Professor Emeritus Tito P. Torralba, M.D. is a distinguished Physician, Educator, and Rheumatologist A graduate of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Faculty of Medicine & Surgery, he earned his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1955, placing 6th in the Philippine Medical Board Examination. Dr. Torralba completed his Residency in Internal Medicine at UST Hospital and pursued a Fellowship in Rheumatology at the University of Pennsylvania, USA.
Dr. Torralba has held key academic and leadership roles, including Dean, UST Faculty of Medicine & Surgery (1982–1988), Medical Director, UST Hospital (2001–2004), Chairman, Department of Medicine, USTFMS (1993-1995) , and Chief of Rheumatology at both USTH and Makati Medical Center. He was an active staff member of both hospitals, but this was cut short by the Covid pandemic. He also served as Chairman, Department of Medicine, Metropolitan Hospital (1985-1995). Notably, he had been President, Philippine Rheumatology Association (1972-1974, 1983-1985), President, Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR) (1984-1988), President, Association of Philippine Medical Colleges (1983-1986), Founding President of the Osteoporosis Society of the Philippines. He was Fellow, American College of Rheumatology, Honorary Member of the Australian and Vietnam Rheumatology Associations.
An accomplished researcher, Dr. Torralba has contributed extensively to the understanding and treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), gout, and osteoporosis, with numerous publications in high-impact journals. He has earned numerous prestigious awards, these would include the APLAR Masters Award, Most Distinguished Physician of the Philippine College of Physicians Award (Dr. Gonzalo F. Austria Award) 2000, Outstanding Thomasian Alumni Award 2001, Philippine Medical Association’s Distinguished Service Award 2002, Distinguished Internist (Physician) Award, Philippine College of Physicians 1983, APLAR Medal of Merit 1999, The Outstanding Thomasian Alumni Award (TOTAL) in Health-Medical 2001, Special Achievement Award, UST Medical Alumni Association (THOMAS) 2005, Outstanding Professional (Medicine), Professional Regulation Commission 2001, Distinguished Service Award, Philippine Medical Association 2002, Presidential Recognition Award, Philippine Medical Association 2000, Achievement Award, National Research Council of the Philippines 2004, Outstanding Scientific Paper Award (SLE), National Academy of Science & Technology 1998, Award of Recognition for Achievements in Medical Education, Association of Philippine Medical Colleges 2017.
He is married to Professor Lina de Dios, Past Chairman, Department of Dermatology, USTFMS, with four children, seven grandchildren.
As a passionate mentor and advocate for medical education, Dr. Torralba continues to inspire generations of physicians. In fact, he currently serves as Chairman, Board of Directors, Kaiser International Health Group Inc. and as Member, Board of Directors, Home Health Care Inc. His lifetime of dedication has cemented his legacy as a pioneer in Philippine Medicine and Rheumatology.
