On its first week of COVID-19vaccine roll out, Makati Medical Centerinoculated a total of 4,628 individualswhich include hospital staff, corporateemployees, security personnel, andthird party suppliers. This translates to900 vaccinated individuals per day or94.4 percent of the target number ofvaccine recipients, exceeding therecommended 100 vaccinees per dayof the Department of Health (DOH).

The hospital started the roll out ofthe vaccine on March 5, after receiving548 doses of Coronavac from SinovacBiotech. MakatiMed also received4,080 doses of the University ofOxford-made AstraZeneca from theCOVAX global facility of the WorldHealth Organization.

MAKATIMEDMARCH 2021Volume 12 issue 133

AWARDS: 2016 SilverAnvil Award (PRTools/Publications) •2016 Philippine QuillAward of Merit(CommunicationSkills/Publications)

GRAB AFREECOPY!

To view the onlineversion, scan QR code

MakatiMed frontliners receive their first COVID-19 vaccine dose at 8th Floor,Auditorium, Tower 2.

Page 2 Message from theChairman

Page 3 MakatiMed joinsmedical community inencouraging Filipinos toget COVID-19 vaccine

New Services

Page 4 Shining Stars

Page 6 Look: SQMC showsunity in COVID-19vaccine campaign

Page 7 MakatiMed wins at AnvilAwards for its COVID-19Public Health InformationProgram

MakatiMed offerstopnotch cardiac carewith advanced CardiacCathLab

Page 8 #MyMakatiMedStory

Commendations

INSIDE...

MAKATIMED BEAT is a monthly newsletter of the Makati Medical Center

“When you refuse to get thevaccine, it would be like refusing toend the pandemic.” This is whatInfectious Disease specialist Ma.Tarcela Gler, MD reminded the publicon MakatiMed’s Health Vodcast onMarch 10, 2021.

With more than 10,500 views as ofpress time, the vodcast discussed thebenefits of COVID-19 vaccines as Dr.

Gler answered the most common andcritical questions about vaccination.

She explained that getting thevaccine is not only for the benefit of therecipient, but that as well of thevaccinee’s family and the wholepopulation. Mass vaccination is one ofthe most important interventions in thispandemic for the community to go backto normal. According to Dr. Gler, herd

immunity can only be achieved if 60-70percent of the population will gainprotection from the COVID-19 virusthrough vaccination. “The more peopleare vaccinated, the lesser the possibilityof mutation,” Dr. Gler explained,highlighting the need for massvaccination the soonest to stop thepossible development of more COVID-19 variants.

President & CEO Atty. Pilar Nenuca P.Almira encourages theMakatiMedcommunity to get vaccinated byreceiving the COVID-19 jab.

MAKATIMEDPROPERTY

Address I 2 Amorsolo Street,Legaspi Village, Makati City,Philippines

Contact Number I +632 88888999

Website I www.makatimed.net.phEditor-in-Chief I Arlyn L. SongcoEditorial Team I Shieyl L. Aranas;

Mary Joy L. FernandezContributor(s) I Olivia D. Oraye

MakatiMedCOVID-19 Hotline:+632 8888 8999

Local 7335Monday to Saturday

8AM – 5PM

Employee Well-beingClinic (EWC)

Teleconsultation forMakatiMed employees

Viber number:0961 721 6291Clinic number:

(+632) 8888 8999locals 2170 and 2182

Editorial Team

2 NEWS MakatiMed Beat I MARCH 2021 I Volume 12 Issue 133

from page 1

Dr. Gler also addressed the commonquestion on whether the vaccine is safe ornot. She explained that before being availableto the public, the vaccines underwent severalclinical trials to test their effectivity and safety.

To answer the question on what the bestvaccine is, she said that the World HealthOrganization (WHO) set an efficacy thresholdof at least 50 percent, so it is alreadyacceptable if the vaccine meets this standard.“The best vaccine is the one that is availablethe soonest,” Dr. Gler added.

The Infectious Disease doctor alsoemphasized for the need of the public to beinformed well through the right sources. Thisis to quell misinformation and fear of thevaccine.

TomyMVPGroup family:

The past year has spared no one. We haveall had to adjust to a new and constantlyevolving situation, and I am certain that it hasbeen difficult for each and every one of us,both professionally and personally. I am proudthat our group has managed to stay afloat, tokeep working, and – in some cases – to eventhrive. All of this is thanks to your hard work, your sacrifice, and the services youhave rendered to our customers and our companies during this unprecedentedhealth crisis.

I am writing you personally to assure you that the MVP Group will continue totake every necessary Step in preserving the health and safety of our people. In thatregard, we have ordered vaccines from Moderna and AstaZeneca enough for morethan 300,000 of our employees, qualified dependents and householdmembers.Wewill shoulder the costs for our employees and ensure adequate supplies for all of you.

This was made possible by the efforts of our Group’s vaccine task Force, theexpertise of the most knowledgeable and trustworthy doctors from our HospitalsGroup, and the cooperation of our companies.

We can reasonably expect to begin vaccinations by the 3rd quarter of 2021 –hopefully, a bit sooner – and, if necessary, extending to 2022. This effort will beadministered as inclusively as possible, and conducted in accordance with therelevant protocols prescribed by the National Government, the LGUs, and thevaccine suppliers.

There remain several formidable problems to resolve, but the first step to solvingmany of them is the same: the successful rollout of safe and effective vaccines.

In the meantime, stay safe, wear a mask, practice physical distancing, andwash your hands often. I remain confident that as long as we meet theseunprecedented challenges with persistence, creativity, and cooperation – we willprevail and we will emerge from these dark days stronger, prepared to build a betterGroup and a Filipino nationmore prosperous and resilient than ever before.

Manuel V. PangilinanChairman

MakatiMed Health VodcastTackles COVID-19 vaccine safety

Ma. Tarcela Gler, MD of theSection of Infectious

Diseases discusses theimportance of getting the

COVID-19 vaccine.

Message from the Chairman

MAKATIMEDPROPERTY

Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed), a top hospital in thePhilippines, is one with the medical community in encouragingFilipinos to get vaccinated against the coronavirus strain whichcauses COVID-19. It is the first step in ending the global healthpandemic which has claimed countless lives and disruptedeveryone’s life.

The statement comes after the Philippine government hasreceived its first batch of the donated Coronavac from theChinese biopharmaceutical company Sinovac and AstraZenecavaccines from the COVAX global facility of the World HealthOrganization (WHO).

“This is not just about efficacy and safety. A significant issueis accessibility and availability. All these issues need to beconsidered when you’re making a decision on which vaccine totake. What good can the best vaccine do if it cannot be availedof?” says Saturnino Javier, MD, Medical Director at MakatiMed.“As many experts and policy formulators have stated, the bestvaccinemay be the one that is already available.”

He adds that COVID-19 vaccines in general have beentouted to prevent severe and critical infection, even death.MakatiMed’s Medical Director also stresses that unnecessarydelays in vaccination gives the coronavirus ample opportunity tobe transmitted and to mutate into more infectious and deadliervariants, which might render even the purported best vaccinesuseless.

“We urge everyone to get vaccinated soon, with theavailable preferred vaccine, following the recommendations andguidelines of our health authorities. We do not wish for aPhilippine variant to emerge from unnecessary delays andoutright complacency,” saysDr. Javier.

On March 5, the hospital started the vaccination of itshealthcare workers and employees with the 300 doses ofSinovac vaccines it received from the Philippine governmentthrough the Department of Health (DOH). MakatiMed alsoreceived 8,700 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines from the COVAXglobal facility on March 7. The vaccinees gave their informedconsent through counselling, screening, and assessment beforetaking their first dose of the vaccines.

Days prior to the immunization, vaccinees were educatedabout the risks and benefits of the available COVID-19 vaccineand screened if theywere eligible to get the jab. On the day of theinoculation, nurses-on-duty at the vaccination site took the vital

signs of the vaccinees. Further interviews and assessment werealso conducted by the physicians-on-duty before vaccinees gotimmunized. Nurses observed the vaccinees for 15 to 30minutesdepending on the identified risks before they are discharged.Those who experienced Adverse Events FollowingImmunization (AEFI) were given utmost care, and their caseswere reported to the authorities for proper investigation.

MakatiMed vaccinated 4,628 of its staff including nurses,paramedical workers, trainees, corporate staff, and outsourcedemployees.

To ensure the orderly rollout of the vaccine, MakatiMedformed the Vaccine Task Force late last year. It also held keyevents to help prepare the community for the vaccine rollout. InJanuary, MakatiMed held a COVID-19 vaccine 101 and FAQsonline forum called MakatiMed Education & InformationCampaign for COVID-19 Awareness. It included discussions onvaccine rollout in the Philippines, different kinds of vaccines,safety and management of adverse events, and the JanssenTrial and theWHOSolidarity Vaccine Trial. MakatiMed also held avaccine drill last February.

“MakatiMed is one with the rest of the health and medicalcommunities in calling on our citizens to get immunized againstCOVID-19. We are ready to provide further information andeducate you on each vaccine that will be available. We have alsolaid out all the necessary safety procedures before, during, andafter the inoculation from the safety of our hospital,” says Dr.Javier. “The nextmove is yours.”

3NEWSMakatiMed Beat I MARCH 2021 I Volume 12 Issue 133

MakatiMed joins medical community inencouraging Filipinos to get COVID-19 vaccineVaccination saves lives and brings hope

Vaccinated for COVID-19. Makati Medical Center’s leaders andheads lead the vaccination program of the hospital as they

received their first jab on the same day.(L-R) Janice Caoili, MD(Head, Infection Prevention and Control Department), Saturnino

Javier, MD (Medical Director), Atty. Pilar Nenuca P. Almira(President & CEO), Milagros Uy, MD (Head, Vaccination &

Implementation Program).

New ServicesENTCenter (Dr. AristonG. Bautista)

MakatiMedWellness Center

NuclearMedicine

Pathology & Laboratories

Skin & Laser Hub -MakatiMedWellness Center

TinnitusMatching

Online and Face-to-FaceCounselling • Psychological Test • Online Art TherapywithMAGISCreative Spaces

17 α-Hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP)

Post COVID-19 Bundle 1 • Post COVID-19 Bundle 2

PerfectWhite – Body Bright • ArmsUpDeoWhite • ArmsUpUltra DeoWhite • Bright Eyes – 585 Pigment •Bright Eyes – Star • Bright Eyes – Star Plus

Department/Unit Service(s)

MAKATIMEDPROPERTY

4 NEWS MakatiMed Beat I MARCH 2021 I Volume 12 Issue 1334 NEWS MakatiMed Beat I MARCH 2021 I Volume 12 Issue 133

5th CircularAisa Camille Alejo, RN5th FrontAisa Camille Alejo, RNAyra Aureen Alegre, RNShellaMarieMayuela5th RearReevah Joy CabasaAngeline Gustilo, RNAnnalizaMeracap5thWingMaria Camille Caguntas, RNJobelle Felizardo, RNSanClaire Habaradas6th CircularReginald BascoGamaliel Ulaye, RN6th FrontChariz Faderog, RNHilaria RamonaHira Patricio, RN6th RearAdaMaeDegay, RNMerle Samson7th RearStallin Jher Illahi, RNFatima Sujede, RN8th CircularMark Lester Echon, RNRizaWagayen, RN8thWingAlejandroMendoza Jr., RN9th FrontChrisceline Bustamante, RNRishee AnneCastaneda, RNGeraldine Costales, RNShaira De LaCruz, RN

Celine AnnDelos Santos, RNEuniceMacaraig, RNErica RynaMedina, RNMichael Mendoza, RNByron Edward Sarmiento, RN9thWingMark JohnCatalo, RNTrisha Joi Manlangit, RNSienaMarie Palentinos, RNLean Sioting, RNAdmissionJoanneMaeCorralNormaCortesMarjorie LeonesEvan Kenneth ReyesAesthetic CenterMelody ArcillaRosette Kathleen Jolo, RNBreast ClinicEverlyn Artine, RRTCamille Garcia, RRTRechiel Manalo, RRTAleinka Pauleen SalapongCall CenterMaricor BautistaJoyceCelzoRichard SiaVedyMichael YabutCenter for Osteoporosis &Bone HealthJoyce AnneMarie FerrerGoldameir Francisco, RN,MANCenter for RegenerativeMedicineJefferson Ferrariz, RMTIsagani Ordonez Jr.

Michalle AnnUgShereen Kiel VicenteCenter for Tropical & TravelMedicineMyla Sorra, RNCLS Eye CenterEsmeralda Basas, RNErica JoyceGileraChrissie Rochelle OngchangcoJoseph Sheridan Saquin, RMTCPMAdultWardMonaliza Delara, RNJenny Rose LlantinoCreative, Communications &Sales ServicesDennis RoxasCredit, Billing & CollectionsJudith ChavezJocelyn EndayaMaria Kathleen LibrandaCoraMalonzoKhris Ian TejoDelivery Room UltrasoundJoelene AbionRosette BautistaKimberly CalimlimRiza DivinagraciaEmileen Pearl EchanoMa. Nina FerrerJamie RoseHadapPrincess Catherine SayoKrisllie VilladiegoDiabetes Care &WeightWellness CenterDianeCamille Adraque, RNMaricar Fabon, RND

Ivy Ramallosa, RNDE.N.T.Myra Zapatos, RNMa. Rowena BernardoLeisal AnneCasarenoCelinaMangulabnan, RNSheila PabloEmergency DepartmentMaria Lourdes AzarragaGastroenterology &Endoscopy UnitJomiel Ann Bacani, RNReynaldoCabelin Jr., RNChristian Espinosa, RNRhyshel Analie Fuentes, RNJo AnneCecille Lanuza, RNQueen Erika LlamosoRysalyn Pagatpatan, RNDryden Luke Ratio, RNAlrey Regidor, RNMargaret May Sarmiento, RNJason Velasco, RNHealth Service DepartmentAngelica Alvarado, RSWFarrahMae AngelesArianneMichelle Bandiola, RSWAnna LouBunagErnesto Lagmay Jr.Aziel JohnManipulaMarie Cheryl MaqueraLeahMa. Carina PabloRowena ViveroArsenio ZapataHeart StationNastassia Leslie Nido, RNErwin Rommel Ponce

Shining Stars

Call Center Diabetes Care &Weight Wellness Center

The Quality Management Division (QMD) presented the Shining Stars award to the outstanding employees.Shining Star Award is a monthly incentive program given to MakatiMed staff, department/unit, and servicepartner who received commendations from patients or customers through the Patient Satisfaction Surveyforms, emails, social media, or SMS. This is to acknowledge and recognize the exemplary service of the staff,as well as to promote positive workplace that inspires and uplifts employee morale.

Shining Stars awardees for January 2021:

By Olivia D. Oraye - Quality Management Division

MAKATIMEDPROPERTY

5NEWSMakatiMed Beat I MARCH 2021 I Volume 12 Issue 133 5NEWSMakatiMed Beat I MARCH 2021 I Volume 12 Issue 133

HousekeepingCharito BinoboRosellaMagallonIntegrative Palliative &Home CareJo-AnneMaeNadurata, RNMakatiMed HealthHubMa. Xyla Belo, RNDhovie Shields Endrano, RNMakatiMedWellness CenterErvin AgoncilloJonalyn AnesJilli-Anne BaldovinoKirshie EnaCarpioElinor ClementePaola Rica EbarviaGrace TapanganElyca ValerianoMaternity & VIP Services T2Abegail Jane DupayKweenie Galvan, RNJustine Troy LopezGellie Mae Redoble, RNJoseph Paolo TuquibMedical EducationEmmanuel Debuque,MDAugustine Leonard Uy,MDMedical RecordsLoreto Bulasa Jr.Medical ServicesSalvador Abad Santos, MDDanilo Anastacio, MDAlfred Apostol, MDNoel Aypa,MDKathleen Baldivia, MDMario Benito Bautista, MDMary Rose Bisquera, MDCarlo Angelo Borbon,MDJoseph Adrian Buensalido, MDDonnabelle Chu,MDMichelle Chu,MDMaricelle Chua,MDSusanaDe Los Reyes, MDRuth Doligon,MDPrudencio Dy,MDSharon Leah Enghog,MDCarla Victoria Espina-Castro, MDFrancis Andrew Fernandez, MDGiselleMarie Noelle Gabriel, MDMa. Tarcela Gler, MDValerie Herbosa,MDAldabelle Labanen-Cruel, MDGuillermo Laman III, MDRona Lapitan, MDRamonAntonio Lopa,MDAngelo Lozada,MDCarolyn Narvacan-Montano,MDStephenNazareth, MDGregorio Ocampo,MDMichelle AnneOzaeta-Alpuerto, MDCyrusGerald Pasaporte, MDChristine Pascual, MD

Abelardo Alan Prodigalidad,MDMelodie Grace Remorca,MDRamonReyles, MDJaclyn Robles, MDJose Eduardo Rondain, MDAnnaMarie Sage-Nolido, MDRey Eleazar San Pedro, MDAntonio Santiago,MDCarlos Francis Santiago,MDEdward Sarrosa, MDMarinette Sto. Domingo,MDKatrina Tan,MDMaryMilagros Uy,MDFrederick Verano,MDEdwin EphraimWenceslao, MDAbigail Zaraspe,MDNeuropsychiatryRegina BambalanRoberto Francisco, RNAnthony Lorenz Sy, RNNeurosciences CenterBrennan Smieth Aloya, RNRosario Del RosarioCleo Ann Pirote, RNNewborn Services UnitMariaMyla Alejandria, RNFarrah Davis, RNNuclear MedicineDarryl Balane, RMTSandra De Paz, RMTAristotle FerryVymQueenie Gold Perez, RMTGrace RaguineLeslie Rose Ramos, RMTFrances Diane SangalangChelsea TolentinoPaul Christian Torres, RNAdrian Rey Vivares, RRTArdyManaois, RMTNursing & Patient CareServicesFarrah ViseyOncology Services T2AlyssaMichelle Regidor, RNPathology & LaboratoriesJohn Ashley CeaKristina Danica Lavares

JeanMagdaraogBryanOneal SanchezDaryll Mc Jay Solisa, RMTAlvin Dave Tan, RMTPatient RelationsDeptartmentLady Luz ClomaJonard SemillaMaricar TrinidadPhysical Medicine &RehabilitationReggie Arcilla, PTRPAlyssaMaeBuscaino, PTRPCharisse Denise Candasa, PTRPKateMichelle Chang, PTRPBen Patrick DuazoZhaneMarie EstradaAdolf EnriqueGonzales, PTRPKeoneMatthewHaling, PRTPLyca Lamtecson, PTRPFrances JaymeeMendoza, PTRPMa.Marisol Nana, PTRPNeil LawrenceOliman, PTRPJay-Ar Paguio, PTRP, CLTSiegfred Jude Pedrajas, PTRPTrisa Erhica Suba, PTRPHazel Lorraine Tagle, PTRPMaria Belen Tanaliga, PTRP, CLTPulmonary LaboratoryGlazel Aleste, RTRPMary Grace San JuanRadiaion Oncology & PETImagingJohn Paul Nachor, RRTRadiaion OncologyMa. Patricia AnnDayag, RRTAndrea YvonneDominno, RRTMark Jamil Licayu, RRTJay LordMallillin, RRTAinnaManuel, RRTGielenQuiñonesEva SarmientoRadiology CT-SCANIvy Gail BacudEstell Joy CastroLyssa LouiseGorgonia, RRTArch JaimeGualberto, RRT

Jeymark LayoganKarl MatthewYanson, RRTRadiology Diagnostic UnitJohnClyde Abgao, RRTRadiology MRI UnitPrylle Lorenz Azucena, RRTCamille BacarraCheskaMarie Diego, RRTVoris AldrinMondejar, RRTSamGarwin Panopio, RRTDonnalee SeraficaRadiology NursingMa. Karen Diane Angeles, RNElijah Del Rosario, RN,MANFelix Reodique Jr., RNFrancis Oliver Retardo, RNRadiology ServicesMa. Elena CarranzaChristine BrianneClutarioMark James LabaoCarmelita YangaRadiology UltrasoundCatherine Anne Alix, RRTElla Beatriz PojolRenal Care ServicesMarie Joyce Buemio, RNJosephMarion CortezBernadette Ilumin, RNTimothy JosephNolasco, RNAaron Padernal, RNPeter Paul RabinJoanne Tatad, RNSecurity DepartmentJenny Lyn EscartinRichardGallardoVascular & LymphedemaCenterJoy Kristine AlvisEmmaDivinaGracia DailegRS Figueroa, RNJessaMaeGonzagaJanyl Kendru Reyes, RNMary Anne Robles, RNLloyd Leandro Salacup

Pulmonary Laboratory Neuropsychiatry

MAKATIMEDPROPERTY

Atty. Pilar Nenuca P. AlmiraPresident & CEO

Bita S. AvendañoDivision Head, Human

ResourcesManagement &Development

Ma. Fleurdeliz C. AtienzaDepartment Manager,

Procurement

Eda Bernadette P. Bodegon,RN, MAN

Chief Nursing Officer, Nursing& Patient Care Services

Division

Saturnino P. Javier, MDMedical Director

Kristian R. SumabatDivision Head, Information &Communications Technology

Artemio C. Salvador, MDDivision Head,

Quality Management

Mary Milagros D. Uy, MDDirector, Hospital License &

Accreditation Division

John G. Pastores, MDDirector, Medical Services

Division

Arlyn L. SongcoDivision Head,

Creative, Communications &Sales Services

Noel L. Rosas, MDChairperson, Department of

Medicine

Arnold C. OcampoChief Finance Officer,Finance Division

Jose Paulo P. Lorenzo, MDDirector, Division of Medical

Education & Services

Marielle C. Mendoza-RubioDivision Head,

Service Operations

Hazel Faye R. Docuyanan,RPh, MS

Head, Pharmacy Services

Engr. Gerry E. CunananDivision Head, Facilities

Management & Engineering

6 HEALTH SPOTLIGHT MakatiMed Beat I MARCH 2021 I Volume 12 Issue 1336 NEWS MakatiMed Beat I MARCH 2021 I Volume 12 Issue 133

Look: SQMC shows unity in COVID-19 vaccine campaignIn a bid to encourage all hospital employees to get vaccinated for COVID-19, the hospital’s Division Heads

comprising the Senior Quality Management Council (SQMC) received their COVID-19 jab on the first week ofvaccine rollout.

MAKATIMEDPROPERTY

7HEALTH SPOTLIGHTMakatiMed Beat I MARCH 2021 I Volume 12 Issue 133 7NEWSMakatiMed Beat I MARCH 2021 I Volume 12 Issue 133

MakatiMed wins at Anvil Awards for its COVID-19Public Health Information Program

Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed) recently won at theAnvil Awards again, this time for its intensive and multi-platformPublic Health Information Program on COVID-19. Theprogram, recognized under the COVID-related PR programswith tools special category, was successfully rolled out in 2020at the onset of the pandemic to disseminate accurate andrelevant information.

With the top Philippine hospital being one of those at theforefront of the health crisis, MakatiMed’s Creative,Communications & Sales Services Division (CCSSD) led theinformation and awareness drive to educate its hospital staff,patients, and the general public on the nature of the virus, itssymptoms, and ways in which infection can be prevented.Patients and the public were consistently kept abreast withregulatory guidelines and patient pathways via the hospital’ssocial media platforms.

The communications also strongly emphasized theimportance of adhering to the recommended measures alignedwith the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention (CDC) andDepartment of Health (DOH).

MakatiMed President & CEO Atty. Pilar Nenuca Almira, andMakatiMed Medical Director Dr. Saturnino Javier, bothunderlined that communication in times of crisis is essential in

Top hospital in the Philippines MakatiMedical Center (MakatiMed) has openedan advanced Cardiac CatherizationLaboratory (Cardiac CathLab) whichallows doctors to perform complex yetminimally invasive interventionalcardiology and electrophysiologyprocedures with an equipment that offersoptimal imaging and positioning flexibilityto provide patients with topnotch cardiaccare.

The Cardiac CathLab is upgradedwith the state-of-the-science image-guided therapy solution Philips Azurion 7C20. This new machine is a next-generation medical imaging technologythat allows reduced radiation dose whilemaintaining excellent image quality forcardiac catheterization in both 2D and 3D.This allows the medical teams to visualizecritical anatomy and identify changes tothe patient during the procedure in a quickand easyway.

The equipment provides unlimitedimaging flexibility for diverse proceduresand exceptional positioning freedom formedical teams. It is also designed toensure that the image beam automatically

mitigating the impact of a pandemic, as misinformation andfake news drive risks and tensions higher. The hospital hasbeen a constant source of reliable information on COVID-19 tohelp guide the public and assuage fear and confusion.

The Anvil Awards, presented by the Public RelationsSociety of the Philippines (PRSP), is considered as the topawards program for public relations in the country, honoring themost outstanding PR Programs and Tools annually.

maintains alignment with the patient formore consistent visualization. PhilipsAzurion 7 C20 also provides medicalteams with seamless control over themovement on eight different axes, whichsignificantly reduces the repositioning ofthe patient, staff and equipment.

Procedures that can be performed atMakatiMed’s Cardiac CathLab include leftand right heart catheterization (coronaryangiography and angioplasty),intravascular ultrasound, intra-aorticballoon pump insertion, transcatheteraortic valvular replacement, endovascularaneurysm repair (EVAR), thoracicendovascular aortic repair (TEVAR),pacemaker insertion, implantablecardioverter defibrillator insertion,placement of implantable cardiacresynchronization devices, septalablation, and electrophysiology studies.

Philips Azurion 7 C20 at the CardiacCathlab can also be used for interventionalradiology procedures such as vascularangioplasty, peripheral vascularatherectomy, and cerebral coiling.

Apart from helping medical teamsperform a wide range of cardiac services

and interventional radiology procedures,the results of the procedures can alsoprovide doctors with valuable informationin the diagnosis, management, andtreatment of heart diseases.

“Philips Azurion 7 C20 is a top-of-the-line piece of equipment. We are certainthat our doctors will be pleased to use itand that many more patients will bediagnosed or treated with it,” says Atty.Pilar Nenuca Almira, the President & CEOatMakatiMed.

The MakatiMed Cardiac CathLab islocated at the 4th Floor, Tower 1 inside theDr. Mariano M. Alimurung Complex. Itsservice hours are 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM fromMondays to Fridays and 7:00 AM - 3:00PM on Saturdays. Contact +632 88888999 locals 2401 or 2402 or emailcathlab@makatimed.net.ph for moredetails.

MakatiMed offers Topnotch Cardiac Care with advanced Cardiac CathLabIt is equipped with next-gen medical imaging tech and flexibilityfor performing a range of procedures on the heart

MakatiMed now offers the new PhilipsAzurion 7 C20 that features next-generation imaging technology.

MAKATIMEDPROPERTY

8 NEWS MakatiMed Beat I MARCH 2021 I Volume 12 Issue 133

Commendations

MakatiMedStory

#My

MakatiMed General Surgeon Dennis Galimpin, MD – whowas also born in the hospital – was the first healthcare workerto be vaccinated for COVID-19 in the institution.

He received his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on hisbirthday, March 5.

What did you feel when the government announced thathealthcare workers are the first ones to get vaccinated?

“I felt acknowledged. I felt that our efforts have been takeninto consideration.

As healthcare workers, being vaccinated makes us moreequipped to continue taking care of our patients. It is alsogood to know that the government is taking part in the fight byprotecting the frontliners. It makes me feel like we are oneagainst a common enemy – that is COVID-19.”

Did you experience any symptoms after getting the COVID-19vaccine? What should the community expected after gettinginoculated?

“I had the first dose of the Sinovac vaccine. I did not feelany symptoms. The vaccine felt like a regular flu shot –heaviness on the injection site and mild myalgia thatspontaneously resolved.”

Message to all frontliners about getting vaccinated?“Everyone has different opinions about this matter. For

me, I encourage everyone to take the vaccine, whateverbrand is available. We are more exposed than the generalpublic; thus, we need to be protected. I am confident that thegovernment and scientists worldwide have studied andtested these vaccines, and they were found to have noserious side effects.

There are no wrong or right vaccines. The right vaccine isthe one in your arm.”

Dr. Galimpin’s message to the Filipino community once there is aCOVID-19 vaccine ready for the public:

“Once the vaccine is available, go ahead and take it. It isto develop herd immunity and prevent further increase in thenumber of cases, thus decreasing the burden of the disease.

We recommend the vaccine, especially to the vulnerablepopulation, to prevent disease progression to a morecomplicated status.

Also, getting vaccinated is not an excuse to go out orparty. [You can still be a carrier of the virus without knowing it.The vaccine just protects the patient from serious infection.]Thus, we still need to practice handwashing, socialdistancing, and proper wearing of facemasks and shields.

Remember, no one is safe until everybody is safe.”

- - - 5thWing"Getting COVID is scary, you neverknow what will happen. The doctorsand the staff didn't give any hintsthat would make me feeluncomfortable that I had COVID.There was mutual respect. Kudos toeveryone. Thank you very much!"

- - - PMRTrisa Erhica Suba, PTRP

"I would like to commend Trisa forbeing very professional andknowledgeable. She helped meregain may strength. Trisa knows herjob very well. Her professionalism,concern, and friendliness weremuch appreciated. Trisa is also oneof the best physical therapists."

- - - 6th Rear"The quality of service isapplaudable. Nurses were promptto our calls, very caring, and were allnice towards my mother. Thank you6th Rear! You truly cared for andnursed my mother. She felt the careand concern whenever she wasattended to. Well done!"

- - - Radiology UltrasoundMaria Geraldine CosaJose Eduardo Rondain, MD

"I am writing this in gratitude andappreciation for the generous time &effort of Ms. Cosa who stayed longworking hours alone for my benefituntil I was totally done from the lobbycashier. I believe she went beyond her

call of duty, and no traces of grumblingat all. Such a truly dedicated womanto her job despite pandemic. And ofcourse my sincere gratitude too to Dr.Ed Rondain who was still all in smileafter a hard day'swork."

- - - 5th Front5th Front Nurses

“They are very friendly &accommodating. They will explaineverything to you and will help you ineverything you need! Kudos toeveryone. Thank you very much fortaking good care of me. I appreciatedall the things and help you've done tome. I will never forget you guys. Isalute everyone of you. God blesseveryone. Thank you again.♥”

MAKATIMEDPROPERTY