By: Jasmine Tuaño
For many Filipinos, world-class healthcare often feels out of reach, with some seeking treatment abroad for specialized medical procedures. However, The Medical City (TMC) is proving that world-class care is available right at home. As one of the country’s leading healthcare institutions, TMC is committed to empowering doctors, enhancing medical facilities, and championing life-saving innovations. Through inspiring stories of medical breakthroughs, TMC continues to uplift the healthcare industry, making life not only healthier but also more hopeful.
Advancing healthcare and uplifting stories
TMC has made remarkable strides in positioning the Philippines as a top destination for health and wellness. In July 2024, it partnered with the Department of Tourism to promote medical tourism, showcasing the country’s capacity to provide high-quality medical services. TMC’s dedication to excellence has also been recognized internationally, with The Medical City Ortigas earning the prestigious title of Hospital of the Year at the Healthcare Asia Awards 2024 for the third consecutive year.
Beyond its accolades, TMC is a strong advocate for its doctors and healthcare providers. Through continuous investment in cutting-edge facilities, advanced equipment, and professional development programs, the institution ensures that its medical experts can perform at their best, so they can focus on the well-being of the patients.
This commitment to excellence is further reflected in TMC’s collaboration with Manila Bulletin at the 2025 Newsmakers of the Year Awards in recognizing the inspiring work of a Filipino interventional neuroradiologist, Dr. Victor Erwin D. Jocson, whose contributions have made a significant impact in the field of medicine.
Dr. Jocson’s groundbreaking work has brought new hope to patients with life-threatening conditions and has advanced brain care in the country. In a historic medical achievement, he successfully performed a mechanical thrombectomy on a 105-year-old patient, removing a blood clot that could have caused irreversible damage. His expertise and precision restored blood flow within minutes, preserving the patient’s brain function and redefining the possibilities of neurointervention in the Philippines. The successful procedure marks the patient as the oldest recorded recipient of a mechanical thrombectomy. Based on published literature, the previous oldest patient to undergo this procedure was 102 years old.
Dr. Jocson also played a key role in advancing interventional radiology and interventional neuroradiology, performing 16 first-in-the-country procedures, including the Philippines’ first-ever subdural hemorrhage embolization in 2022.
His story is not just one of technical brilliance but also of compassion and dedication to saving lives. Recognizing his contributions, the Manila Bulletin and TMC honored Dr. Jocson at the 2025 Newsmakers of the Year Awards, celebrating his role in uplifting both the healthcare field and the nation’s pride. The prestigious award, presented by The Medical City President and Group CEO Dr. Stuart Bennett at Manila Hotel Tent City on February 10, 2025, recognizes individuals whose work has made a profound and lasting impact.
Success stories like Dr. Jocson’s reminds us that the Philippine healthcare industry is not just growing—it is thriving. With institutions like TMC leading the charge, patients no longer have to look beyond the country’s borders for world-class medical care. Through cutting-edge innovations, strong doctor-patient partnerships, and a shared vision of excellence, TMC and Manila Bulletin continue to empower individuals and communities by shining a spotlight on stories that inspire, heal, and transform lives.
The partnership will continue to highlight breakthroughs and celebrate champions. In the end, healthcare is not just about medicine, it’s about the lives touched, the hope restored, and the stories that remind us all why every life is worth fighting for.