TIM eMagazine Vol.3 Issue 8
About Dr. Augusto P. Sarmiento
Dr. Sarmiento graduated from the University of the Philippines
in April 1948. From September to March 1949, he worked as a
Junior Parasitologist under the Schistomiasis Control Program of
the Department of Health.
He then became a first year resident at the UP-Philippine General
Hospital, Department of Obstetrics. Dr. Sarmiento used his Obstetrics
residency training as his gateway to get into the Department of
Surgery where he started his surgical residency in early 1950s.
Upon completion of his surgical residency training in 1954, like many
other graduates of various medical specialties, he flew to the USA to
pursue more advanced surgical training.
In 1955, an opportunity came to Dr. Sarmiento to be trained as one
of the first Filipino surgical residents at the Memorial Sloan Kettering
Cancer Center, the Valhalla of Cancer Surgery in New York City. He stayed
for four years, completing his training under the American surgeon widely
regarded as the Father of Head and Neck Surgery, Dr. Hayes Martin. He
worked for a time as an associate of Dr. Martin, but decided to return to
Manila in 1958.
In Manila, he taught and practiced general and cancer surgery at the PGH APSCI Director Dr. Daniel M. Alonzo, APSCI Deputy Director Dr. Beatrice
and at two other hospitals. In 1967, he moved his practice along with several Tiangco, SVP for the Medical Services Group Dr. Eugenio Jose F. Ramos,
overseas trained UP doctors to join Dr. Agerico B. M. Sison in a small hospital President and CEO Dr. Alfredo R. A. Bengzon, Chairman of the Board Dr.
in Mandaluyong City. It was named the ABM Sison Hospital, in honor of their Augusto P. Sarmiento, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Jose Xavier B.
mentor. The ABM Sison was later renamed The Medical City and the rest is
Gonzales, and APSCI Deputy Director Dr. Manuel Francisco Roxas
history. TMC celebrated its 50th year anniversary last year.
“I am pleased and humbled to have the Cancer Institute of The Medical City
named after me and I am accepting this honor for and on behalf of the people
who have gone ahead of us, who had given great ideas and a lot of their time to
help us get to where we are now. What we are doing now is just add-ons to the
great work they had already started,” said Dr. Sarmiento.
The Medical City’s Augusto P. Sarmiento Cancer Institute
“At the APSCI, we believe in healthcare that nurtures a partnership – one that
gives strength, advanced services, and most especially, hope,” says Dr. Alonzo.
The APSCI, according to Dr. Alonzo, is gifted with the inspiration of Dr. Sarmiento
and the organizational strength of the TMC institution.
“Thank you for the inspiration Dr. Sarmiento and for being a role model for all of us
as we, at APSCI, continue to save lives and improve the quality of life of our patients,”
said Dr. Alonzo.
Cancer care at APSCI can be described by 8Cs − compassionate, cost-effective,
coordinated, collaborative, comprehensive, customized, centered around the patient,
and committed.
The APSCI leadership, composed of Dr. Alonzo and deputy directors Drs. Tiangco
and Roxas, has started doctor-initiated researches. They are beefing up
their cancer registry, based on patients’ records to find better ways of
treatment. Dr. Alonzo is also looking at training programs for the next
generation of cancer specialists.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended
He admitted there’s still a lot of work to be done at the APSCI but all these
quality improvements and innovations are aimed at giving cancer patients the
to be used as a substitute for professional
brand of TMC care that they deserve.
medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If
“With our personalized programs and treatments, we will engage and
you or someone you know have any of the
support our patients throughout their cancer journey - from nutrition therapy,
to pain management, and to palliative care.
www.themedicalcity.com
symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable
For more information about APSCI, you may call 9881000 ext. 6214.
to seek professional help.
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