The 43rd Graduation Ceremony of Residents took place on January 7, 2025, at the CGHMC Auditorium. Dr. Samuel Ang, Medical Director, welcomed the new graduates and their parents. He thanked the parents for allowing their children to work at the hospital despite the pandemic.
The Residents were graduates from the Department of Anesthesiology, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Surgery, Institute of Pathology, Institute of Radiological Sciences, and Fellow from the Section of Maternal Fetal Medicine.
President and CEO Mr. Kelly H. Sia said that this is a fresh start for the graduates, a new chapter filled with hope and opportunity, as they embark on a new journey. His advice to the new specialists as they embark on their new journey is to bring the essentials in their travel. “Just like any traveler, you need to bring your identification, investment, itinerary, innovation, and inspiration. Carry your identity with professionalism and integrity, keep in mind that you are CGH graduates with a mission to be compassionate global healthcare providers. Your investment signifies your supply to last you throughout your journey; these are your time, talent, and treasures to be used wisely. Your travel plan points to where you want to go; it provides direction towards your end goal. Innovations symbolize not just new and novel ideas but also things renewed and repurposed. And finally, your inspiration conveys what matters most; it propels you to move forward.” He encouraged the graduates to work with the hospital to ensure health equity, diversity, and inclusivity in the community.
Philippine Chinese Charitable Association, Inc. (PCCAI) Chairman Antonio Tan reminded the graduates not only to be skilled doctors but also doctors who care for their patients—doctors who are willing to go the extra mile. He urged the graduates to treat with charity and compassion, values that the institution has imparted during their years of residency training. “Go forth and fulfill your destiny” he said.
The Chairman of Department of Medical Education and Research, Dr. Julie Li-Yu, introduced the commencement speaker, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel.
In his speech, the senator said that CGHMC is known not only for its compassionate care but also for treating patients with empathy and respect. He dubbed CGHMC the Hospital of Heroes, recalling that there were occasions in the past when the hospital attended to his wife during the birth of his youngest daughter amidst the pandemic. Doctors follow an oath to first do no harm, and it is a fact that the people at CGHMC are dedicated. He asked, “What can a mere legislator do on his part? By finding ways to help you continue the tradition of kindness and compassion, especially towards the poor and the needy.” He committed to directing resources to help the hospital expand and continue its charity cases.
The graduates were introduced by the department heads and their training officers. Special awards were also announced for the finalists and winners of poster presentations and research papers.
Special Awards were given to winners and finalists of research papers. They were:
- Dr. Zia Marie Carlos with co-author Dr. Kristine Flores. Finalist for their research titled: “Labor Analgesic for a Parturient with Myasthenia Gravis and Twin Pregnancy: A Case Report.”
- Dr. Raissa Steffie Ng. “Drug Resistance in Pneumonia (DRIP) Score in Detecting Infection Due to Drug-Resistant Pathogens among Critical Care Patients with Community-Acquired Pneumonia in a Tertiary Private Hospital.”
Award: Finalist for Poster Presentation.
- Dr. Akiram Briceño: “Association of RAAS Inhibitors and COVID-19 Severity and Mortality in a Philippine Tertiary Hospital: A Retrospective Cohort Study.”
- Dr. Yvonne Camille Chuahiong with co-author Dr. Maria Michelle Guadiz-Barbe. “Breakthrough Infection by Vaccine Type and its Effect on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes among Term Fully Vaccinated Parturients: A Single-Center, Prospective Cohort Study.”
Award: First Place, Annual Research Paper Contest.
- Dr. Kimberly Lu Chiu with co-authors Dr. Susana Lao and Dr. Zabrina Lam. “Comparative Study of Two Different Types of Music against the Conventional Group among Term Singleton Primiparous Pregnant Women during their Active Stage of Labor in a Normal Delivery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.”
Additional Awards for Dr. Kimberly Lu Chiu – National Grand Champion, Battle of Follicles and Quiz Bee given by Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society.
Award: First Place, Resident’s Research Paper Contest.
- Dr. Harold Ecker Zamora – 3rd Place winner, 40th Senior Residents’ Research Paper Presentation: “Use of Ultrasound in the Prediction of Malignancy Residency in Patients with Pulmonary Mass at CGHMC.”
- Dr. Charisma Marie Sy, 2nd Place Winner. “Clinical Profile and Outcomes of Patients with Central-Line Associated Bloodstream Infection among Admitted Patients in a Tertiary Hospital.”
- Dr. Kimberly Lu Chiu – 1st Place winner for “Comparative Study of Two Different Types of Music against the Conventional Group among Term Singleton Primiparous Pregnant Women.”
Award: Most Outstanding Senior Resident 2024
Dr. Eclesiastes Recio from Department of Surgery, who is pursuing further training in Colorectal Surgery was already in Singapore had his prepared speech read by the current Chief Resident, Dr. Jethro Ngo.
Dr. Kimberly Lu Chiu gave her appreciation speech on behalf of the graduates to the mentors and hospital administrators.
