CGHMC Honors New Physicians at the 26th Fellows and 44th Postgraduate Interns Graduation Ceremony

The Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center (CGHMC) celebrated another milestone in its 135-year legacy with the Graduation Ceremony of the 26th Fellows and 44th Postgraduate Interns, recognizing 23 fellows and 58 postgraduate interns who successfully completed their specialty and internship training.

Held in the presence of hospital executives, faculty members, consultants, mentors, families, and distinguished guests, the ceremony honored the graduates’ years of dedication, perseverance, and commitment to compassionate and ethical medical practice.

Opening the ceremony, Dr. Samuel D. Ang, Medical Director of CGHMC, welcomed the graduates and congratulated them on reaching a significant milestone in their medical careers. He emphasized CGHMC’s continued commitment to producing competent physicians equipped with the knowledge, skills, and compassion needed to meet the evolving demands of healthcare.

Delivering the inspirational message, Mr. Kelly H. Sia, President and Chief Executive Officer of CGHMC, reminded the graduates that medicine is more than diagnosing and treating illness—it is a profession founded on compassion, integrity, and service.

“Medicine is not simply about treating illness—it is about listening, understanding, and uplifting lives. As graduates of CGHMC, you inherit a legacy built on excellence, service, and compassion.”

Mr. Sia encouraged the graduates to pursue excellence with humility, embrace innovation without compromising their values, and always place their patients at the center of every decision. He reminded them that the true measure of success is reflected not by titles or achievements, but by the lives they touch, the hope they restore, and the difference they make in their communities.

Mr. Antonio D. Tan, Chairman of the Board of the Philippine Chinese Charitable Association, Inc. (PCCAI), likewise inspired the graduates by emphasizing that graduation marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning, healing, and service. He encouraged them to uphold the human side of medicine, reminding them that patients will remember not only a physician’s expertise but also the compassion and trust they inspire.

Serving as commencement speaker, Dr. Juliano Z.K. Panganiban, Director of Patient and Public Relations Services, challenged the graduates to reflect on whether generational differences influence patient care. He explained that while technology and medical practice continue to evolve, the fundamental principles of medicine remain unchanged. Regardless of generation, physicians are expected to exercise sound clinical judgment, demonstrate empathy, communicate effectively, and always place the welfare of their patients above personal convenience.

Dr. Panganiban further emphasized that the future of medicine lies in combining the wisdom and experience of seasoned physicians with the innovation and technological expertise of younger generations. While technology has transformed healthcare, he stressed that it can never replace sound clinical judgment, compassion, and the human connection between physician and patient.

He concluded by encouraging the graduates to take pride in being products of CGHMC and to carry forward the institution’s tradition of excellence and compassionate service throughout their medical careers.

The ceremony also celebrated outstanding academic and clinical achievements through the presentation of special awards recognizing excellence in research, leadership, and patient care.

Among this year’s highest honors, Dr. Harley Jane Sy of the Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine was named Most Outstanding Senior Fellow 2026, recognizing her exemplary performance, leadership, academic excellence, and dedication throughout her fellowship training.

Special recognition was likewise given to winners of the 9th Intersectional Senior Fellows’ Research Paper Competition, the 41st Postgraduate Interns’ Research Paper Competition, and the PAR Excellence Awards, which honor postgraduate interns who demonstrated exceptional clinical competence, professionalism, and compassionate patient care.

Representing their respective graduating classes, Dr. Leah Corinna Teh and Dr. Gian Searle Alkuino expressed their heartfelt gratitude to their mentors, consultants, hospital leadership, healthcare teams, families, and friends whose guidance and unwavering support made their achievements possible.

The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Julie T. Li-Yu, Chairman of the Department of Medical Education and Research (DMER), who reminded the graduates that earning their diplomas marks not the end of learning but the beginning of a lifelong commitment to excellence, integrity, and compassionate service.

As another class of fellows and postgraduate interns joins the medical profession, CGHMC reaffirms its mission of developing physicians who embody clinical excellence, professionalism, and compassionate care. The institution remains steadfast in preparing future healthcare leaders who will continue to make meaningful contributions to medicine and the communities they serve.

Complete List of Winners and Awardees

Outstanding Research and Academic Achievements by Fellowship Program

Adult Cardiology

Dr. Monica Alagon – Presented two international oral research papers representing CGHMC in Singapore and Japan.
Dr. Frances Anne Alvarado – Presented her research at NHCS Singapore LIVE

Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

The section completed 17 research projects across seven fellows, with several fellows producing multiple research papers.

Dr. Chris Lorenzo Fabros – Completed three research papers, with poster and oral presentations in Japan, San Francisco, California, and the Philippines.
Dr. Ciara Fatima Jaime – Completed four research papers, including a poster presentation recognized for publication in the Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies (JAFES).
Dr. Leah Corinna Teh – Completed three research papers presented in Japan, San Francisco, California, and the Philippines.
Dr. Janelle Buena Marquez – Completed two research papers, including poster presentations at ENDO 2025 in California and in the Philippines.
Dr. Jonvi Romero – Completed two research papers, one of which was presented at the 19th Asia-Oceania Congress of Endocrinology in Taiwan.
Dr. Levi Dean Uy – Completed two research papers and received the 2026 Research Grant from the Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism.
Dr. Rafaela Dela Peña – Completed two research papers presented at the Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism.

Section of Gastroenterology

Dr. James Manuel Medalla – Completed four research studies and won Second Place in the Case Video Presentation during the Joint Annual Convention 2026.

Section of Medical Oncology

Dr. Russell Daniel Barros – Presented three research posters in Japan.
Dr. Betina Bernice Benin – Presented research at the Japan Society of Medical Oncology.

Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine

All seven research papers of the section were presented at the 79th Congress of the Asia Pacific Society of Respirology (APSR).

Presenters:

Dr. Harley Jane Sy
Dr. Kathleen Chang-To
Dr. Michelle Espiritu-Lingo
Dr. Allane Jill Tan
Dr. Edrian Lichingyao
Dr. Sheree Antoinette Chiongson
Dr. Raissa Steffie Ng – Recipient of the APSR Assembly Education Award

Section of CT-MRI and Ultrasound

Dr. Neil Joseph Co
Dr. Bryan James Antolin

9th Intersectional Senior Fellows’ Research Paper Competition

First Place

Dr. Yla Marlyn Lee Coronado

Research Title:
“The Association of Serum Phosphate Variability on Intradialytic Hypotension Among Incident End-Stage Renal Disease Adult Patients on Hemodialysis at CGHMC.”

Second Place

Dr. Leah Corinna Teh

Research Title:
“Prevalence of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Induced Endocrinopathies in Cancer Patients in a Philippine Tertiary Private Hospital: A Retrospective Study.”

Third Place

Dr. Kathleen Chang-To

Research Title:
“Validity Study of the Cancer Ratio Compared with Cytology in Detecting Malignancy Among Patients with Exudative Pleural Effusion Admitted at CGHMC.”

Most Outstanding Senior Fellow 2026

Dr. Harley Jane Sy
Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine

41st Postgraduate Interns’ Research Paper Competition

A total of 18 research groups competed, demonstrating exceptional dedication to scientific inquiry and evidence-based medicine.

First Place

Representative: Dr. Nikki Pauline Catapangan

Research Title:
“A Comparative Analysis of Postoperative Complications in Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy vs. Conventional Hemorrhoidectomy in Patients with Grade III-IV Hemorrhoids: A Meta-Analysis.”

Second Place

Subgroup 13

Representatives:

Dr. Maria Eliza Pascual
Dr. Demi Louise Go
Dr. Justine Jayne Nery

Research Title:
“Perioperative Probiotics and Synbiotics for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infection in Elective Colorectal Surgery: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.”

Third Place

Subgroup 9

Representatives:

Dr. Erica Jazzanne Lopez
Dr. Jan Claire Coros

Research Title:
“Early Versus Delayed Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Mild Gallstone Pancreatitis: A Meta-Analysis.”

PAR Excellence Awardees 2026

The PAR Excellence Award is presented to postgraduate interns who have demonstrated exemplary clinical knowledge, outstanding bedside manner, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to patient care throughout their clinical rotations.

Department of Internal Medicine