HOMASIAN July-August Ae PublicationUST of the University of Santo Tomas Medical Alumni Association in America 2016 filled in for all of them together with the USTMAA Philippine Editorial By Dr. Dionisio B. Yorro, MD’68, Editor current President, Dr. Marivic Cruz and their In-coming President Dr. Gil Gonzalez. Together they brought our membership up to hatever happens in Long date regarding the state of the medical school, hospital and the Beach should not stay University through a town hall meeting format. Although the in Long Beach”. The task is far from over they are happy to report that progress is happening of course is the being made and solutions will be explored to resolve some issues W24th USTMAAA annual grand reunion in brought up during the Board meeting: lack of acknowledgment Long Beach, California. It is a demanding and feedback on funded projects and other donations from the undertaking to be chronicled and worth alumni, replacement of the Wall of Honor, Tree of Life and other broadcasting among the Thomasians. This plaques removed from the different walls and rooms, dwindling is where memories are made and nostalgic Dr. Dionisio B. Yorro patient load which limits the clinical experience of the interns feelings fulfilled. For many first time attendees, coming to these and residents, inability to retain the top students due to low salary celebrations is taken lightly but after experiencing the affair for residents (this has been partially corrected with increase in they all will plan to attend yearly. the salary at same level as the private but not the government hospitals), etc. There is also a dramatic cultural change in the relationships between residents and interns and students and Although the grand reunion is full of fun it faculty. This is obviously very critical in instilling loyalty to our doesn’t lack in meaning. Alma Mater and making them proud to be Thomasians. Although the grand reunion is full of fun it doesn’t lack in For our part, our challenge is to get everyone meaning. Here is where we honor our Jubilarians celebrating a together and nurture the unity and team spirit milestone in their careers. We acknowledge those numerous within the association. benevolent Thomasians who share their time, talent and treasures. The most outstanding Thomasian alumni are recognized every year. Awards were given to a special family of Thomasian doctors For our part, our challenge is to get everyone together and nurture (Ferrer family) and to a uniquely skilled plastic surgeon who the unity and team spirit within the association. Also, more uses his talent to service the poor (Dr. Jim Sanchez). This year aggressive attempts will be made to reach out to more alumni in also we have the USTMAA Southern California come back to the USA. We are thereby announcing a call to action for all US the fold and even host the convention through the efforts of our Thomasians to appeal to their alumni friends and classmates to Executive Director, Dr. Primo Andres. The affair ran the gamut contact us and be included in our mailing list. Recognize, however, from Jubilarian parade, award presentations, CME lectures with that it is a challenge to strike the right tone to make inroads with the annual Luis Guerrero lecture given by Dr. Edgar Lerma, and skeptic Thomasian alumni and TABLE OF CONTENTS of course dance, dance, dance till the wee hours. be respectful of their sensitivity. To effect a drastic change in Editorial 1 our University, medical school 25th USTMAAA Grand Reunion and hospital is a formidable Vancouver undertaking demanding Schedule of Activities 2 an overwhelming cultural change that we may have no 24th USTMAAA Grand Reunion control of. Too many times Long Beach 3 we feel helpless in our ability Diamond Jubilee Class 1956 7 to change things for the better but little efforts by many can Mission Impossible 8 One defining feature of our grand reunions is the opportunity still make a difference. With to connect and interact with the VIPs from the Philippines. Millenium Medics Class 1975 our perseverance and the Mini Reunion 9 Unfortunately this year Rev. Fr. Rector Herminio Dagohoy, Vice seemingly more receptive Rector Fr. Richard Ang, and Dean Jess Valencia were unable to attitude of the administration, Getting to Kwow Us 10 join us for reasons of health and/or prior commitments. Fr. Angel we will not only endure but Aparicio, Regent of the USTFMS, however was present and aptly may also prevail. After all it will Special Offers 10 eUSTHOMASIAN JULY-AUGUST 2016 JULY-AUGUST 2016 eUSTHOMASIAN be a win-win situation for all. We are encouraged by the initiative There is so much to do in Vancouver that all efforts are being 6P-12A GALA DINNER Monday Columbia Icefield Tour and Ice Explorer presented to us by the “Blink Group” of class 1967. Their ideas made to give more time for all attendees to enjoy the city. Wednesday, 7/5/17 VICTORIA and BUTCHART Overnight stay at Rimrock Resort Hotel and vision are very much aligned with ours and geared towards Saturday, July 1, 2017, happens to be a very special Canada Day, GARDENS all day excursion resolving most of our enumerated issues with the USTFMS. the 150th Anniversary of the founding of the country. It is a great Price per person: CAD 190 The Board has therefore unanimously approved to partner with opportunity for us to participate in this historic Canadian holiday. English Afternoon Tea: CAD 35 them in the establishment of the DO (Development Office) in We have originally contracted for just enough rooms for the the University. This can facilitate, implement, supervise and Officers and Board Members to use because of the early meeting enhance whatever projects we do in the Philippines in addition to the following morning. However, we are now negotiating for procuring grants from big corporations. Once approved, the DO more rooms to be released to our block to accommodate those of will be overseen by a salaried Executive Director at the expense you who may want to take advantage of this opportunity to party Tuesday Banff to Calgary of the Blink Group and governed by a Board of Directors with with the Canadians. Meetings are limited to mornings and early Visit and lunch at Heritage Park absolute autonomy selected by our group. As an offshoot from this afternoons and evening events are started later in the evenings Historical Village project, the USTMAAA has accepted the challenge of matching except on the final night, the Gala Dinner, which is slotted the $500,000 to be donated by the Blink Group earmarked for the to start at 6 PM. Attendees are encouraged to try the excellent Thursday, 7/6/17 Vancouver City Tour Drop off at Calgary Airport Fr. A. Aparicio Scholarship Program. Fr. Aparicio, the USTFMS International Cuisine that the city has to offer. Do your homework Price per person: CAD 75 Arrange flight for home after 4 PM Regent, has pointed out that 98% of medical students are from and look up your references and make early reservations even the middle and upper class families and this scholarship program before arriving to ensure you have a space in the restaurants. They will give the poor but deserving students opportunity to enroll in are very busy and are almost always full all day of the week. Plan our medical school. Our association will aggressively campaign to stay longer than the convention days, and even better, join the to raise this fund and will not be taken from the endowment fund scheduled excursions to make the most out of your trip. already in the Foundation coffers. The airfare is not much more expensive than going to the West Again, another memorable and productive grand reunion. Coast if you make your reservations early, especially through the Thanks to the efforts of our Executive Director, Dr. Primo Andres discount outlets like Expedia. If you are planning to attend the 7/7-7/11/2017 Canadian Rockies Tour: Estimated cost in USD: and the ever present staff and members. We the US Thomasians, reunion and go to the Canadian Rockies, be sure to book a flight Friday: Rocky Mountaineer Gold Leaf service Occupancy Price per person incl. tax have more than the Foundation money to brag about. We also to Vancouver one way, then Calgary to home the other way as the scenic train ride to Kamloops for Double USD 3640.50 (Adult) have a core group who are more than up to the task and proud to tour will end in Calgary, Alberta on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 after overnight stay Single USD 4558.32 (Adult) be Thomasians. God bless and see you all in the next reunion in 4 PM. Triple USD 3242.10 (Adult) Vancouver, Canada. Here is the tentative schedule of the Grand Reunion and the 24th USTMAAA GRAND REUNION th proposed excursions: 25 USTMAAA GRAND REUNION A GREAT SUCCESS VANCOUVER 6/25 -7/1, 2017 ALASKAN CRUISE on Celebrity By Primo Andres, MD By Primo Andres, MD, Executive Director Infinity. USTMAAA will arrange only if there are more than 50 cabins (couples). he 24th USTMAAA Grand Reunion and Medical t is never too early to prepare for the next Grand Reunion Saturday Continuing train ride to Lake Louise for Convention held at the Hilton Long Beach, CA on July and Medical Convention especially if it is in a “foreign overnight stay at four star 3-6, 2016 was by all standards a big success. Exceeding country”. The next annual gathering of Thomasian medical Fairmont Château Lake Louise expectations, all the blocked hotel rooms were booked alumni will be in our northern neighbor, Canada, in the Tand the evening events were filled beyond capacity to the point of Igorgeous city of Vancouver in British Columbia at the Sheraton turning away some guests.