Uplifting healthcare story earns Dr. Victor Jocson 2025 Manila Bulletin Newsmaker of the Year Award
Recognized for his inspiring achievement in successfully performing a mechanical thrombectomy on a 105-year-old patient
By MB Lifestyle
By Letizia Balanag

One’s story can serve as an inspiration and a catalyst for change. This connection fosters a sense of shared humanity, breaking down barriers and inspiring collective action. This resonates with the Manila Bulletin’s commitment to sharing the stories of organizations and individuals who inspire, such as Dr. Victor Erwin Jocson. In its 125th anniversary celebration, the Manila Bulletin honored Dr. Jocson as one of its 2025 Newsmakers of the Year for his dedication to advancing patient care and commitment to saving people’s lives.
Dr. Jocson, an interventional neuroradiologist, successfully performed a mechanical thrombectomy on a 105-year-old ischemic stroke patient, making the patient the oldest recorded recipient of this procedure. This minimally invasive technique is designed to remove blood clots and restore circulation to the affected area of the brain. By utilizing advanced imaging and precise techniques, Dr. Jocson efficiently extracted the clot, restoring blood flow within minutes and preserving vital brain functions. This remarkable achievement sets a new milestone, as the patient is now the oldest known individual to have successfully undergone a mechanical thrombectomy.

Recognizing Dr. Jocson’s significant contributions to the medical field over the past year, Manila Bulletin, in partnership with The Medical City, honored him as one of the 2025 Newsmakers of the Year.
“Each one of you here, you have a great story. All we need to do is share this story to make things happen collectively for this nation,” Dr. Jocson said in his acceptance speech as a 2025 Manila Bulletin Newsmakers of the Year Award honoree.
Dr. Jocson expressed his gratitude to Manila Bulletin for recognizing his hard work and to The Medical City, which has been his long-time partner, supporting him in his commitment to their shared mission of providing top-notch healthcare to Filipinos.
His dedication to advancing patient care and commitment to saving lives have stimulated the medical field. He has strongly advocated for innovative treatments and patient-centered medical practices, especially in interventional radiology and neuroradiology. He has performed 16 groundbreaking procedures nationwide, including the Philippines' inaugural subdural hemorrhage embolization in 2022.
Dr. Jocson’s work has inspired many to strive for excellence in medicine, serving as a beacon of hope and setting a standard in the field. Reflecting this spirit of progress, the Manila Bulletin remains committed to illuminating narratives that spark inspiration and drive innovation.
These uplifting stories also encourage the pioneering of transformative advancements within their respective fields. This dedication to sharing stories of positive change fosters a culture of progress, encouraging ongoing efforts to improve lives and shape a brighter future.