The Department of Anesthesiology had its humble beginning along with the Manila Doctors Hospital in 1956. The first department chairman was Dr. Quintin J. Gomez who is considered the Father of Anesthesiology in the Philippines.

Although there was a minimum requirement of 10 shares to be a member of the Department during that era, the privilege to practices anesthesiology in MDH was “open” to all the leading specialists of the time.

Dr. Quintin Gomez and his group known as the Associated Anesthesiologists Incorporated provided majority of the anesthesia in the late 50’s through the 60’s. The following were the distinguished members of that group:

o      Dr. Braullo de Castro

o      Dr. Cesar Ilagan

o      Dr. Julie Presbitero

o      Dr. Magpuri Bataclan

o      Dr. Jose Denoga

o      Dr. Leonicio Yatco

o      Dr. Gregorio Galang

Another distinguished pioneer and member of the department was Dr. Paz Fores who was complemented by her associate and partner Dr. Remedios Suntay.

Some of the anesthesiologists working at the MDH in the 1960’s were Drs. Carolina Campomanes, Lourdes Africa, Pedro Mercado, Leonardo Arenas, Benigno Sulit, and Alfonso Doloroso.

The first house anesthesiologists in the sixties were Dr. Ofelia Lusung and Dr. Luz Manigbas. They were succeeded by Dr. Herminia Isaac and Dr. Mercedez Yballe, who later on became Active Staff members.

In 1979, the Manila Doctos Hospital progressed under the stewardship of the Metrobank Foundation. The Department of Anesthesiology underwent changes as well. The department “closed” its membership limiting the anesthesia practice privileges only to Active Staff members who needed approval of the department Chair and 100 MMSI shares of Stock.

The first Active Staff members were:

o      Dr. Quintin Gomez

o      Dr. Virgilio Genuino

o      Dr. Manuel Silao

o      Dr. Emmanuela Guiterrez

o      Dr. Orlando Bernardo

o      Dr. Jose Fernando

o      Dr. Marianito Abagon

o      Dr. Herminia Isaac

o      Dr. Mercedes Yballe

o      Dr. Mary Litonjua

Since 1979, the Department of Anesthesiology has grown in number, becoming one of the largest departments in the Manila Doctors Hospital, peaking at an active staff membership of forty-eight (48). At present, we are forty-five (45) members strong.

The past Chairs of the department were Dr. Quintin Gomez, Dr. Virgilio Genuino, Dr. Manuel Silao, Dr. Gabriel La Rosa, Dr. Herminia Isaac, and Dr. Ramon Pesigan. In 2004, Dr. Gabriel La Rosa assumed once again the Chairmanship of the department.

PHILOSOPHY

o      The practice of anesthesiology is a practice of medicine

o      Competent anesthesiologists possess cognitive, motor, judgment and decision making- skill required in the practice of anesthesiology. He is also a student, a teacher, a researcher, an intensivist, and a pain specialist

o      The Patient has the right to self- determination. The Operating shall always have access to quality anesthesiology care 24 hours a day a week.

o      A safe workplace is everyone’s concern. The Operating Room is the anesthesiologist working place. The Operating room should be safe for both patient and the Anesthesiologist. The workplace should be fully equipped for the convenience and comfort of the Anesthesiologist, leading to the benefits, comfort and safety of the patient.