Malaysia honors Pinoy doctor for clinical service excellence

A professor from the University of the Philippines Manila was recently honored by the Malaysian medical community for his contributions to the Southeast Asian country.

At a ceremony headlined by former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad as keynote speaker on August 22, the Academy of Medicine Malaysia honored Dr. Nemencio A. Nicodemus Jr. for his outstanding contributions to the medical community.

In a statement from UP Manila, the Diploma of Fellowship was awarded to Nicodemus along with 18 other outstanding physicians from Singapore, India, Hong Kong, and Australia who were recognized as Academicians in the Field of Medicine for their expertise in clinical service, scholarship, and leadership.

“This recognition is not an isolated honor but one that builds upon a continuing tradition of international respect,” said Nicodemus who earlier received two other international honorary fellowships, one from the Indonesian Society of Internal Medicine and another from the College of Physicians Malaysia.

After finishing his medical degree at UP Manila College of Medicine in 1995, Dr. Nicodemus took on his residency training on Internal Medicine at UP-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) and subsequent subspecialty training in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism also at UP-PGH. Currently, he holds the position of Professor 8 at the UP College of Medicine and is also the chairperson of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

The awards reflect the culmination of decades of unwavering dedication to his calling as a physician, teacher, researcher, and leader. 

With many medical graduates eyeing lucrative gains in private practice as opposed to service in public hospitals, Nicodemus reminded young doctors that the path to service and dedication to excellence does not end with national recognition but continues to be measured by contributions to the broader medical community across borders.

“Medical doctors are a steward of medical knowledge and a champion of medical education. UP Manila continues its mission to produce physicians who are not only competent clinicians but also thought leaders in health,” he said. 

According to UP Manila. Nicodemus’ fellowship adds prestige to the school, reinforcing its reputation as the nation’s premier institution for medical education and research. His achievement underscores the University’s vital role in shaping leaders whose influence extends internationally, and whose accomplishments open new avenues for collaboration in education, training, and research.  — RF, GMA Integrated News