 Mbps speed)

·         Any audio/videoconferencing platform preferred by your doctors



Read more
themedicalcity blue logo

March 31, 2021

2021 Holy Week Schedule


01-Apr 02-Apr 03-Apr
Thursday Friday Saturday
AMBULATORY CARE CENTER Primary Care Clinic - CLOSED
Ambulatory Care Diagnostic (LAB, RAD, CVL PROCEDURES) - CLOSED
Onsite RT-PCR Swab Testing (asymptomatic patients) -7AM to 7PM
Primary Care Clinic - CLOSED
Ambulatory Care Diagnostic (LAB, RAD, CVL PROCEDURES) - CLOSED
Onsite RT-PCR Swab Testing (asymptomatic patients) -7AM to 7PM
Primary Care Clinic - CLOSED
Ambulatory Care Diagnostic (LAB, RAD, CVL PROCEDURES) - 6AM to 2PM
Onsite RT-PCR Swab Testing (asymptomatic patients) -7AM to 7PM
ANESTHESIA PREOPERATIVE EVALUATION CLINIC (APEC) closed closed closed
BREAST CLINIC closed closed closed
CANCER CENTER closed closed closed
CHEMOTHERAPY UNIT 8B closed closed closed
CARDIAC & PERIPHERAL LABORATORY
8am-5pm
8am-5pm
8am-5pm
CARDIAC CATHLAB closed closed closed
CASSTI closed closed closed
CENTER FOR DEVELOPMENTAL PEDIATRICS closed closed closed
CENTER FOR ENDOSCOPY closed closed closed
CENTER FOR LIVER DISEASE MANAGEMENT AND TRANSPLANTATION closed closed closed
CLINICAL NEUROPHYSIOLOGY LABORATORY closed closed closed
CLINICAL & ANATOMICAL PATHOLOGY 24 hours 24 hours 24 hours
COLORECTAL CLINIC closed closed closed
CONTINUITY OF CARE CLINIC closed closed closed
DELIVERY SUITE 24 hours 24 hours 24 hours
DIABETES CENTER OFFICE closed closed closed
DOTS CLINIC - Directly Observed Treatment Short Course closed closed closed
EMERGENCY ROOM 24 hours 24 hours 24 hours
ENT CLINIC closed closed closed
EYE CENTER closed closed closed
HEMODIALYSIS 24 hours 24 hours 24 hours
Hospital Infection Control and Epidemiology Center (HICEC) / I-REACT closed closed closed
INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (ICU) 24 hours 24 hours 24 hours
INSTITUTE OF PERSONALIZED MOLECULAR MEDICINE closed closed closed
LACTATION CENTER 8am-4pm 8am-4pm 8am-4pm
LASIK CENTER closed closed closed
NEONATAL ICU (NICU) 24 hours 24 hours 24 hours
NUCLEAR MEDICINE closed closed closed
ORGAN DONATION OFFICE closed closed closed
ORTHOPEDIC MULTI-SPECIALTY CENTER closed closed closed
PAIN MANAGEMENT closed closed closed
PET-CT closed closed closed
PHYSICAL MEDICAL & REHABILITATION 8am-5pm (Cut-off 3pm) 8am-5pm (Cut-off 3pm) 8am-5pm (Cut-off 3pm)
PULMO LAB 24 hours 24 hours 24 hours
RADIATION ONCOLOGY 8:00AM-2PM For PROCEDURE ONLY/ NO WALK-IN CHECKUP & Brachytherapy 8:00AM-2PM For PROCEDURE ONLY/ NO WALK-IN CHECKUP & Brachytherapy closed
RADIOLOGY - Xray / Scheduling 24 hours 24 hours 24 hours
RADIOLOGY - CT-Scan / MRI 24 hours 24 hours 24 hours
RADIOLOGY - Ultrasound 8am-11am closed 8am-11am
RADIOLOGY - Releasing Section 8am-4pm 8am-4pm 8am-4pm
SLEEP LAB 8am-5pm 8am-5pm 8am-5pm
STOMA AND WOUND CLINIC Strictly by Appt. Strictly by Appt. Strictly by Appt.
SURGERY SUITE 24 hours 24 hours 24 hours
TMC Service Clinic (for Blue Card)/ Social Worker (Divine Mercy) closed closed closed
WELLNESS CENTER 6TH FLOOR closed closed 6am-3pm (for INQUIRIES ONLY)
WOMEN'S HEALTHCARE CENTER closed closed closed
FITNESS GYM closed closed closed






01-April
Thursday
02-April
Friday
03-April
Saturday
Lab On Wheels 8am-5pm FOR INQUIRIES/BOOKING ONLY 8am-5pm
Drive-Thru lab test/ECLIA 7am-10am 7am-10am 7am-10am
Drive-Thru RT-PCR 11am-6pm (STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT) 11am-6pm (STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT) 11am-6pm (STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT)
The Medical Concierge Closed Closed Closed



Read more
a healthy heart plate

March 30, 2021

Heart disease – Not just a man’s problem

Many women think heart disease is a man’s problem. Not true. Cardiovascular disease, often thought to be a man’s disease, is the main killer of older people of both sexes almost everywhere in the world. In the Philippines, diseases of the heart had been consistently the number one cause of death for several years now. The top three leading causes of death in 2020 were the same as in 2019: ischaemic heart diseases, neoplasms or cancer, and cerebrovascular diseases.


A heart attack happens when the heart’s muscles are deprived of oxygen due to an artery blocked by a blood clot or cholesterol deposit, which prevents blood from flowing through it. The symptoms of heart attack can be different in women. Thus, it is important for every woman to understand the symptoms associated with heart disease. 

Women also experience chest pain but they are more likely to experience different symptoms. These include shortness of breath; sweating; new or dramatic fatigue; generalized weakness, dizziness, or light-headedness; nausea with or without vomiting; heartburn, indigestion, or abdominal discomfort, and tightness or pressure in the throat, jaw, shoulder, abdomen, back or arm. 

The first step in surviving a heart attack is to identify the symptoms so we can quickly seek help. When it comes to our heart, even subtle or the mildest symptoms can be the biggest indicators.

Time is muscle

Time is muscle. This phrase is often used by cardiologists which means the longer you wait to get someone in for treatment the more damage that can occur to the heart muscle.

In a heart attack, every second counts. A heart attack is a life-threatening emergency that requires quick action. According to Dr. Paolo Prado, Director of the Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) Clinical Care Program of The Medical City’s Cardiovascular Institute (CVI), the guiding principle is “time is muscle.” (Acute myocardial infarction is the medical name for a heart attack.) When an artery is blocked, the heart muscle it supplies will die. 

“If the artery is not opened quickly, more muscle death occurs and less can be salvaged. If one survives a heart attack without the appropriate and timely treatment, the muscle becomes scarred and there will be complications like heart failure.  Appropriate treatment needs to be administered as fast as possible through rapid reperfusion,” said Dr. Prado

He added that the foremost strategy is through “rapid reperfusion,” where a balloon is inserted and a stent implanted to open the patient’s blocked artery in the quickest fashion and time possible after arriving in the Emergency Room. This metric is called the “Door-to-Balloon” time and international guidelines in AMI management recommend that this be preferably done within 60 minutes. 

Once successful, secondary steps are taken such as medical therapy, cardiac rehabilitation, education regarding lifestyle changes including diet, exercise, smoking cessation, and attainment of one’s ideal body weight. These measures decrease the chances of having another heart attack in the future. 

Heart disease prevention

“We can prevent heart disease by changing our lifestyle and managing risk factors,” said TMC Cardiologist Dr. Ailen Albana Tamargo.

To start, risk factors should be assessed and managed to keep them low. The sooner they are identified and managed, the better the chances of leading a heart-healthy life.

Several risk factors for coronary artery disease such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity affect both women and men. But in women, other factors can play a bigger role in the development of heart disease. These include diabetes, mental stress and depression, smoking, inactivity, menopause, pregnancy complications, family history of early heart disease, and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. 

Menopause does not cause heart disease but the decline in estrogen after menopause is said to be one of the several factors in the increase in heart disease risk.

Other risks such as weight gain may also increase around the time of menopause.

Living a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of heart disease. These heart-healthy strategies will greatly help. Eat a healthy diet. Choose whole grains, a variety of fruits and vegetables, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, and lean meats. Avoid saturated or trans fats, added sugars, and high amounts of salt.

Some research has found women to be less active than men. It is recommended to have at least 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise or aerobic activity. That is about 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Dr. Tamargo recommends walking, hiking, dancing, and gardening as forms of exercises.

Maintain a healthy weight. If you smoke, stop. TMC has a smoking cessation program dubbed START ANEW (Smoking & Tobacco Addiction and Relapse Therapy for a Nicontine-Free Way of Life). This program aids smokers in becoming and staying smoke-free, making them better prepared to deal with significant lifestyle changes. 

Manage stress. According to Mayo Clinic, long-term stress increases exposure to the stress hormone cortisol and increases the risk of heart disease in women over time. Activities that help ease stress include listening to good music, exercising, doing yoga, and spending time with friends or family.

Limit alcohol consumption. Stick to your treatment plan, take your medications as prescribed (blood pressure medications, blood thinners, aspirin, etc.), and manage current health conditions. 

“It is never too late to shed unhealthy habits and lower the chances of suffering a heart attack. It is important to be proactive in reducing our heart attack risk,” said Dr. Tamargo.

“If you think you are having a heart attack, go to the nearest hospital as soon as you can. Do not ride it out at home just because you are scared of contracting COVID-19. Heart attacks still happen even during the pandemic.”


About The Medical City Cardiovascular Institute

The Medical City Cardiovascular Institute fully integrates all the elements of a patient-centered cardiovascular care – from wellness, prevention, diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation, making it a respected leader in cardiovascular medicine in the country.

For inquiries, please call the Cardiovascular Institute at 89881000 or 89887000 ext. 6314.

Read more
stem cell treatment research

March 26, 2021

Mesenchymal stem cell therapy in COVID-19 at The Medical City

One year into the pandemic, cases are still rapidly rising in the Philippines. The Department of Health on Wednesday recorded an additional 6,666 COVID-19 cases, bringing the national caseload to 684,311 and 13,039 deaths.

Infection with COVID-19 has been identified to have two phases:  a viral phase when the virus penetrates human cells and produces more viruses, and an inflammatory phase when the body’s immune reaction tries to contain the virus.  In some cases, however, the inflammation goes out of control when immune cells release too many cytokines and cause damage to normal cells and tissues – called a “cytokine storm.”  This leads to harmful effects on many organs of the body and can lead to death if left untreated.

Attempts to treat the cytokine storm typically involve drugs like dexamethasone and Tocilizumab which inhibit specific cytokines such as IL-6.  However, almost all patients with cytokine storm have high levels of many other cytokines other than IL-6 and these cytokine inhibitors and steroids can suppress the whole immune system, and can cause secondary bacterial or fungal infections.  

To overcome these problems, a team of doctors at The Medical City collected and processed specialized cells from the umbilical cord called mesenchymal cells, which are cells that have been shown in previous studies to modulate the immune system. 

The umbilical cord was sourced from the Umbilical Cord Blood (UCB) bank of The Medical City, which was specifically set up to serve as source for the mesenchymal cells. This highlights the importance of having an actual program to engineer cells, and not just have a storage for UCB. 

These doctors found that mesenchymal cells dramatically decreased the levels of all cytokines detected in the blood of patients with severe COVID-19 and was associated with improvement in the condition of the majority of the patients treated. Eleven patients were given mesenchymal stem cells during the initial series and evaluation.  There were no significant side-effects associated with infusions of mesenchymal cells in any of the patients.   

The team from the TMC Institute of Personalized Molecular Medicine (IPMM) recently published these findings of the “Use of Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia” in the Journal of Embryology and Stem Cell Research (JES), a leading international journal covering all aspects of Embryology and stem cell research and their disorders. This journal acts as a platform for researchers to share their research work to the world.


“Cellular therapy is using many different types of human cells to replace or repair damaged tissue and cells.  With the use of newer technologies and these innovative products, evolving research is showing that these cells can be used as part of treatment of a variety of diseases, including COVID,” said Dr. Michelle De Vera, director of TMC-IPMM. These are the principles behind the establishment of The Medical City’s specialized unit – the IPMM.  

In a letter to Secretary of Health Francisco Duque III, TMC President and CEO Dr. Eugenio Jose F. Ramos wrote “Rest assured that the program proceeded according to set guidelines, and our government, particularly the Department of Health, can take pride in the fact that the Philippines is not behind at all in innovative practice in medicine.”  This has clarified that the program is part of a DOH-approved innovative practice where the treatment is tailor-made for each patient and each patient is reviewed by a specialized ethics committee.  This is in contrast to a clinical trial where the patients are enrolled and randomized in study groups. The letter also stated, “…it might be taken against us if we keep this knowledge from the public too long while patients are dying, and no single drug seems to work.”

These valiant efforts by the team of doctors at The Medical City prompted a statement from Malacañang through Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque that “The Palace commends The Medical City for its mesenchymal stem cell therapy program for patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. The Duterte Administration fully supports researches and / or practices that would ease the sufferings of patients from COVID-19. We fervently pray that the aforesaid program would continue to show promising results.”

Read more
doctors in ppe

February 26, 2021

Why might a child need bone marrow transplant?

For some children with cancer and blood disorders, a bone marrow transplant (BMT) can be their best hope to beat the condition.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the most common categories of childhood cancers include leukemias and lymphomas.

The most common pediatric cancer in the Philippines is acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Signs and symptoms of this illness in children include anemia, bruising or bleeding, bone and joint pain, recurrent fevers and or infections, abdominal pain, swollen lymph nodes, and difficulty breathing.

Fortunately, bone marrow transplant is offered here in the Philippines - a life-saving procedure to treat blood-borne cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma in children.

The Medical City has been working on its Bone Marrow Transplant program since 2012 through its Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, the Institute of Personalized Molecular Medicine (IPMM), and the Augusto P. Sarmiento Cancer Institute (APSCI). The goal of this program is to cure diseases and certain types of blood cancer in children at the same time reduce transplant-associated morbidity and mortality through novel approaches to patient care.

Since 2016, TMC has performed the procedure a total of 45 times.

TMC now offers new hope to patients up to 19 years old in need of BMT. At the helm of this program is pediatric hematologist Dr. Anna Marie Espaldon who has undergone training in bone marrow transplant at the Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital in Taiwan.

BMT, also called hematopoietic stem cell transplant, treats serious diseases through a process that destroys the patient’s damaged immune system and replaces it with healthy stem cells. The new stem cells restore the blood-forming cells of the bone marrow, leading to a new immune system in the patient’s body.

There are two major types of BMT – autologous and allogeneic. The type that a child will receive depends upon his or her diagnosis. An allogeneic transplant is performed when bone marrow or blood cells are received from a donor other than the patient, usually from a related donor, unrelated donor, or cord blood. This type of transplant is used for patients with leukemias and some lymphomas.

An autologous transplant is performed when the patient’s own bone marrow or blood cells are used. This type of transplant is used for patients with solid tumors such as neuroblastoma, Hodgkin disease, and brain tumors.

 

Current indications of bone marrow transplant in children

According to Stanford Children’s Health, a leading health institution in the US dedicated to pediatric care, pediatric BMT can be used to replace diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow. This is done for conditions such as leukemia and aplastic anemia.

For diseases like lymphoma and solid tumors like brain cancer and neuroblastoma, the procedure can replace bone marrow after high doses of chemotherapy or radiation are given, a process often called rescue instead of transplant.

Pediatric BMT can likewise replace bone marrow with healthy bone marrow to prevent more damage from a genetic disease. This is done for diseases such as thalassemia, primary immunodeficiencies, metabolic and genetic diseases and Hurler syndrome (an inherited condition caused by a faulty gene).

The pediatric patient’s transplant is managed by a team of specialists that includes doctors who specialize in oncology, hematology, infectious disease, immunology, and bone marrow transplant and transplant nurse coordinator supported by allied medical professionals.


For more information about The Medical City Bone Marrow Transplant Program, contact 8-9881000 ext. 6551.

Read more
woman sitting on bed

September 20, 2020

Mental Wellness and Skin Health During These Times

As a nature lover, I long for the freedom to explore the Philippines and other countries. Memories are forever. I walk through the forest and hear the rustling of the leaves. I hear the raindrops as I swing in a hammock. My feet splash water as I pick-up seashells. I rest under a gushing waterfall and feel the cold mountain water on my shoulders. I sit on the edge of a hill and look at the dolphins swim in the ocean below. I glide past corals and swim with the sea turtles in Apo Island. There is a repository of memories in my cortex, and when I am stressed, I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and I am there.

Such imagery is possible through years of prayer, yoga, and meditation. As a dermatologist specializing in dermatologic surgery and Mohs micrographic surgery (a specialized type of skin cancer treatment), 98% of my patients are treated surgically under local anesthetic. How is it possible to do these procedures without the patient freaking out big time as I cut into their skin, ear, nose, or eyelids? There is no gimmick. I tell them to take a deep breath and think of their special place. I talk to them about things that make them happy- their children, grandchildren, hobbies, and past times. One time I had the pleasure of treating an expatriate, and he said, "I have no hobbies." I said, "What do you do on weekends?" He replied, "Nothing, I work." Moving on, I simply talked to him about his work- what he enjoys about working in the Philippines. We all have that place of bliss in our minds. No judgment.

I believe this is especially true in these times. More often than not, those living in the city have a tiny area where they can “enjoy” their work from home situation. The workplace can get toxic since you no longer have the space to have coffee or go out for lunch. There is no more "he is stuck in traffic." Employees are now attached to the corporate world's umbilical cord via Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Team. Is there an escape hatch, one wonders.

In light of decreased mobility, there can be a lot of COVID-induced stressed. This can result in mental issues and skin disturbances.

Lately, there is a rise in stress-induced skin conditions in my practice ranging from shingles to atopic dermatitis (aka skin asthma) to vitiligo to dandruff to skin cancer (particularly melanoma). These are all connected to immunity. The skin is the biggest organ in our body, and when the mind is bombarded with elevated stress, this is transmitted to the immunity cells in the skin resulting in flaring rashes and other skin problems.

Together with a sensible skin regimen and consultation with your dermatologist, address these skin issues by decreasing your stress response. You cannot control the people and circumstances around you, but you can control how you respond. Having a hard day? Listen to calming music. Stop listening to negative news. Exercise and pray. Do yoga. Most of all eat well. The body is as good as what you put into it. It will respond better when you eat fruits and vegetables.

The mind, body, and skin are all connected. Take care of all the parts. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and you are in your happy place.


To get your skin glowing, visit the Wellness and Aesthetics Laser Center on the 6th floor The Medical City Ortigas. Our 27 board-certified dermatologists can help you remove the skin problems that have been bothering you. Contact the Wellness and Aesthetics Institute at 8988-1000 ext. 6586/ 6576 for inquiries or to set an appointment.


This article originally appeared in Manila Bulletin.

Read more
themedicalcity blue logo

February 01, 2021

Heart Failure Clinical Care Program at The Medical City

As I hear the familiar tone of the video call connect through, I waited for the other person to pick up. Suddenly, a familiar face appeared on the screen with a warm smile, a patient known to me, whom we have been following for a few months now. We say hello like old friends, a relationship born of familiarity transcended from a doctor-patient relationship, and start our pleasant conversation. This is The Medical City Heart Failure Clinical Care Program (HFCCP). Patients who come to the hospital with heart failure, short of breath, and frightened, for what could possibly be the worst time in their life, now turned into an opportunity to improve their medications, monitor their progress, even fall backs, with the goal of lessening these unpleasant experiences.

Heart failure (HF), which may start suddenly (acute) or can be ongoing (chronic), means that the heart muscle does not pump blood as well as it should. When this happens, the body is deprived of oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood supply. This results in symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs, and abdominal bloating. Daily routine activities can then become very difficult.

Anyone can develop HF. It can even happen as you age, but most people with HF have pre-existing heart conditions. The most common heart conditions that can cause HF are coronary artery disease (blockages in the arteries supplying blood to the heart), high blood pressure and a previous heart attack. Diabetes, obesity, smoking, a diet rich in fat and physical inactivity can also contribute to heart failure. These conditions and lifestyle factors either damage the heart muscle or make it work too hard.

Not all conditions that lead to HF can be reversed, but with the right medical treatment and a healthy lifestyle — such as exercise, reducing salt and sugar in your diet, smoking cessation, avoiding alcohol, managing stress and losing weight — you can live a full and active life. So it’s important to see your doctor right away and schedule regular check ups.

The HFCCP at The Medical City was established to treat and monitor HF, improve quality of life, prevent rehospitalization, and engage patients and their families in active management through education and lifestyle changes. Our HF team includes experts in cardiology, nursing, physical therapy, nutrition, pharmacy, and other specialties.

Enrollment into the program begins with a referral from the primary doctor or Attending Cardiologist. A HF team approach in the plan of care follows current HF guidelines and recommendations in assessment and diagnosis, optimization of medical therapy, referral to specialties as needed, such as revascularization (stents or surgery), device therapies (pacemaker, defibrillator, resynchronization therapy), and referral to an Advanced HF Specialist (for those with continuous symptoms despite optimum therapy). The program includes patient and family education and regular monitoring of HF care after hospital discharge. We aim to meet the growing challenge of caring for the HF population in the country.


The Medical City Heart Failure Clinical Care Program is headed by Dr. Simonette Kristine T. Sawit and Dr. Glenn Rose Advincula. For more information, contact The Medical City Cardiovascular Institute at 8-9881000 ext. 6314.

Read more
themedicalcity blue logo

March 24, 2021

The Challenges of Colorectal Cancer Screening in the Philippines

March is the Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. This malignancy of the digestive tract is the 3rd most common cancer among Filipinos, despite it being one of the most treatable and preventable cancers. Colorectal cancer screening has been shown to reduce the risk of death by around 70%. The massive worldwide campaign for colorectal cancer screening has its beginnings in the United States in 2000.

In the Philippines, The Medical City and its doctors have been among the leading advocates for this cause since 2010, initiated by noted colorectal surgeon Dr. Manuel Francisco T. Roxas. The Medical City has been among the first institutions in the Philippines to champion this advocacy, as it continues to be at the forefront in the fight against colorectal cancer (CRC) for more than 10 years.

This fight against the world’s second deadliest cancer is an uphill battle in the Philippines. The lack of a national population-based CRC screening program and the big financial burden of CRC screening on the patient are barriers to this campaign. In addition, several local health maintenance organizations (HMOs) still refuse to pay for CRC screening strategies. There is also an apparent lack of awareness among the primary health providers of the screening guidelines for colorectal cancer screening.

The Covid-19 Pandemic 

The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented global health crisis that has severely challenged the provision of routine health care, including screening for colorectal cancer. These screening programs throughout the world ceased operating primarily due to fear of SARS-CoV2 transmission and from decreasing health care resources. There is a real risk of spreading and being infected during an endoscopy examination, due to the potential aerosol-producing nature of these procedures. Colorectal cancer screening almost stood still in most parts of the world during the pandemic, except for places like Kaiser Permanente in California, USA. The professional societies initially recommended only emergent endoscopic procedures for symptomatic patients. Screening and surveillance procedures were mostly not performed during the pandemic period as these were considered elective.

The interruption of CRC screening and surveillance in many countries during the pandemic has resulted in a delayed diagnosis of colorectal cancer, possibly in a more advanced stage. Published articles have shown that delaying colonoscopy by >9 months after a positive Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) can lead to increased risk of CRC and advanced stage CRC.

Risk factors for colorectal cancer

Despite these challenges, we need to continue educating the primary health care providers, our patients and the general public on the importance of colorectal cancer screening. I will discuss here the essentials of colorectal cancer and its screening.

Almost all of these colorectal cancers start as abnormal growths in the lining of the colon and rectum called polyps. These polyps grow slowly and may take around 10 years for some polyps to develop into cancer. However, not all polyps progress to cancer. The removal of these polyps reduces the risk of developing cancer.

These polyps and early cancer may not cause complaints, like rectal bleeding, constipation, and abdominal pain that are experienced by patients in later stages of cancer.

The most common individual-specific factors that increase risk for cancer in the colon and rectum are: 1) age greater than 50; 2) personal history of colorectal cancer or advanced polyps; 3) family history of cancer in the colon and rectum; 4) certain diseases, like Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Age >50 is the most common risk factor for this cancer, as 90% of occur after the age of 50. A family history of a first-degree relative with CRC is increased two to three-fold.

There are also lifestyle habits that can be modified that likely contribute to the formation of this cancer: 1) cigarette smoking; 2) alcohol consumption; 3) obesity; 4) lack of exercise; 5) a diet that has high saturated fat, low fiber, and high red meat consumption.

Living a healthy lifestyle by avoiding smoking, not consuming excessive alcohol, regular exercise, and eating the right food all can lower your risk of cancer in the colon and rectum.

Colorectal cancer screening

In several countries, CRC screening is recommended for people starting the age of 50 years. Screening at an earlier age, usually at 40, is advocated in first-degree relatives of patients with colorectal cancer, and in those with other additional risk factors. Currently in the United States, a recommendation to start screening the average-risk patients earlier at the age of 45 due to increasing incidence of colorectal cancer in younger individuals. The death of “Black Panther” star Chadwick Boseman last year brought the spotlight on colorectal cancer, when he died at a young age of 43.

The gold standard for CRC screening is a colonoscopy as it can detect and remove pre-cancerous polyps. The procedure involves a flexible fiber-optic scope with a camera that is inserted through the rectum and is carefully advanced to visualize the colon under mild anesthesia.

Some patients may not want to have an invasive test. A stool test called FIT is a good screening alternative. It detects only human blood and is specific for bleeding in the colon. The test is repeated every year if the initial test is negative. If the test is positive, a colonoscopy is needed to rule out the presence of cancer. In pandemic times, the FIT test may be used to stratify patients as to who need the colonoscopy more urgently than others, given the more limited health resources of our country during these times.

If we want a population-based screening program in the Philippines, FIT is the most appropriate method in the age of Universal Health Care and post-Covid Era to screen more Filipinos. This important preventive health care measure can cover more patients than using colonoscopy as the primary screening method, which is available only in urbanized areas.


For more information about Colorectal Cancer Screening, call 8-9881000 ext. 6214.

Read more
themedicalcity blue logo

January 26, 2021

Liver Cancer and Viral Hepatitis: Prevention is the Key

Today, I exchanged text messages with my patient who has had a liver transplant for liver cancer caused by infection with the Hepatitis B virus. It has been more than 5 years since his liver transplant and while it has not all been a walk in the park, he has been more fortunate than his three younger siblings who all succumbed to liver cancer and Hepatitis B. The month of January of each year has been declared “Liver Cancer and Viral Hepatitis Awareness and Prevention Month” by Republic Act 10526 to help bring into focus the story of my patient, which is not uncommon, in our country. His story highlights important aspects of the disease and its prevention and the need to raise awareness about it.

Liver cancer is an important public health problem worldwide and in the Philippines. Liver cancer claims the lives of close to 800,000 persons every year worldwide and more than half of these are caused by infection with either the Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C virus. In the Philippines, it is the fourth leading cause of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths. More than half of all cases of liver cancer in the Philippines are caused by infection with the Hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis B affects 10% and Hepatitis C affects 0.6% of Filipinos.

What is the link between Hepatitis B or C and liver cancer? Infection with the Hepatitis B or C virus leads to inflammation and scarring in the liver. Scarring, the most severe form of which is called cirrhosis, can then lead to the development of liver cancer. Liver cancer caused by Hepatitis B or C virus is treated in the same way as liver cancer from other causes. However, many cases of liver cancer in the Philippines are discovered at a late stage where treatment is either not possible or not effective. Prevention of the development of liver cancer and its complications in Hepatitis B or C infection, therefore, is an important aspect of the care of patients with these infections.

There are several ways that we can prevent liver cancer and its complications in those with Hepatitis B and C infection. For those who are already infected with Hepatitis B or C, early detection of liver cancer through screening and surveillance using liver ultrasound and a blood marker called alpha-fetoprotein performed every 6 months in high-risk patients is recommended. High-risk patients include who have severe scarring or cirrhosis, those who have had the infection for a long time, and those with a family history of liver cancer. Early detection leads to improved survival in liver cancer patients. Another way to prevent liver cancer and its complications is to treat the Hepatitis B or C infection. Highly effective treatments for Hepatitis B or C infection are available and have become more affordable. For Hepatitis B infection, the long-term use of oral medications called Entecavir or Tenofovir taken once daily can control Hepatitis B infection and prevent the development of liver cancer. For Hepatitis C infection, highly effective antiviral medications such as Sofosbuvir, Ledipasvir, Daclatasvir, and Velpatasvir used in various combinations have been associated with very high cure rates which have been shown to decrease the risk of liver cancer.

Because early detection of liver cancer and early treatment of Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C is effective in preventing liver cancer and its complications, it is important to screen for Hepatitis B and C. Screening for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C is recommended for those exposed to blood products before 1994, born to infected mothers, with close household contacts with Hepatitis B or C, those who have used intravenous drugs, and those with liver disease. Anyone who desires to be tested should be undergo testing and linked to care.

The single most important strategy to prevent liver cancer is to prevent infection with Hepatitis B or C. For Hepatitis B, a highly effective vaccine is available. It is mandatory that all infants should receive the Hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth as stipulated in Republic Act 10152. Infant Hepatitis B vaccination is provided free by the Department of Health and is included in the Philhealth Newborn Care Package. For Hepatitis C, there is no vaccine available; prevention of infection is directed towards reducing the risk of exposure to the virus in health-care settings and in high-risk populations, for example, people who inject drugs.


For more information about the services of The Medical City Center for Liver Health and Transplantation, call 8988-1000 / 8988-7000 ext. 6506.

Read more
doctors in surgery

December 18, 2020

The Medical City offers true team surgical approach to pituitary tumors and other anterior skull base lesions

Endoscopic skull base surgery is a unique form of minimally invasive surgical technique to address certain lesions affecting the base of the brain between the roof of the nose and the cranial cavity containing the brain.

With the use of special instruments, surgery can be done through the nose and gain access to growths affecting the base of the brain and the brain itself. Using the nasal cavity as a natural corridor, the procedure will avoid, in selected patients, performing an open craniotomy which is incising the scalp to expose the skull then drilling it to reach the brain.

The Endoscopic Endonasal Approach to the skull base involves two surgeons working simultaneously to be effective since three to four hands are needed to perform this successfully. Dr. Michael Sabalza, a neurosurgeon from the Institute of the Neurological Sciences of The Medical City (TMC), and Dr. Peter Jarin, an otorhinolaryngologist and director of the ENT-Head & Neck Institute, have been performing this “true team” surgery for almost 10 years making them the pioneer in this field in the country. They have also presented the first ever series from the Philippines of their collaborative work in various local meetings and international conferences.

One of TMC's most recent cases involved a patient in her 80s who was diagnosed with a recurring pituitary macroadenoma, a tumor found inside the skull just below the brain and nasal passages. Majority of these tumors are benign, however its position can cause health concerns as it sits close to the brain and nearby structures, as presented by the patient. The surgery was done in September 2020. The patient tolerated the procedure well and has noted a significant improvement in her condition.

In the past years, the nasal endoscope has been the game changer in sinus surgery and anterior skull base surgery. In selected tumors like pituitary adenomas, craniopharyngiomas (benign brain tumors arising near the pituitary gland) and meningiomas (a tumor that forms on membranes), access thru a sublabial (incision thru the gums) or a transseptal approach (procedure requiring retraction of the septum) with the use of the microscope has been the gold standard. However, recently this has been challenged by the endoscopic endonasal approach since it affords better visualization of the surgical field.

In pituitary surgery, data from studies have revealed comparable or even better outcomes in terms of improving vision, endocrinologic sequalae and degree of tumor resection. TMC’s own data compared Microscopic versus Endoscopic approach to pituitary adenoma where Justo et al. concluded that the endoscopic group had more patients with improved vision over the microscopic group postoperatively.

The benefits of endoscopic skull base surgery include less risk of damage to cerebral structures due to avoidance of significant brain retraction, no external incision, and a shorter recovery time. The procedure also does not require routine ICU admission.

TMC’s experience with the endoscopic transsphenoidal approach to pituitary adenomas was presented last December 2019 at the WFNS (World Federation of Neurological Sciences) meeting in Beijing China. Likewise, Dr. Sabalza’s and Dr. Jarin’s surgical series on meningioma titled “Extended Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Removal of Tuberculum Sellae Meningiomas: Illustrative Reports on the Importance of Preoperative Case Selection and Planning in Extent of Resection and Outcomes” was again presented by Dr. Jerold Justo from the Institute of Neurological Sciences last February 2020 at the 30th Annual Meeting of the North American Skull Base Society in La Cantera, Texas USA. The paper was published in the supplement of the Journal of Neurologic Surgery: Skull Base volume 81.

Endoscopic skull base surgery is now an option in TMC’s repertoire that it can offer patients to excise selected skull base tumors.


For inquiries, please call the ENT-Head and Neck Institute of The Medical City Ortigas at 8-9881000 ext. 6251.

Read more
tmc webinar on having a fatty liver schedule and speaker info

February 27, 2021

How serious is fatty liver?

Chronic hepatitis infection, alcoholic liver disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease account for the most common causes of liver disorders of adult Filipinos. Health experts agree that approximately 20% of this disease population will develop liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.

While hepatitis B is the most common cause of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer in Filipinos, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is also on the rise.

There are two types of fatty liver disease – Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease referred to as NAFLD and Alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD). As the name implies, the main characteristic of both NAFLD and AFLD is too much fat stored in liver cells. Having small amounts of fat in your liver is normal. However, it becomes a problem if more than 5% to 10% percent of the liver’s weight is fat.

"Fatty liver is the fastest rising cause of liver cancer and cirrhosis worldwide," said Dr. Edhel Tripon, hepatologist from The Medical City (TMC) and Vice President of the Hepatology Society of the Philippines.

"These are found in patients who are overweight, diabetic, or hypertensive. So you can protect yourself from a fatty liver by having a healthy diet," added Dr. Tripon.

During TMC’s recent Lunch and Learn webinar series, Dr. Mara Panlilio, TMC gastroenterologist and hepatologist, cited the complications of NAFLD. These are NASH or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, cirrhosis which is late-stage scarring in the liver, and liver cancer.

Complications of cirrhosis include ascites (abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen), jaundice, bleeding from esophageal varices, and encephalopathy (or a decline in brain function as a result of a severe liver disease).

Esophageal varices are enlarged or swollen veins on the lining of the esophagus. Signs of bleeding from varices can include vomiting blood and having dark-colored or black stools. Bleeding varices often require emergency medical treatment.

“The most dreaded complication is liver cancer. NAFLD is predicted to be the leading cause of liver cancer in the West,” said Dr. Panlilio.

How to diagnose NAFLD

Dr. Panlilio said a physical exam plus the patient’s medical history, laboratory tests such as liver function test, and imaging procedures are used to diagnose NAFLD and NASH.

These imaging procedures include an abdominal ultrasound, which is often the initial test when liver disease is suspected, computerized tomography (CT) scanning and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen.

The Center for Liver Health and Transplantation (CLHT) of The Medical City offers a way to detect liver diseases early. The FibroScan is a painless and speedy alternative to needle biopsies for the liver. It is useful in assessing fibrosis or scarring due to liver injury or long-term inflammation. The early detection of fibrosis is important in chronic liver disease, which includes conditions NAFLD, AFLD, and Hepatitis B and C.

TMC first introduced the FibroScan in the Philippines in 2010 then upgraded to the FibroScan 502 Touch in 2017. The new feature of FibroScan 502 Touch can detect and quantify hepatic steatosis or liver fat, which can be helpful in diagnosing and managing patients with fatty liver and other conditions that cause excess liver fat.

The approach to NAFLD

“There is no single medication that will reverse fatty liver and it is very important to treat the underlying cause,” said Dr. Panlilio.

Dr. Tripon and Dr. Panlilio said lifestyle modification aimed at cutting down on excess calories and increased physical activity is vital in managing patients with NAFLD. Individuals who are overweight and have fatty liver are advised to lose weight gradually.

“The main treatment or cornerstone of management for patients with NAFLD is weight loss. It has been validated in several studies with large number of subjects that seven to 10 percent weight loss done in a slow manner, meaning in six to 12 months, actually reverses liver fibrosis or liver fat,” said Dr. Panlilio.

The recommendation is to lose one to two pounds per week. Weight loss should be slow and steady as Dr. Panlilio said a rapid weight fluctuation is harmful to the liver.

Persons with NAFLD should avoid saturated fats, simple carbohydrates and sweetened drinks. Sedentary lifestyle should be avoided too. A moderate intensity exercise of 150 to 200 minutes per week, divided into three to five sessions is recommended.

If you are concerned about your risk of NAFLD or a liver disease, talk to your doctor about ways you can reduce your risk. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before you take action.



To learn more about the services and treatments offered at The Medical City Center for Liver Health and Transplantationcall 8-9881000 ext. 6506.

Read more
portrait

January 15, 2021

Oxford Business Group: The Report 2021 - Addressing the Gaps

What strategies can help tackle issues that undermine the state of public health?

EUGENIO RAMOS: The state of living conditions among some of the population generate health problems, from poor sanitary conditions to limited sex education and substance abuse. These have to be addressed in parallel with improving the current state of public health.

The country has overlooked the crucial importance of public awareness with regard to taking personal responsibility for one’s own health, as well as the role of education in the prevention of health conditions and for the optimal use of resources. The government provides health care services, and the public and private sector have to work together to strengthen prevention programmes, but individuals cannot solely rely on these. The adoption of healthier behaviours can only come with education. This is especially relevant at a time when social media acts as a vehicle for harmful ideas: with one segment of the population against vaccination, some diseases that we had considered eradicated, such as measles and polio, have returned. In addition, an overuse of antibiotics has led to certain bacteria developing a resistance, making treatments less effective and increasing the risk of new infectious diseases.

How can private and public hospitals work together to maximise the use of resources?

RAMOS: Having the best health care quality at the lowest possible cost is a goal shared by the government and private providers, thus the private sector has embraced cooperation with the public sector. For example, we have worked with PhilHealth to assist them with defining their clinical practice guidelines by focusing on evidence-based medicine that makes protocols more cost effective. A vast amount of research and new ideas from the private sector are being transferred to public health care institutions through such strategies.

Public-private partnerships can also be pivotal in using resources properly and efficiently, particularly when it comes to improving health outcomes outside of Metro Manila. Private players are opening hospitals and ambulatory clinics across the country to create a network where resources can be shared appropriately.

Where do you see potential for artificial intelligence (AI) and data analysis to enhance health care?

RAMOS: Robotics are being adopted and in some cases already handle repetitive tasks, while the integration of analytics and telemedicine is also under way. Evidence and outcome-based methods are required to optimise value added in health care, and the best way to identify these is through the appropriate use of data. The use of well-analysed data allows us to limit workforce requirements, thereby reducing unnecessary work.

Robotics, process automation and AI also help doctors improve efficiency and allocate more time to bedside care, allowing them to spend more time talking with and educating patients rather than completing paperwork. Insurance payouts were also previously handled via paperwork, and this traditional method is already being disrupted by new technologies that increase the speed and efficiency of these systems.

Which measures could help ensure there is a sufficient supply of qualified personnel to meet the needs of the health care sector?

RAMOS: Developing countries like the Philippines spend time and resources training health care professionals that ultimately practice in developed countries.

At home there is a shortage of primary care doctors and an oversupply of specialists. As a result of this imbalance, patients tend to go directly to a specialist, which leads to an inefficient use of resources. In the Philippines, in addition to this unbalance between primary care professionals and specialists, there is a shortage of nurses since many leave the country after training. An analysis of the sector’s labour force is therefore required to identify how needs should be addressed.


This article originally appeared in the Oxford Group Business Group (OBG) The Report: Philippines 2021

Read more
orthopedic multispecialty center contact info

January 07, 2021

Need an advice from an Orthopedic Specialist?

Take charge of your health and schedule your appointment by calling The Medical City's Orthopedic Multispecialty Center at 8988-1000 local 6521 (Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm) or fill out the form below.



Read more
themedicalcity blue logo

December 23, 2020

Ambulatory Care Center Services Holiday Schedule

Read more
the medical city e-cure package

December 08, 2020

Welcome 2021 in good health

This holiday season, treat yourself like an executive. After such a challenging 2020, you deserve the gift of good health—so you can thoroughly recover and get ready for the new year ahead.

E-CURE is our complete check-up designed to thoroughly evaluate your health status and keep you on top of today’s challenges, both in mind and body. Our personalized and holistic approach ensures that we can help optimize your health by assessing your nutrition, movement, sleep, weight, behavior, down to your stress response. 

Learn more or book an appointment today! Contact us at 8988-1000 ext. 6386/6579 or email tmc_wcl@themedicalcity.com


Read more
man wearing a santa hat with his family hugging his grandma

December 02, 2020

Senior Citizen Surge Protection Package for the Holidays

Give your loved ones the gift of good health as we welcome the new year.

Designed especially for the elderly who are facing even greater risks today, the Senior Citizen Surge Protection Package is a comprehensive check-up that helps determine specific age-related health risk factors. Getting a better picture of overall health is key to ensuring a personalized approach to improving and protecting our health.

For inquiries and reservations, call: 8988-1000 loc. 6386/6579 or e-mail tmc_wcl@themedicalcity.com



Read more
laser vision correction promo information

November 10, 2020

Change Your 2020 Vision



Read more
themedicalcity blue logo

October 06, 2020

Convalescent Plasma Donation for COVID–19 Survivors

What is convalescent plasma donation?

COVID-19 convalescent plasma is collected from a person who has recovered from the disease. It is the yellow liquid portion of the blood that contains the antibodies which can neutralize the virus. The usual manner of collection is by plasmapheresis where the donor is hooked to an apheresis machine fitted with sterile and disposable kits. With a needle stick to the donor, blood is drawn to the machine through the attached tubing. Blood is mixed with an anticoagulant and processed inside the machine. The red blood cells are returned to the patient through a tube and needle while about 300 to 600 ml of plasma is harvested into the bag. The entire procedure takes about 45 to 90 minutes. A donor may donate again after two weeks. The donated convalescent plasma will be transfused to a patient suffering from COVID-19 to neutralize the virus and help him or her recover.


Who can donate?

  • Healthy adult (≥ 18 years old but ≤ 65 years of age) weighing more than 50 kg. with a previous confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 by RT-PCR and has recovered from the disease.
  • evidence of recovery by any one of the following:
  • Complete resolution of symptoms at least 14 days prior to donation, AND negative results for COVID-19 from 1 or more nasopharyngeal swab specimen using RT –PCR, or
  • Symptom-free for at least 14 days AND two negative test results on two samples taken in separate occasions
  • Negative for any transfusion transmissible infection (Hepatitis B and C, HIV, Syphilis and Malaria)
  • No history of transfusion
  • Women without previous pregnancy

How can I donate?

Contact TMC Blood Bank at Tel No.: 8988-1000 ext. 6128/6129


Read more
themedicalcity blue logo

September 25, 2020

Take charge of your health today

Keeping ourselves and our family healthy is important especially in this time of pandemic.

But as the number of COVID-19 infections in the country continues to rise and stay-at-home policies remain in place, physicians are concerned that many patients are choosing to stay at home even when they need treatment or emergency care, out of fear of contracting the virus.

“We understand that patients may be concerned and anxious about seeking medical care during this time but care delayed may often lead to more serious health problems,” says Dr. Edmond Dazo, ENT- Head and Neck surgeon at The Medical City (TMC).

The fear of contracting this terrible virus is understandable, but fear must be balanced with reason and caution as other diseases and complications will not stop during this pandemic.

Heart attacks and strokes still happen amid the COVID-19 crisis. Many serious conditions such as these two can be properly treated if patients receive care quickly. Every minute matters as it could be devastating or fatal if treatment is delayed.

If you or a family member is experiencing emergency symptoms, do not hesitate to seek urgent treatment in the nearest hospital. Emergency rooms are following strict safety measures to keep you safe from COVID-19. As for The Medical City, there are two separate emergency rooms – one for COVID-19-related cases and one for non-COVID-19 health concerns.

Aside from medical emergencies, here are some common time-sensitive conditions that you can – and should – still seek treatment for.

Chronic conditions

One reason people with chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes may be at higher risk of COVID-19 is because of a weaker immune system which makes it harder to fight off infections. If you are one of these people with chronic conditions, you need regular checkups and lab visits with your care team to monitor your progress and make sure your treatment is working.

You can still see your doctor through teleconsults or in-person appointments, if needed. While telehealth solutions are available if you want to speak with your doctor about a health concern unrelated to COVID-19, certain health issues however require an in-person visit. In some cases, a physical examination or a formal assessment which needs to be done in person is necessary before treatment.

Though COVID-19 may change the way you receive care, it is important for your health that your care does not stop. Just make sure you are taking steps to reduce your risk of getting COVID-19, including washing your hands, wearing a mask, and following physical distancing guidelines.

Cardiologists warn that if you think you are having a heart attack or some other heart issue, do not ride it out at home just because you are worried about COVID-19. It is important to see a doctor and get evaluated so you can get the problem taken care of in a timely manner.

“At The Medical City, we have safety measures to protect you or reduce your chances of being infected. So don’t ignore symptoms especially if you have a heart condition,” says Dr. Paolo Prado, TMC cardiologist.

Dr. Elizabeth Paz-Pacheco from the TMC Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, on the other hand says that as we combat COVID-19, let us also continue to fight against diabetes and its complications.

Dr. Pacheco advises diabetic patients to maintain their blood sugar goals as well as targets for blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight.

Medically necessary procedures and diagnostic tests

While the number of COVID-19 infections continues to rise, thousands have also suffered in other ways, due to delay in non –COVID-19 medical and surgical interventions. But as hospitals have gained sufficient amount of personal protective equipment (PPE) and implemented extensive safety measures and disinfection procedures to keep patients safe, previously delayed surgeries and procedures are now being rescheduled.

 “Your health is our number one priority. Whether you are coming for a surgery or medical appointment, rest assured that we have precautions in place to protect your health,” says Dr. Jose Antonio Salud, head of the Department of Surgery of The Medical City.

It is best to call your doctor if you have any concerns about your care or treatment plan.

Time-sensitive screening tests

Cancer screening saves lives. Colonoscopies and mammograms are examples of screenings that can detect cancer and other medical conditions.

If it’s time to schedule your regular screenings and if you have any concerning symptoms – don’t delay getting the care you need.

Cancer treatment

In general, the earlier a cancer is found and treated, the better the chances at survival and a healthy quality of life.

“Curing cancer is easier if diagnosed early. Do not wait. Do not let your fear paralyze you,” says Dr. Beatrice J. Tiangco, director of TMC Augusto P. Sarmiento Cancer Institute (APSCI).

Cancer patients staying away from hospitals in fear of catching the virus are likely to delay diagnosis or treatment, which may result in patients presenting themselves in advanced stages especially in certain kinds of cancer. There are also cancers which, if treated promptly and appropriately, have better long-term survival outcomes.

At APSCI, the attending physician will review each patient's care needs and determine the medical necessity for each individual. All consults are by appointment to minimize the patient’s risk of exposure to the virus. Patients are also advised to keep their chemotherapy appointments, unless their care team contacts them to reschedule.

Bone and joint conditions, spine problems

Doctors also advise patients not to delay treatment for bone injuries, bone and joint conditions, back or spine problems, and many forms of arthritis. Avoiding medical care until after the pandemic ends can lead to further injuries, increased pain, and even permanent damage in some cases.

If you are suffering from such conditions, talk to your doctor or go to the Orthopedic Multi-specialty Clinic of The Medical City. The clinic accepts patients with:

  • Fractures, dislocations and soft-tissue injuries of the extremities
  • Chronic joint disorders
  • Sports-related injuries, most commonly involving the knees, ankle, shoulder, elbow, and foot
  • Common hand conditions aside from those of a traumatic nature, including infections, acquired or congenital deformities, degenerative conditions and peripheral nerve disorders.

Childhood immunizations

Do not postpone your child’s crucial vaccination appointments. Children’s immune systems are more vulnerable to illness and disease, and vaccination schedules are scientifically designed with this in mind. The goal is to protect kids from vaccine-preventable diseases as early and as safely as possible. If you have a child who is due for any immunizations, call your child’s pediatrician to schedule an appointment.

Mental health

These are challenging times and widespread concern about this public health emergency is normal. While on home quarantine, you may feel frustrated or lonely, bored, or worried about a lot of things – your finances, your work, and your health and of your loved ones. It is important to pay attention to what you have control over, like taking care of your body and mental health as well. Suicidal thoughts, feelings or actions should not be ignored.

Mental health experts encourage patients to speak up about thoughts of suicide and feelings of hopelessness and despair and to recognize the warning signs of suicide. For consultation and inquiries, please call the TMC Department of Psychiatry at 8988-1000 or 8988-7000 ext. 6282.

Pregnancy 

During pregnancy, there are symptoms that could arise between appointments that should not be ignored. These symptoms include high-risk pregnancy symptoms and signs of hypertension, such as elevated blood pressure, severe headache, increase in swelling of hands, feet or face, or blurred vision that would warrant a call to their health provider or a visit to the emergency department.

Other worrying symptoms may include fever or any of the symptoms of COVID-19, decreased fetal movement, severe abdominal pain, signs of preterm labor and heavy vaginal bleeding. Pregnant women should call their doctor immediately for advice or guidance on what to do next.

Rest assured that keeping you safe and healthy is a top priority among health institutions.

TMC, for instance, has intensified infection control and decontamination measures and hospital safety protocols, including evaluating and treating COVID-19 patients separately from others.

“Amid  this  crisis,  our  regular  (non-COVID-19)  patients  remain  our  primary  client-partner base.  Their needs do not decrease with the pandemic, but have, in fact, been magnified by it.  Several  months  of  delayed  treatment,  borne  of  fear  and  physical  restrictions, aggravate pre-existing illnesses and spawn new ones.  They have to be addressed with equal fervor as we do our COVID patients,” says Dr. Rafael S. Claudio, TMC Chief Medical Officer.

For inquiries and appointments, call the TMC hotline at 89881000 or 89887000. Our hospitals and clinics are safe and ready to care for you. Let us help you take charge of your health today. 

Read more
surgery

September 18, 2020

Cutting Edge Neurosurgery at The Medical City

The Department of Neurosurgery at the Medical City under the Institute of Neurological Sciences headed by Director Dr. Louie Racelis, is home to cutting edge neurosurgical procedures made possible by its diverse team of experts in the field and the latest available technologies. The combination of these two core components aids the practice of good neurosurgery at our institution. The neurosurgical team headed by Dr. Michael Sabalza was able to perform state-of-the-art procedures with the help of Dr. Guillermo Liabres, visiting Cerebrovascular consultant, alongside Neurosurgery residents Dr. Marinelle Castro, Dr. Jerold Justo, Dr. Avegail Uy and Dr, Alma Corazon De la Cruz on patients with complicated cerebrovascular lesions.


An STA-MCA (Superficial Temporal Artery - Middle Cerebral Artery) bypass procedure was performed for a previous stroke patient - A 55 year old male patient at risk of developing secondary strokes because of a block in the carotid arteries which are a major blood supply in the brain. The bypass procedure was done by connecting an artery outside the skull and into an artery inside the brain to supplement the blood flow that is already lacking that puts the patient at risk for strokes in the future.

The procedure starts with dissection of the arteries and this is made possible with the use of the Zeiss Kinevo 900 that provided great magnification and optics necessary in connecting very small blood vessels in the brain. This sophisticated microscope is a new acquisition of TMC that is the latest and newest technology in the world.

With proper skill, technique and technological guidance, we are able to sufficiently trace the blood flow coming from the superficial arteries going into the brain. A unique filter in the microscope using a dye called indocyanine green allows us to see the final product of this connection to confirm its success. Intraoperatively, we were also guided by a Doppler ultrasound which enables us to hear the strength of every pulsation of the vessels.



View of the blood vessels during infusion of indocyanine green which enables us to see blood flow and the newly reconstructed pathway going to the brain.



After the surgery, the patient did very well and was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit for further monitoring. The patient did very well post-operatively. Before his discharge, we were able to also get a CT Perfusion Exam which is an imaging in the brain confirming the patency of the new blood supply.

Before and after CT-Perfusion Exams showing blood flow on previous stroke


The Medical City alongside its Institute of the Neurological Sciences has shown that it will continue to strive to deliver the best in the field - guided by compassion and empathy to its patients and coupled with the best minds, skill, and technology to perform world-class surgeries.

Read more
woman looking outside

September 10, 2020

Warning Signs and Red Flags for Suicide

Close to 800,000 people die by suicide every year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Furthermore, for each suicide, there are more than 20 suicide attempts. Mental health experts say suicides are preventable and much can be done to prevent suicide at individual, community, and national levels.

Suicide is a serious global public health issue. It is among the top twenty leading causes of death worldwide, with more deaths due to suicide than malaria, breast cancer, or war and homicide.

The cause of suicide is unknown but there are common risk factors which include major psychiatric illness - in particular, mood disorders such depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia; substance abuse; losing hope or the will to live; significant losses in a person's life, such as the death of a loved one, loss of an important relationship, loss of employment or self-esteem, and unbearable emotional or physical pain.

COVID-19 and depression

Mental health experts are now concerned that the COVID-19 public health emergency could eventually lead to a mental health crisis, particularly affecting those who are at risk of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide.

This is because the pandemic may be stressful for some people. Dr. Imelda Batar, head of the The Medical City (TMC) Department of Psychiatry, cited the main sources of stress during this pandemic:

  • Uncertain prognoses
  • Severe shortages of resources for testing and treatment, and for protecting frontliners from infection
  • Imposition of unfamiliar public health measures that infringe on personal freedoms
  • Growing financial losses
  • Conflicting messages from authorities and other sources
  • Virus and illnesses caused by the virus
  • Quarantine and isolation

However, these public health measures are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

It is now more important that we all learn to recognize the warning signs of suicide. Such recognition -- combined with expressing concern and assisting the person with the next step toward getting professional help -- may be lifesaving. 

The warning signs for suicide include the following (adapted from the list on the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention):

  • Talk or Written Words about: Killing Self/Suicide, Hopelessness, No Reason to Live, Being a Burden on Others, Feeling trapped, Unbearable Pain
  • Behaviors: Increased use of alcohol or drugs, Withdrawal from usual activities, Searching for way to end life, Isolating from family or friends, Highly worrisome changes in behavior
  • Mood: Depression, Anxiety, Loss of interest, Irritability, Humiliation/Shame, Agitation/Anger, Relief/Sudden Improvement

Other red flags are changes in appetite, sleep disturbance, and anhedonia or reduced ability to experience pleasure.

If you are concerned for a friend or family member, share your concern with this person, noting that you care for him or her. It is recommended that you to listen to and validate the person’s emotional pain, ask if he or she is having thoughts of suicide, and stay with the person until he or she is linked with needed help or with another person who will assist them in getting such help.

Related services available at The Medical City

The Medical City Department of Psychiatry, being the only private institution in the country that offers complete psychiatry subspecialties, takes a more active role in addressing the growing mental health needs of the country. Hence, the Center for Behavioral Health (CBH) was established.

The CBH is the first in the country to offer services that cover the entire continuum of mental health care – from wellness to illness; from assessment to early recognition, to therapeutic intervention to home care; from care that necessitates one therapist to care that necessitates shared responsibility among several team members; from individual therapy to group therapy, and from promotive to preventive care. The CBH is headed by Dr. Mary Daryl Joyce Lindo-Calleja. For inquiries, please call 8-9881000 ext. 6135.

References:

https://www.who.int/health-topics/suicide

https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/psychiatry/michigan-psychiatry-resources-covid-19/specific-mental-health-conditions/suicide-risk-recognizing-responding-risk-during-covid-19-pandemic

Read more
drive-thru lab steps for blood extraction

August 19, 2020

FAQs on TMC Drive-thru Lab

Updated as of January 20, 2023


Who can avail?

  • Those with or without doctor’s request for diagnostic laboratory tests
  • Those who will avail of the ECLIA antibody test for CoVid-19
  • How do I avail?
    • Go to the drive-thru facility for onsite registration and bring with you your doctor’s request (if any) for diagnostic laboratory test
    • Proceed to payment
    • Proceed to blood extraction
    • Wait for your result to be sent via email within 24 hours.
  • Where is the Drive- Thru Lab facility located?
    • The Drive Thru Lab is located at the back of The Medical City (Entrance through The Medical City Drive and Exit through MD Camacho Drive).
  • How do I prepare for the test?
    • There is no special preparation for this ECLIA antibody test . The blood draw will only take a few moments.
    • For other diagnostic blood tests, you may check with your physician as some may require at least 10 hours fasting prior extraction.
  • How much are the tests?
    • All diagnostic blood tests follow the outpatient rate
    • ECLIA antibody test price is Php 2,200.
  • How do I pay?
    • You may pay with Cash and credit at the Cashier on-site.
    • Senior Citizen/PWD Discounts are applicable.
  • Is it also open during weekends? 
    • Yes. The drive-thru lab site is open Monday to Sundays, including Holidays from 7AM to 3PM.
  • What are the blood tests available?
    • ECLIA Antibody test for CoViD-19
    • Hematology, Clinical Chemistry and Serology (for full list, you may contact Ambulatory Care Center ext. 6267)

Blood Tests


CBC


Spec 23


Sodium (Na)

Spec 23

Potassium (K)

Chloride, Cl

TPAG

Amylase

Calcium

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)

Bilirubin: Total, Direct, Indirect

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)

Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS)

Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT)

Creatinine

Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL)

Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL)

Blood Uric Acid (BUA)

Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST/SGOT)

GGTP

Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)

Phosphorus (P)

CPK-T

Blood typing


HBsAg


Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c)


Acid Phosphatase (ACP)

Enzymes

Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT)

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)

Amylase

Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST/SGOT)

Creatinine Kinase (Total, CK-MB, CK-MM)

Homocysteine

Glutamyltransferase (GGT)

Lactate

Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)

Lipase

Transferrin

Troponin T (Quantitative)

Troponin I (Qualitative)

Creatinine Kinase-MB (CK-MB)

Cardiac markers

B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP)

Troponin I

Troponin T

Calcium, Ionized

Electrolytes

Calcium, Total

Chloride, Cl

Magnesium (Mg)

Phosphorus (P)

Potassium (K)

Sodium (Na)

Dengue IgG & IgM


Dengue NS1


Hepatitis profile


Thyroid profile (T3, T4, TSH)


Prothrombin Time / PT / Protime


ECLIA test


Read more
primary care clinic opening hours

August 05, 2020

Be in and out in 90 minutes

Your health is important to us.

The Primary Care Clinic is open to provide primary care for conditions that require immediate attention or for other medical concerns such as obtaining medical clearance certificate.

The Primary Care Clinic accepts walk-in patients for Cash, Credit Card and HMO/Insurance transactions.



Read more
senior citizen surge protection package

August 04, 2020

Senior Citizen Surge Protection Package

The elderly are one of those population groups vulnerable to the current health challenge that we are all facing. We understand that it is recommended for them to stay at home. We also recognize that they need health monitoring and a supplemental boost in their immune system. The Senior Citizen Surge Protection Package aims to address this health concern.

For inquiries or to book an appointment, call 8988-1000 ext. 6386 / 6579 or email tmc_wcl@themedicalcity.com.


Read more
cognitive therapy schedule

July 13, 2020

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy

The Center for Behavioral Health of The Medical City, Pasig City, has made Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) available for its patient and medical community. MBCT is a group based therapy that combines mindfulness training with Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). 

MBCT is proven to increase self-regulation, enhance mood, decrease anxiety, and prevent relapse of depressive episodes. 

MBCT is done in 2 1/2 to 3 hour, weekly sessions, spread over ten weeks, including the orientation and a mini, silent retreat.    

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the MBCT is going to be offered online, using Zoom. Register through this link: Google Forms

Read more
themedicalcity blue logo

July 06, 2020

Schooling in the New Normal

While the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) halted the face-to-face classroom setup, there is a need to put measures in place to ensure that learning does not stop for the youth while keeping them safe once the ECQ if lifted.

Regardless of the level of spread in the local community, every school must be prepared prior to the resumption of school activities. This will help school administrators and partners understand how they can help prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in the school setting.

Planning, Preparing, and Responding to COVID-19

1. Coordinate with local health officials

  • Get an update on you community’s local COVID-19 data
  • Be aware of policies and practices implemented within your community that may affect the school’s operations
  • Immediately inform the local health sector when a possible exposure occurs within the school
  • Assign a coordinator between your school and the local health office,

2. Communicate with staff, parents, and students

  • The communication to be provided to the school community must be aligned with the local health office and the school’s emergency operations plan
  • Include messages to counter stigma and discrimination
  • Maintain the confidentiality of students or staff members as required by the Data Privacy Act
  • Provide information on new policies and practices implemented to prevent transmission in the school setting

3. Intensify cleaning and disinfecting efforts

  • Close off access to areas where suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients stayed at and ensure proper ventilation within 24 hours prior to disinfection.
  • Cleaning staff should clean and disinfect areas focusing on high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, phones, etc.
  • Use recommended disinfecting solution

  • Do not mix bleach and other cleaning or disinfecting products as this may cause fumes that are dangerous to breathe in
  • Ensure adequate supply to support cleaning and disinfecting practices
  • If possible, make touchless hand sanitizer dispensers available around the campus

4. Review continuity plans, including emergency operations plans

  • Make sure the plan includes the prevention of a wide variety of infectious diseases such as influenza, measles, etc
  • Include strategies to continue education and other related services
  • Emphasize everyday preventive measures

5. Develop information-sharing systems with partners as well as the parent community

6. Teach and ensure healthy hygiene practices

7. Have reminders available in various areas in the school to help prevent the spread of infection

8. Implement multiple physical distancing strategies

  • Consider postponing non-critical gatherings and events including field trips
  • Cancel or modify classes where students will be in close contact with each other
  • Adjust the distance between desks to be 1 meter apart
  • Stagger arrival and/or dismissal times to avoid crowding of students
  • Limit or avoid cross-school transfers and programs

9. Monitor and plan for absenteeism of students and school staff

  • Determine the level of absenteeism that will disrupt operations and the continuity of providing education
  • Alert the local health unit for a significant increase in absenteeism especially when the cause is related to COVID-19 symptoms such as coughs, fever/chills, sore throat, and body pain

10. Require sick students and staff to stay home

11. Consider special needs of students who may be at higher risk of getting infected

  • Communicate with parents and determine how the students’ needs can be met
  • Determine if and how to accommodate requests of parents who may have concerns regarding the students attending the school because of underlying medical conditions of the student or of those in their home

12. Should on-site school activities be resumed, plan for transportation assistance that can be offered to students


Ensuring Continuity of Education

As the ECQ is lifted, school must ensure that learning continues while implementing precautionary measures to promote safety in the school setting. These may be done by employing the following measures:

1. Consider e-learning as an option

  • Convert face-to-face learning activities to online teaching and learning tools as applicable
  • Train teachers to conduct e-learning activities
  • Determine how to triage technical concerns if IT support is limited or unavailable
  • Encourage parents/caregivers to conduct adult supervision during e-learning sessions for students below 18 years of age
  • Determine how to deal with students’ potential lack of access to computers and internet at home

2. Determine the need for the following:

  • Waivers for on-site school interactions/activities for a particular number of students
  • Implementation of new school schedule that will help enforce physical distancing and minimize the risk of transmission in school


Ensuring Safety during Travel to School

Once school resumes, students and staff who do not have access to private transport would need to make use of public transportation. Their safety must be ensured during this time. The following measures can be done to achieve this:

1. Educate students and staff on how to prevent getting or spreading infection:

  • Practice proper hand hygiene. Tell students to wash their hands with soap and water before and after their commute. Should water and be unavailable, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer may be used as an alternative.
  • Wear a face mask. Require students to wear a face mask at all times – whether in school or during their commute. This will help ensure coughs and sneezes are properly covered to protect those around them while also ensuring they are protected.
  • Observe physical distancing. A distance of at least 1 meter must be maintained between each passenger during a commute to minimize the risk of infection.

2. Provide alternative transportation options

  • Consider carpooling for students and staff living near each other.
  • Partner with local transport groups, whether public or private, to provide transportation for the school community. This may augment any existing transportation capacity the school may have.

By making staff, parents, and students are well-informed of changesfor the new normal in the school setting, the safety of those within the school and local community will be ensured.

To learn more about making schooling work at the comfort of your home, stay updated for learning opportunities through our Institute of Pediatrics. For inquiries, you may contact the institute at 8-988-1000/-8-988-7000 Ext. 6322.


Reference:

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/index.html


Read more
tmc eclia antibody test

July 09, 2020

Get tested today - safely and conveniently

A pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has been spreading throughout the world. Though molecular diagnostic tests (RT-PCR technology) are the gold standard for COVID‐19, serological testing is emerging as a potential surveillance tool, in addition to its complementary role in COVID‐19 diagnostics.

What is ECLIA Antibody Test?

The test is called serological Enhanced “Chemiluminiscence” Immunoassay or ECLIA. It detects antibodies produced in patient blood due to infection with SARS-CoV-2, the scientific name of the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19. This serology test has a specificity of 100%* and sensitivity of 100%*. *(Sensitivity Confidence Interval of 92.7 to 100% > 8 days from onset of symptoms and Specificity Confidence Interval of 99.1 to 100%)

Sensitivity is the proportion of patients who do have the disease that return a reactive test result.
Specificity is the proportion of patients without the disease who return a non-reactive test result. Both are expressed as a number or percentage.

The sample that will be taken from the patient will be tested for total antibodies and IgG. The test detects all antibodies (IgM, IgA, IgG, and other isotypes) that develop in most patients as an immune response from eight days onwards (>8 days)  after symptoms of COVID-19 begin. These antibodies indicate if the patient may have had a recent or past COVID-19 infection (IgM /IgA/other Isotypes) and have developed antibodies that may protect the patient from future infection (IgG).

This ECLIA antibody test provides very important information to aid in diagnosis, management and recovery from COVID-19 and will also help researchers evaluate how many people in the population have been infected, which is important to planning infection control.

The ECLIA test is simple and straightforward. It involves taking a sample of your blood, which will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. Test result will be available within 24 hours.

Who might benefit from testing?

  • Asymptomatic individuals who are required to submit antibody testing for work clearance
  • Asymptomatic individuals who were exposed to a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patient at least 8 days prior to testing
  • Recovered and asymptomatic COVID-19 patients who wish to confirm the presence of antibodies in preparation for donation for convalescent plasma treatment

Antibody tests should not be used to diagnose acute infection with COVID-19. An RT-PCR must be obtained for this purpose. 

What is the benefit of the ECLIA Antibody Test?

The result may help limit the spread of COVID-19 for patient management, tracking and surveillance.

What does your result mean? 

Total

(IgM, IgA, IgG)

IgG

Possible Interpretation:

Non-reactive

Non-reactive

No SARS CoV-2 antibodies detected. May represent acute infection in the window period. Consult a doctor if symptomatic.

Reactive

Non-reactive

SARS CoV-2 antibodies present (including IgM or IgA), likely acute phase. Will need RT-PCR Testing.

Reactive

Reactive

SARS CoV-2 antibodies present (mostly IgG), likely recovery or convalescence phase.


Here’s a brief description of the types of CoVID-19 test: ECLIA, and Rapid Test.

ECLIA

Rapid Test

Description:

  • Performed on a fully automated machine, lab-based, and uses whole blood, plasma, or serum samples from patients.
  • This test can look for multiple types of antibodies, including IgG, IgM, and IgA.

Description:

  • A manual method for detection of IgM and IgG antibodies to the virus causing CoVID-19 in blood, serum or plasma samples.

Level of Accuracy:

  • It utilizes Enhanced Chemiluminescence
  • Technology and has 100% sensitivity* and 100% specificity*

*(Sensitivity Confidence Interval of 92.7 to 100% > 8 days from onset of symptoms and Specificity Confidence Interval of 99.1 to 100%)

Level of Accuracy:

  • Lower sensitivity and specificity, higher incidence of false negative.


Is ECLIA Antibody Test available at The Medical City?

The Medical City offers both Enhanced Chemiluminiscence Immunoassay or ECLIA antibody test  at its Drive-Thru COVID-19 testing site. The ECLIA antibody test drive-thru site is open Mondays to Sundays from 7AM to 10AM.

For more information about ECLIA and other CoVID-19 tests available at TMC, contact 8988-1000/8988-7000.

Read more
the medical city drive thru test logo

August 13, 2020

FAQs on TMC Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing

Updated as of Jan 20, 2023


What COVID-19 tests are available at the TMC Drive Thru Facilities?

The Medical City offers both Enhanced Chemilluminiscence Immunoassay or ECLIA antibody test and RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction).

Enhanced Chemiluminiscence Immunoassay or ECLIA antibody test is the first and best fully-automated COVID-19 antibody test globally certified by the US and Philippine Food and Drugs Administration. Compared to the rapid antibody tests (RAT) that uses lateral flow method, ECLIA has up to 100%* sensitivity and specificity.

*(Sensitivity Confidence Interval of 92.7 to 100% >8 days from onset of symptoms and Specificity Confidence Interval of 99.1 to 100%)

RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) test is the gold standard confirmatory test for COVID-19.

Where are the Drive- Thru facilities located?

Both the ECLIA Antibody and RT- PCR (Swab test) Drive Thru test is located at the back of The Medical City (Entrance through The Medical City Drive and Exit through MD Camacho Drive).


I. What is ECLIA / Enhanced Chemiluminiscence Antibody Test?

ECLIA detects antibodies produced in patient’s blood due to CoViD- 19  infection. The serology test has a specificity of 100% and sensitivity of 100%. *(Sensitivity Confidence Interval of 92.7 to 100% >8 days from onset of symptoms and Specificity Confidence Interval of 99.1 to 100%)

Sensitivity is the proportion of patients who do have the disease that return a reactive test result. Specificity is the proportion of patients without the disease who return a non-reactive test result. Both are expressed as a number or percentage.

The sample that will be taken from the patient will be tested for total antibodies including IgG. The test detects all antibodies (IgM, IgA, IgG, and other isotypes) that develop in most patients as an immune response to SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of CoViD-19, eight days onwards from onset of symptoms. These antibodies indicate recent or past COVID-19 infection (IgM /IgA/other Isotypes) and possible protection the from future infection (IgG).

ECLIA antibody test provides very important information to aid in diagnosis, management and recovery from COVID-19 and will also help researchers evaluate how many people in the population have been infected, which is important to planning infection control.

What’s the ECLIA process? 

The ECLIA antibody test is simple and straightforward. It involves taking a sample of your blood to be sent to the laboratory for automated analysis.

  1. Go to the drive-thru facility for onsite registration and payment
  2. Proceed to the extraction area
  3. Wait for your result to be sent via email within 24 hours.

How do I prepare for the test? 

There is no special preparation for this ECLIA antibody test . The blood draw will only take a few moments.

How much is ECLIA at the Drive thru?

ECLIA antibody test price is Php 2,200.

How do I pay? 

You may pay with Cash and credit at the Cashier on-site for ECLIA antibody test. Insurance/HMO accepted.

*Senior Citizen/PWD Discounts are applicable.

Is it also open during weekends?  

Yes. The ECLIA antibody test drive-thru site is open Mondays to Sundays from 7AM to 3PM.

Who can get tested at the TMC Drive-Thru testing site? 

If you meet any of the following criteria, you may have ECLIA antibody test at the Drive-Thru facility:

  • You are asymptomatic – meaning you don’t have any symptoms.
  • If you feel well but have reason to believe you’ve been exposed to the virus. You should self-quarantine in this case.
  • You are asymptomatic and recovered COVID-19 patient who wish to confirm the presence of antibodies in preparation for donation for convalescent plasma treatment.

While you wait for your test results, maintain home isolation to help protect other people in your home and community.

What does your result mean?

Total
(IgM, IgA, IgG)

IgG

Possible Interpretation:

Non-reactive

Non-reactive

No SARS CoV-2 antibodies detected. May represent acute infection in the window period. Consult a doctor if symptomatic.

Reactive

Non-reactive

SARS CoV-2 antibodies present (including IgM or IgA), likely acute phase. Will need RT-PCR Testing.

Reactive

Reactive

SARS CoV-2 antibodies present (mostly IgG), likely recovery or convalescence phase.


ECLIA is not used to diagnose acute infection witofh COVID-19. An RT-PCR must be done for this purpose.



II. What is the RT-PCR Test? 

RT-PCR test (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) test uses actual swabs from patients taken from the nose and throat to detect if a person has the coronavirus. RT-PCR tests are used as confirmatory tests for COVID-19. Real-time RT-PCR tests cannot tell you if you have had COVID-19 in the past; the test is designed to detect an ongoing infection.

The tests are performed and interpreted by TMC healthcare professionals following the most globally-accepted protocols, so you can be assured that the test has been conducted with the highest healthcare standards. The actual swabs are to be sent to the TMC laboratory, which is among the licensed COVID-19 testing laboratories in the Philippines.

What’s the RT- PCR Process?

The RT- PCR test sample is collected through swabbing. The medical staff inserts a separate thin, flexible cotton swab into the patient‘s nose and throat to collect a sample of mucus. One swab is gently rotated in both nostrils and another is brushed into the throat to collect enough mucus for the test. The samples are then get sealed in a tube and sent to the lab for analysis.

BOOKING: 

  1. Book your appointment through themedicalcity.com/covidtest
  2. To pay, go to the “Billing and Payments” tab of your Patient Portal, select the service and click "Pay Now."
  3. Once payment has been made, you will receive an email on the following:
    • Confirmation of payment and booking
    • Case Investigation Form (CIF) to be accomplished in 3 copies


ON THE DAY OF APPOINTMENT:

  1. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your schedule
  2. Show email confirmation and 3 copies of CIF to the guard at the Queueing Stop
  3. You will be asked to queue and will be provided a Drive Thru card to be placed on your windshield
  4. Proceed to the Drive Thru Lane
  5. Roll down your window and submit CIF to the medical staff
  6. The Medical Staff interviews and proceeds to swabbing
  7. Your result will be sent to you via email within 24 hours

REMINDER: Limit the people in your personal vehicle to a maximum of six to be tested.

How much does RT-PCR test cost?

RT-PCR test at the Drive-Thru site costs Php3,360.

How do I pay?

To pay, go to the “Billing and Payments” tab of your Patient Portal, select the service and click "Pay Now." A confirmation email of your payment and appointment will be sent for all successful transaction.

*For Senior Citizen/PWD, ID numbers should be provided during the booking to avail of the discount.

Is RT-PCR at the Drive Thru Philhealth compensable?

One of the requirements of Philhealth is a through assessment of the patient, which is not done at the Drive-Thru setup.

How many can be tested in one vehicle?

Limit the people in your personal vehicle to a maximum of six to be tested.

Is there an age requirement to get tested?

Minimum age requirement is 8 yrs old. For patients who are 7 yrs old and below, they may be referred to Pedia MDs.

How far ahead can one book if he/she will be travelling?

Patients can book at least a day before (as long as the schedule permits) and payment should be made ahead of time as well.

Where is the testing site located?

The RT- PCR (Swab test) Drive Thru is located at the back of The Medical City (Entrance through The Medical City Drive and Exit through MD Camacho Drive).

Is it also open during weekends?

The RT- PCR (Swab test) Drive Thru will be open Mondays to Sundays, including Holidays from 7AM to 3PM.

Why RT-PCR test may be recommended? 

Your doctor may recommend a COVID-19 RT-PCR test if:

  • You have COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, cough, tiredness, or shortness of breath
  • You've had close contact with someone who tests positive for the COVID-19 virus or is suspected of having the virus.
  • You're at high risk of complications if you become infected

While you wait for your test results, maintain home isolation to help protect other people in your home and community.

What does your result mean?

If you have a positive test result (SARS-CoV-2 (causative agent of COVID-19) viral RNA DETECTED), it is very likely that you have COVID-19. Therefore, it is also likely that you may be placed in isolation to avoid spreading the virus to others. There is a very small chance that this test can give a positive result that is wrong (a false positive result). Your healthcare provider will work with you to determine how best to care for you based on the test results, medical history, and your symptoms.

A negative test result (SARS-CoV-2 (causative agent of COVID-19) viral RNA NOT DETECTED) means that the virus that causes COVID-19 was not found in your sample. For COVID-19, a negative test result for a sample collected while a person has symptoms usually means that COVID-19 did not cause your recent illness. However, it is possible for this test to give a negative result that is incorrect (false negative) in some people with COVID-19. This means that you could possibly still have COVID-19 even though the test result is negative. If this is the case, your healthcare provider will consider the test result together with your symptoms, possible exposures, and geographical location of places you have recently traveled in deciding how to care for you. It is important that you work with your healthcare provider to help you understand the next steps you should take.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/Factsheet-for-Patients-2019-nCoV.pdf

https://www.fda.gov/media/136151/download


Here’s a brief description of the types of COVID-19 test:

RT-PCR

ECLIA

Description:

·A real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test for the qualitative detection of nucleic acid from CoVID-19 in upper and lower respiratory specimens

Description:

·Performed on a fully automated machine, lab-based, and uses whole blood, plasma, or serum samples from patients.

·This test can look for multiple types of antibodies, including IgG, IgM, and IgA.

Level of Accuracy:

·The gold standard for CoVID-19 testing

·Results using RT-PCR yields 97% accuracy or higher

Level of Accuracy:

·It utilizes Enhanced Chemiluminescence

Technology and has 100% sensitivity* and 100% specificity*

*(Sensitivity Confidence Interval of 92.7 to 100% > 8 days from onset of symptoms and Specificity Confidence Interval of 99.1 to 100%)


For more information, contact the TMC Hotline at 8988-1000.

Read more
maskne

July 03, 2020

7 Tips to Keep Your Face in Tip Top Shape While Wearing a Mask

We wear a mask to protect ourselves and others from airborne viral infection. While wearing a mask is protective, it can be a source of skin problems if you do not protect your skin. Here are some simple steps to keep your skin looking awesome.

  • Wear a mask that suits your facial shape. Not all masks are shaped the same. If possible, have yourself fitted for the right mask.
  • Change your mask once it is dirty or soiled. Using a dirty mask allows nasty bacteria to come in contact with your skin. This may cause infections such as mask-induced acne, otherwise known as “maskne.” To prevent dirt from accumulating on your mask, see if your mask is fit for re-purposing. This is a process of washing your maskand, if you are a health care worker, to have it sterilized at your hospital. If you are wearing a cloth mask, wash the mask with mild soap. Avoid strong detergents that can irritate your skin. Throw away masks that have tears and other signs of damage.
  • Prepare your skin before wearing a mask. Use a gentle skin cleanser to prep your skin. Avoid using strong antibacterial soaps. There are good bacteria on your skin that keep harmful bacteria at bay. When you kill the good bacteria, harmful bacteria grow unchecked. Gentle skin cleansers are sufficient to kill bad bacteria. You may use a mild anti-acne toner with salicylic acid to prevent pimples.
  • Protect your skin underneath the mask. Commuting exposes all of us to the elements. Use a sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 to protect it from ultraviolet light. You may use a strip of silicone sheet to protect your skin from the pressure of the mask.
  • Wear light makeup. Yes, it is okay to wear makeup, especially if it highlights your eyes. Light, non-occlusive make-up is safe to use.
  • Remove all makeup. When you keep makeup on your skin overnight, the hair follicles and oil glands are occluded. Keeping the face covered with make up overnight allows harmful bacteria to grow, resulting again, in “maskne.” Removing all makeup with a mild makeup remover and gentle skin cleanser enables the skin to breathe and stay healthy.
  • Apply anti-aging products.Invest in your skin to look young for a long time. Layer your products thinly on the skin for an additive effect. Retinoid medications such as tretinoin and their derivatives like retinoic acid and retinaldehyde help in skin turn over. Glycolic acid, alpha hydroxyacid, andother fruit-based products help slow down skin aging while maintaining moisture at the same time. Avoid occlusive products such as petroleum jelly and heavy cream which can cause pimples.

When should I see a doctor?If you have skin damage or breakouts that don’t respond to skin care changes, you should see a dermatologist. Many now offer virtual visits. Spreading redness or draining pus can be signs of infection. If this happens, seek immediate medical attention.


For inquiries, call Aesthetics by The Medical City at 8-9881000 ext. 6576 / 6579.

Read more
tmc cdp-feeding clinic webinar for picky eaters schedule and speaker info

July 01, 2020

Managing Your Child’s Nutrition: Knowing the Difference Between Hunger and Appetite

Parents often confuse hunger and appetite but when it comes to your child’s nutrition, knowing the difference between the two can make a big impact.

The Feeding Clinic under The Medical City (TMC) Center for Developmental Pediatrics (CDP) recently held a Picky Eater webinar titled “Hunger and Appetite” with pediatric gastroenterologist Dr. Almida “Mitzi” Reodica as the resource speaker.

Early childhood nutrition, especially during the first 1,000 days of life, is essential in a child’s growth and development. As such, it is important for parents and those managing pediatric health and nutrition to understand the difference between hunger and appetite to help determine the best course of action.


The Role of Hunger, Appetite, and Satiety in Childhood Nutrition

Hunger is defined as a set of feelings or internal experiences necessary for a person to seek food while appetite is the preference that surrounds the selection of food available with or without the presence of hunger. The culmination of processes associated with the end of the meal is referred to as satiation.

Dr. Reodica also described hunger as an essential trigger that makes people want to eat. She detailed the different phases of hunger to better illustrate what happened when a person does become hungry.

  • Phase I – Prolonged period of quiescence or inactivity (40-60% of the time)
  • Phase II – Increased frequency of action potentials and smooth muscle contractility (20-30% of the time)
  • Phase III – A few minutes of peak electrical and mechanical activity (5-10 minutes)
  • Phase IV – Declining activity which merges with the next phase I

How these are regulated is affected by factors such as hormones, the nervous system, and intestinal muscles. By understanding the different phases of hunger and how it is regulated, we are able to determine possible controls when to help in the nutritional management of children, and even adults. 

Hunger and satiety may be affected negatively by gastrointestinal illnesses, medications, stress, and heavy meals prior to schedule mealtimes. As such, it is important to determine if any of these factors are present whenever a child says he or she is not hungry.

Appetite, on the other hand, is affected by a whole variety of factors such as homeostatic mechanisms (eating for calories and pleasure), hedonic mechanisms (eating just for pleasure), genetic predisposition, first taste, and family experiences. These different factors in appetite, along with the environmental influences, affect a child’s behavior towards certain food and eating.

By understanding factors affecting hunger, satiety, and appetite, primary caregivers can address the root cause and work around it to help the child eat and acquire the necessary nutrients he or she needs.


The Role of Family in Children’s Appetite

More than the biologic predisposition of children when it comes to appetite, the environment and experiences they have when they eat play a vital role. It is for this reason that the family plays a vital role in ensuring that children get the best nutrition by making mealtimes enjoyable and pleasurable.

Here are five tips to help parents make sure their children enjoy getting the nutrition they need:

  • Don’t force food on the children. Avoid force-feeding children. Offer the food but allow them to try it at their own pace.
  • Make it a sensory experience.  Allow the child to have a full sensory experience by looking at the food, smelling it, and feeling its texture before trying to taste it by licking and eventually biting, chewing, and swallowing it.
  •  Revise your grocery list. By ensuring that only healthy food is available at home, children will have no reason to look for non-nutritious food because it is unavailable. If at the beginning they are not exposed to junk food, they will not look or crave for them even when exposed later in life.
  • Make mealtimes time for the family. Take it as an opportunity to bond and make it a positive experience for the whole family
  • Build a support system. Make healthy eating something for the entire family. Set an example, be encouraging, and provide the support they need.

If you find your child picky, fearful, or fussy when it comes to eating, then you may benefit from part him or her.

The Medical City’s Center for Developmental Pediatrics Feeding Clinic is the first of its kind in the country. Staffed by a team of healthcare professionals, it provides a holistic multidisciplinary approach to managing feeding difficulties from the common to the most severe cases.

For inquiries, you may contact the Center for Developmental Pediatrics at 8-988-1000/8-988-7000 Ext. 6630 or email them at tmc_cfd@themedicalcity.com.

Read more
girl named angela having back problems

June 30, 2020

A New Beginning for Angela | An Integrated Spine Program Story

The Integrated Spine Program (ISP) of The Medical City is a comprehensive program established to improve spine care delivery through highly competent doctors and staff, modern diagnostic tools and OR equipment, experienced support departments, and eventually, a dedicated spine ward. It is a program dedicated to the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of adolescents and adults with spinal disorders.

The ISP team of expert physicians provides a comprehensive approach to spine disorders, back and neck care. Both doctors and staff have undergone specialized spine training that would provide patients with quality spine care specific to their needs. The multidisciplinary team is composed of specialists in spine surgery, internal medicine, physiatrists, rehabilitation doctors, and occupational health. The goal of the team is to return patients to the fullest level of function as quickly and as safely possible.

To learn more about the program, please watch the video below which tackles the story of 14-year-old Angela Caleon who was diagnosed with kyphosis and severe scoliosis and have undergone spine surgery at The Medical City.

Read more
man having headaches with woman on the background

June 29, 2020

Should I worry about finding blood in my semen?

Should I worry about finding blood in my semen? 

Unusual bleeding may be a potential cancer symptom thus seeing blood in the semen can make a man anxious. Fortunately, it is uncommon and rarely signals a major medical problem especially in men younger than 40. 

Hematospermia (also called hemospermia), which refers to the presence of blood in the semen, often does not last long, as it is usually a self-resolving problem.

Dr. Enrique Ian Lorenzo, urologist from The Medical City (TMC), says hematospermia is more often than not a benign occurrence which usually resolves spontaneously. However, an evaluation of a urologist may be necessary to rule out other causes especially in men who are at risk for certain diseases.

Causes of blood in the semen

It may be caused by infection or an inflammation. Infection may occur in the urinary tract and subsequently affect the tubes where semen passes through or even the prostate. This can develop due to typical urinary tract infections (UTIs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like gonorrhea or chlamydia, or from other viral or bacterial infections.

Men with an infection may notice other symptoms, including pain or pressure when urinating,  painful ejaculation, swelling in the genital area, a fever or generally feeling sick, and frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder.

Sustaining an injury to the urinary tract or genitals may also cause blood to appear in the semen. More serious injuries can cause swelling, chronic bleeding, and serious damage to the genitals. When this happens, a person may notice bloody semen that either lasts for a long time or comes and goes following an impact to the genitals, genital surgery, or a fall. These injuries should be managed in an urgent manner.

Men with bleeding disorders may also present with blood in the semen but is often accompanied by bleeding in other areas as well such as in the urine, gums, nose, or bruises in the body. 

Prostate issues

Problems with the prostate may give rise to bloody semen. One of the most common issues is prostatitis which can be a chronic issue due to inflammation or a sudden problem due to an infection. In either case, the person may notice symptoms other than hematospermia, including blood in the urine, painful urination, painful sex, and a feeling of fullness or swelling in the rectum or genital area.

Other common known causes of blood in the semen are surgical procedures such as prostate biopsy. Bleeding can last a few weeks or so after a prostate biopsy. Similarly, it may also occur during the first week or two after a vasectomy.

Dr. Lorenzo points out that on rare occasions, particularly for men over 45 years of age, blood in the semen can be a sign of prostate cancer. When this happens, a person may sometimes notice repeated bouts of hematospermia as well as other symptoms, such as difficulty in urination, pain in the groin or blood in the urine.

Men who have any of these warning signs and are over 45 should see a doctor within a few weeks.

Testing and Evaluation

Men with hematospermia are evaluated by the urologist first clinically by history and physical examination. Based from the gathered information, tests may be requested such as urinalysis, urine culture, ultrasound, and blood tests.

In most cases, especially in men younger than 40, and men who recently had a prostate biopsy, blood in semen may resolve on its own. However, further testing is done if the doctor suspects certain potentially serious disorders. 

In the evaluation for prostate cancer, testing typically includes prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and digital rectal exam (DRE). Occasionally, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and cystoscopy (to see inside the urethra and bladder) are needed.

With the continuous progress in medicine, the role of MRI scans of the prostate has evolved. It now plays a role in certain patients to identify lesions that are highly probable to be cancerous especially the aggressive type. Lesions identified in the MRI can then be targeted using a new method.

MRI Fusion Prostate Biopsy, a fully integrated fusion biopsy system specifically created for personalized prostate care, has been offered at The Medical City since 2018. With this technology, “targeted” biopsies are made possible by the fusion of ultrasound images of the prostate with MRI scans in real time to help urologists precisely target the area of the prostate that needs to be biopsied. Not only does this system guide in targeting lesions but it also confirms if the target was sampled. Now even small lesions can be biopsied with high confidence. 

Prostate cancer is treatable especially if caught early. When confined within the prostate, the cancer can be eradicated.



To learn more about prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatments available at The Medical City, please contacts The Medical City Augusto P. Sarmiento Cancer Institute (TMC-APSCI) at 89881000 or 89887000 ext. 6214 or email cancerinstitute@themedicalcity.com

Read more
anti-dengue info

June 29, 2020

Practice the 4S in Dengue Prevention and Control

The rainy season comes with different risks for illnesses such as Dengue. Read these tips on how you can help prevent and control dengue.

For inquiries, contact The Medical City Emergency Department at 8-988-1000/8-988-7000 Ext. 3215.



More tips found here: Dengue Prevention.pdf

Read more
tmc institute for womens health webinar for expecting mothers schedule and speaker info

June 29, 2020

The Medical City Holds Webinar for Expectant Moms

What does it take to ensure safety for both mother and child during the course of pregnancy?

The Medical City (TMC) Institute for Women’s Health conducted a webinar titled “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” on June 20, 2020 with obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Giancarlo Santos and anesthesiologist Dr. Vanessa Ocampo as speakers. Dr. Santos gave a lecture on “I’m Pregnant…What Now?” while Dr. Ocampo talked about “Anesthesia Options.”

Dr. Santos described the normal anatomy of a woman’s reproductive system and enumerated the changes that occur during pregnancy. As he further discussed about pregnancy, he shared some health tips for the expectant mothers.

  • Nutrition – Eat a rainbow of different colored fruits and vegetables to ensure you and your baby get the nutrients you need for your journey to delivery. Remember to eat when hungry and stop when full.
  • Exercise − Pregnancy is not an illness so exercise should not be stopped. However, it is important to start slowly and gently then increase the activity gradually. Keep yourself hydrated and stop the moment you feel any discomfort.
  • Weight Gain – The maximum weight gain varies per pregnancy depending on the woman’s pre-pregnancy weight.

He also talked about the red flags during pregnancy that would warrant immediate consultation. These include premature rupture of the bag of water, bloody vaginal discharge, contractions, and decreased movement of the baby. At the first sign of any of these, seek immediate consult.

Dr. Ocampo then discussed the anesthesia aspect of labor and delivery including the different anesthesia options available for normal and cesarean delivery. “A pain-free labor experience will help the mother conserve her energy for when she bears down,” says Dr. Ocampo.

The best type of anesthesia to be used varies per patient depending on the pain tolerance of the mother and the progression of the labor. As such, it is best to discuss your options with your doctor as you go along your journey to give you time to prepare and manage your expectations.

During this time when traditional clinic visits may be a challenge, it is the best opportunity for women to be more attuned with their bodies and for their partners to be more engaged during the pregnancy journey. However, it is still important to get in touch with your healthcare provider because some concerns need a physical visit to the hospital.

Apart from this, protocols for prenatal check-ups and delivery were explained to help manage expectations during hospital visits. As a protective measure, consults are scheduled ahead of time and companions are discouraged during this time.

With the safety protocols in place at TMC and the expert and compassionate care of the doctors and staff, a total of 254 babies were safely delivered during the enhanced community quarantine which spanned from March to May 2020.

For inquiries regarding prenatal care and other pregnancy concerns, contact the Institute for Women’s Health at 8-988-1000/8-988-7000 Ext. 6338. The institute also offers monthly prenatal classes to continue providing expectant mothers the information they need throughout their pregnancy.

Read more
pre-eclampsia info

April 07, 2021

Preeclampsia Screening: New Studies Document Its Effectiveness and Cost Benefits

Preeclampsia, a dangerous condition that may occur during pregnancy, can lead to serious complications for both mother and baby. Preeclampsia may result in seizures (or eclampsia) and liver and kidney failure. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and the postnatal period can also lead to several long-term problems including complications in future pregnancies and elevated lifetime risk of non-communicable diseases including cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, diabetes, obesity, and mental illness.

At The Medical City’s Institute for Women’s Health, the Section of Maternal Fetal Medicine has a comprehensive predictive, preventive, and precise approach for pre-eclampsia detection and prevention that follows international recommendation.

This comprehensive screening is most accurate primarily because it combines the woman’s own risk factors with findings on ultrasound and the levels of biochemical markers in the mother’s blood. The accuracy of TMC’s first trimester prenatal screening program is documented in a study by Javier and Gonzaga[i] published in the Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Compared with the UK and US screening recommendation using the mother’s risk factors alone, TMC’s combined first trimester screening is able to detect more women who are at risk for preeclampsia, either early or late during their pregnancy. This means the TMC preeclampsia screening can identify 9 out of 10 women who will eventually develop hypertension in pregnancy.


Figure 2. Accuracy of TMC’s combined first trimester screening compared with screening using maternal history alone.


Not only is TMC’s first trimester preeclampsia screening accurate, it has also been found to be cost-effective. Presented in the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society annual convention in 2020, a study by Violago and Quinio[i] documents the cost-benefit of having the first trimester screening followed by appropriate preventive measures for those at high risk. Prevention of preeclampisa using the first trimester screening followed by aspirin therapy for those at high risk can save the patient as much as P70,000 compared with the incremental cost of managing preeclampsia when it occurs.


At The Medical City, we make a difference by identifying a high-risk pregnancy early to give the best care for mothers and their babies.


[i] Javier MJ, Gonzaga ZG. Comparison of the diagnostic accuracy of early screening of preeclampsia by NICE guidelines, ACOG guidelines and comprehensive first trimester screening using maternal characteristics, ultra-sonographic findings and maternal serum biochemical markers. Phil J Obstet Gynecol, (2018); 42(6):26-38.

[i] Violago, CJ, Quinio IB, Cost-effectiveness of first trimester screening for preeclampsia and prevention of disease through initiation of aspirin therapy in a tertiary hospital, Presented in the POGS Virtual Annual Conference, November 2020


The article was written by Dr. Zarinah G. Gonzaga, Obstetrician-Gynecologist from The Medical City Institute for Women’s Health.

Read more
the medical city lab on wheels

April 16, 2020

TMC Lab on Wheels

Updated as of December 10, 2021


Amidst the crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, we know not everyone can come to us, so The Medical City launches “TMC Lab on Wheels” which offers laboratory services right in front of your doorstep, bringing you convenience and timely access to precise laboratory testing.

We provide convenient and accessible means of specimen collection for a wide range of laboratory procedures to patients who are not able to come to our Hospital. Our highly-skilled Medical technologists collect these samples that will provide essential information to your physician to decide the next steps, if any, in your treatment plan.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is TMC’s Lab on Wheels?
TMC’s Laboratory on Wheels provides home- service collection of samples for testing at TMC clinical laboratory.

Who can avail of this service?
- everyone who has diagnostic laboratory procedure requirements may avail of this service
- recovering patients at home (newly discharged patients) for monitoring
- elderly, immune-compromised, and bedridden patients who may be asked to remain at home.

What are the tests that I can book under this service?

  • Routine Hematology
  • Routine Blood Chemistry
  • Routine Serological Testing
  • Routine Microscopy
  • RT-PCR

What are TMC Lab on Wheels’ operating hours?

You may book your pick-up schedule with the contact center from 8:00am to 5:00pm depending on the requirements of your procedure, especially if with fasting. Collection time of sample/s is between 7AM to 1PM

How can I avail of this service?

1.Contact TMC laboratory hotline at 8988-1000 ext. 6122 or 6421 or e-mail labonwheels@themedicalcity.com 

2.Provide your laboratory procedures request to the laboratory representative

3.Laboratory representative provides estimated procedure rates and payment options

4.Laboratory representative asks for your preferred home visit schedule and book accordingly.

5.Laboratory representative provides you preparation guidelines for your home visit

 

What are my payment options?

You may pay in cash or credit card prior to the onsite specimen collection during the home visit. You may also pay online prior to scheduled home visit via online payment link, and bank transfer thru Banco De Oro.

Can I use my HMO or company guarantee for this service?
You will be directed by TMC laboratory representative to contact your HMO Call Center or Company HR to secure Letter of Authorization (LOA) for your laboratory procedure.

How much is this service?
Standard laboratory rates in the out-patient department shall apply. For more information about the specific rates, you may call TMC laboratory hotline. Please take note that there will be a Php1000.00 service charge.

How will my samples be collected?
TMC Lab on Wheels van will be going to your preferred place for pick- up and the Medical Technologist will collect sample based on your request, and following standard policies and guidelines in specimen collection.

How will I get my result?
TMC laboratory representative will ask you of your preferred means to get your result- email or pick-up. Your official receipt will come with your results.

Is the quality the same as an in-person visit?
The quality of home service as a method is confirmed by research. It has been found to be a safe, cost-effective and convenient way to collect routine testing samples.

What should I expect during the home visit?
To protect both our staff and you, your family, basic PPE shall be worn by our staff who will do the specimen collection.


Read more
themedicalcity blue logo

February 07, 2017

Autism

Autism
1. What is autism?
Autism spectrum disorder is a brain-based disorder that affects a child’s behavior, communication skills and social skills. It includes 3 of 5 disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDDs). These are Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome and PDD-not otherwise specified (PDDNOS). Although we do not have the prevalence rate of autism in the Philippines, recent data from the US reports the prevalence of ASD at 1 in 150 individuals. It is more common in boys than in girls.

2. How do I know if my child has autism?
Autism is characterized by impairments in communication skills, impairments in social relatedness and the presence of repetitive and ritualistic behavior. No two children with ASD are the same. Individuals have varying symptoms with varying severity.

The following are some common symptoms of ASD:
Communication Concerns:
- doesn’t say words by 15 months
- no two-word phrases by 24 months ( ex. “Mama, eat”)
- does not turn to his name when called
- repeats what others say without understanding its meaning (parroting or echolalia)
- apparent “regression” or loss of words that have already been used

Social Concerns:
- does not initiate or sustain eye contact
- does not bring objects to show to parents
- inappropriate facial expressions
- does not point using an index finger to indicate his needs
- unable to interpret what others may be thinking or
   feeling by looking at their facial expression
- does not show interest in playing or interacting with
other children or unable to make friendships.

Behavioral Concerns:
- obsessed with limited activities and interests and
  does them repeatedly during the day
- body rocks, spins, flaps hands
- may be oversensitive or under sensitive to sounds, sights, smells
- side-glancing
- may have splinter skills like reading at an early age without understanding what he reads.

3. What causes Autism Spectrum Disorders?
The exact cause of autism remains unknown. Current research done shows a genetic predisposition:
• Studies on twins and other family studies reveal that genetics play a major role in the causation of autism
• Another proof of its genetic nature is that siblings of children who are diagnosed to have ASD have a 10- fold increased risk of also acquiring the disorder compared to the general population.

Environmental factors may also play a role but this has not been proven yet. But as in all medical conditions, there is a genetic predisposition and an environmental trigger (whether it be maternal factors during pregnancy or stimulation from the early environment is not yet known).

Current scientific evidence does NOT support a link between vaccines like MMR and autism.

ASD may also occur in some individuals with certain medical conditions like Fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis and congenital rubella syndrome.

4. What happens when you have autism?
The exact abnormalities in brain function in individuals with autism are currently unknown. However, current research shows that there are differences in the rate of brain growth, brain chemicals and function in individuals with autism.


5. How is autism diagnosed?
There are no lab tests to diagnose autism. The diagnosis of autism may be done by a doctor or a psychologist who has expertise in the field. It is also preferable that a team of specialists assesses the child. This team may include developmental pediatricians, child neurologists, child psychiatrists, psychologists, teachers, therapists and social workers.

An accurate history is conducted and physical examination is obtained. Observations of the child’s interactions with his caregivers and his peers are conducted. Developmental assessment of skills in all domains of development is done. The administration of a standardized autism-specific tool is also done. Hearing tests and language evaluations are also done.

6. What are the available treatment options?
Autism spectrum disorders are lifelong conditions with no known cure as of the moment. However, children with ASD can progress developmentally and learn new skills. Some children may improve so much that they no longer meet the criteria for ASD, although milder symptoms may often persist.

Depending on the needs of the child, there are different evidence-based interventions that have been proven effective for the management of the different deficits in autism. These services include occupational therapy, speech therapy, behavioral therapy and educational therapy, among others. Early intervention is critical in the management of these
children. Studies have shown that early detection of symptoms and early intervention improves the later outcomes of these individuals in terms of language, social relatedness and behavior.

7. What are associated disorders or symptoms of autism?
Some children with autism may also be affected by other health problems which are called co-morbid conditions. These may include the following:
     - Seizures - about 25 % of children with ASD may have convulsions. These are more common in children younger than 3 years old and those in their teens - Gastrointestinal concerns like constipation, diarrhea and reflux. Some children with autism may also be extremely picky and fussy with their food.
     - Attention and hyperactivity concerns. These are manifested by their inability to stay on task and pay attention.
     - Self-injury, aggression and agitation. Sometimes these are the only means a child with autism may have for asking for things he needs. Occasionally, this behavior may be the child’s
response to a medical condition that is causing him pain.

8. At The Medical City, what are the services available for autism?
The Developmental Pediatrics Program Clinic offers surveillance and screening of children for autism and other related disorders. We have a team of competent developmental pediatricians, neurologists, neuropsychologists and other medical specialists. The Medical City also offers different paramedical services like occupational therapy and speech therapy.

Adapted from:
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) American
Academy of Pediatrics. 2006

Other References:
Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2007
Siegel B. The World of the Autistic Child: Understanding and
Treating Autistic Spectrum Disorders. New York, NY: Oxford
University Press, 1996

Note: This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advise, diagnosis or treatment. If you or someone you know have any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to seek professional help.

For more information, please call:

CENTER FOR DEVELOPMENTAL PEDIATRICS
Tel No. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 ext. 6630

 

CENTER FOR PATIENT PARTNERSHIP
Tel No. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 ext. 6444

Read more
themedicalcity blue logo

February 07, 2017

Eye Health in Computer Work

EYE HEALTH IN COMPUTER WORK

In this age of advanced technology, there has been an increasing trend towards computer usage at home and at work. Let's face it. Computers have become a fixture in our daily lives and they're here to stay.

The growing use of computers, however, also carries with it an attendant health risk. Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is the term used to refer to eye problems that are caused by prolonged computer use. Although it has not been proven to cause any permanent eye damage, it greatly affects work and enjoyment of leisure activities.

What are the symptoms of CVS?

! Blurred vision
! Difficulty focusing on objects
! Eye irritation (red, itchy, dry, and tired eyes)
! Headaches
! Neck and back pain

Who is at risk for CVS?
Anyone can get CVS.

Occupations that involve sitting and working at the computer all day are primarily affected.  These include call center agents,  medical  transcriptionists,  computer programmers,  accountants, and researchers.

Children who play computer games for any length of time or adults who surf for long hours are also at risk.

What causes CVS?
Computer work involves sitting in the same position and staring at a bright screen. The effort required to focus on a near object for uninterrupted periods of time puts a lot of strain on the eye's muscles. This leads to temporary blurred vision and a feeling of tiredness around the eye. Difficulty in focusing on faraway objects or even blurring of the figures on the computer screen are also common complaints.

Long hours facing a computer screen also carries a reduction in the blinking reflex. The normal blink rate is 16-20 per minute. This decreases to 6-8 per minute with computer usage.

The blink reflex is the eye's way of distributing tears across the eye's surface. When the reflex is gone, the eye's surface is poorly lubricated resulting in dry eye.  This manifests as redness, itching, tearing, and burning sensation in the eye.

What can I do to prevent it?
A few simple changes in the area around your computer workplace can help eliminate the occurrence of CVS.

To reduce computer screen glare and help eyes focus better:

  • Modify room lighting and close window shades!  Adjust screen brightness and contrast.
  • Place a filter over the monitor.

To prevent dry eye:

- Move the screen 4-8 inches below eye level to decrease the amount of eye surface exposed.
- Avoid having air vents or fans facing directly into your face
- Make an effort to blink frequently.
- Place lubricant eyedrops as frequently as needed.

To minimize eye strain and muscle aches:

  • Look away from the screen and focus on a distant object every 15-20 minutes or alternately close eyes for 10-20 seconds every half hour or so.
  • Maintain good sitting posture while working – straight back, feet resting on the floor, keyboard and mouse below elbow level and head tilted down.
  • Visit an eye doctor to update prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Note:  This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advise, diagnosis or treatment.  If you or someone you know have any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to seek professional help. 

 

The Medical City offers a roster of competent Ophthalmologists who may assess and treat people with Eye Disorders. For any inquiries please call:


EYE CENTER
Tel. No. (632) 8988-1000 / (632) 8988-7000 Ext. 6252

Read more
themedicalcity blue logo

February 07, 2017

Speech Delay

COMMUNICATION and LANGUAGE 

What is communication?

This term refers to the act of conveying one’s meaning or message to others. It also involves an
interactive process as a recipient is recognized and needed. On the other hand, language is a tool used to communicate. Language is defined as a complex system of signs for communication.

The need to communicate is a basic human instinct. A baby’s cry is the way it communicates to its mother. Eye contact or a smile is an infant’s means to communicate. These illustrate that language is both non-verbal and verbal.

Language is the foundation for reading and other forms of higher learning. Therefore it is the main developmental and learning task for children from 2 to 5 years.

What are communication disorders?

Communication disorders fall under a big umbrella, under which there many other possible conditions. A communication disorder refers to a disorder in the ability to convey one’s meaning or message to others, whether verbally or non-verbally. One may see a communication disorder in children with the autism spectrum disorders, cognitive problems, language-based learning problems/disorders or other types of learning disorders.

Language disorders, on the other hand, refer specifically to disorders in the verbal area of
communication. This is caused by an underlying brain-based difficulty in learning the complex system of signs for verbal communication (language). This may lead to reading and reading comprehension difficulties or disorders later on.

How does one detect problems or disorders in communication?

The most obvious clue for communication problems is a delay in speech or language. Any problems in communication or speech/language delay in young children are reasons for concern. Language delay in young children (2-5 years) is a sign or clue for reading or learning problems that may occur later on in the primary school level.

Language delay usually becomes apparent only when a child is 2 to 4 years old. It would be better, though, that this problem is detected as early as possible so that intervention can already be undertaken. However, there are earlier but more subtle signs of communication problems like:
• lack of eye contact
• absence of pointing
• the inability to “connect” or respond to others

On the other hand, for language disorders, children who have these can communicate non-verbally (they can point, gesture and have eye contact). However, they do not seem to understand the spoken word. They have a difficult time acquiring language, which is manifested through:
• no spontaneous utterances
• no desire to repeat the words they hear
• or if they do repeat words, they sound very different
• difficulty in or absence of phonemic awareness (cannot distinguish long vowel sounds from short vowel sounds; cannot distinguish beginning or ending sounds of a word; cannot sound off consonant blends, etc.)

What causes communication or language disorders?

Here are several factors that increase the risk in children for these disorders.
1. There is a genetic predisposition for communication or language disorders. In other words, one may see a history in the family of language delays, weakness in the area of verbal expression, or difficulties in school.

2. There are numerous factors in the environment which may affect how severe these disorders may become. These factors are:

• lack of proper language stimulation, neglect of developmental needs
• family dysfunction
• unstructured home environment; lack of routines
• too much television exposure
• stress, trauma, abuse at home or in school
• lack of confidence or self-esteem

What happens when you have communication disorders or language disorders?

Communication disorders or language problems may be just a part of other conditions such as:
• autism spectrum disorders,
• language-learning disorders, language disorders (expressive or mixed receptive expressive),
• language-based learning problems
• reading and reading comprehension problems
• other learning problems like dyslexia
• cognitive problems

The complications of unattended communication and language problems are numerous and far-reaching, namely: behavioral problems, learning disabilities, and school failure. Remember: language delay in young children (2-5 years) is a sign or clue for future reading or learning problems.

How are communication disorders or language disorders diagnosed?

A comprehensive evaluation by an experienced clinician is required since these disorders are part and parcel of other conditions. A developmental pediatrician may be able to clearly see the distinctions. More important than the diagnosis is the tracking of the child’s development and learning trajectories. This is because the diagnosis becomes more apparent as the child gets older and improves as he or she receives the necessary interventions.

Why is it important to get a diagnosis or evaluation? Isn’t it true that children should not be compared or labeled?

While it is true that every child is unique, they also share many things in common. When one talks about developmental and learning milestones, these are observations culled through research on thousands of children. The result of this research shows normal patterns of development for most children. Therefore, if a child deviates from the usual expected patterns of development and learning, they may have more difficulties later on.

Research also shows that parents usually observe and compare their child’s development with other children. This is normal behavior and research shows that parental concern based on these observations is highly valid.

Therefore, for any concerns, especially if the child is not at par in terms of developmental milestones when compared to other children, a comprehensive developmental assessment and evaluation by a developmental-behavioral pediatrician is justified and needed.

Is early diagnosis and intervention really necessary? Should we believe it when older people say “the child is only delayed; don’t compare him to others; he will eventually catch up” or “boys are really more delayed,” or “he is just a late bloomer”?

When one talks about learning and brain development, one should realize that it follows a logical and step-wise process. A child’s brain must master a foundation for learning before it is able to move forward and learn other more complex things. The foundation for learning is language.

The earlier the problems are detected, the earlier something can be done and the problem be overcome, or more serious learning conditions can be averted or prevented. Any early problems in language, if not addressed or corrected, can lead to later learning problems and poor school performance.

There are many more services available now to address children’s developmental and learning needs as compared to a decade ago. Therefore, there is no more reason to just “wait and see” when you can DO SOMETHING NOW.

What are the available “treatment” options?

The human brain, especially a young child’s brain, has an amazing ability called “neural plasticity”. This means it is like clay—it can be molded to anything one wants it to become. But molding clay, like developing the human brain, requires work and effort. And just like clay which hardens after some time, the human brain also starts setting over time, so if it is not fixed” or developed properly, it will also set the wrong way. Like a lump of clay that is not formed, over time it will just harden as a shapeless lump of clay. Therefore, a brain that is not trained or taught will harden unformed and undeveloped.

There has been a huge body of research into the functioning of the human brain over the last decade. What we knew of the human brain before may now be outdated. Furthermore, the environment in which children are growing up now is so different from the environment our parents lived in. With 24/7 cable TV and the fast-paced life with 2 working parents, the environment is no longer conducive to optimum child development. So why take a chance on our child’s brain development? Why assume a “wait and see” attitude? Time is of the essence in forming our child’s brain. The longer the problems remain unattended, the more complications (in terms of learning potential and behavioral issues) will develop and the less we can do to mold or remold the brain.

So “treatment” consists of:

• Proper diagnosis or detection of the problem
• Modifying the child’s immediate environment (home and family), which will require parental education
• Referring them to the necessary and developmentally appropriate therapy or learning programs (occupational therapy,   speech therapy, reading programs, educational programs, etc.)
• Continuous practice of skills and learning to develop mastery in the child
• Monitoring the child’s progress and re-evaluating his development and learning
• Coordinating the child’s programs through team conferences, school visits and family conferences

What needs to be done? What services are available?

For any concern, parents may go to the Developmental Screening and Surveillance Center of the Medical City. The tool used in this center is known as PEDS (Parental Evaluation of Developmental Status). The results of this screening test will either validate the parents’ concern, reassure the parents, or recommend other activities to enhance the child’s development.

Once the parental concern is validated by PEDS, a full and comprehensive assessment and evaluation MUST be done by the DEVELOPMENTALBEHAVIORAL PEDIATRICIAN. The Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician will coordinate and monitor the child’s intervention, progress and subsequent development. Therapy services (occupational and speech), neuropsychological evaluation, educational liaison, parent support groups, family education and support will be provided in the Medical City Child Development Center.


References:
- Children’s Communication Skills: from birth to five years by Belinda Buckley. 2003 Routledge, London
- Language Learning: A lifelong Process by Joseph Foley, Linda Thompson. 2003 Oxford University Press, New York

Note: This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advise, diagnosis or treatment.   If you or someone you know have any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to seek professional help.

For more information, please call:


CENTER FOR DEVELOPMENTAL PEDIATRICS
Ground Floor, Podium Building
Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Tel. No. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 Ext. 6630


CENTER FOR PATIENT PARTNERSHIP
Tel. No. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 Ext. 6444
Email: mail@themedicalcity.com
www.themedicalcity.com

Read more