University of Santo Tomas Graduate School Health Research program lead and Faculty of Medicine and Surgery academic staff Prof. Consuelo B. Gonzalez-Suarez, M.D., Ph.D., was named the recipient of the 34th Dr. Jose P. Rizal Award under the Research Category. The award was presented by the Philippine Medical Association during its 118th Annual Convention, held on May 17, 2025, at the Shangri-La Plaza.
The Dr. Jose P. Rizal Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the different fields in medicine, namely academics, clinical practice, community development, government service and health research in the Philippines.
Dr. Suarez has published over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles and is currently the lead of the NICER Program (Niche Centers in the Regions for Research and Development) for the Center for Sports Medicine/Rehabilitation: OPLAN Atletang Pinoy, dedicated to conducting research aimed at improving athletic performance in the Philippines.
She also leads a groundbreaking international collaboration titled, “Precision in Motion: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Dynamic Shoulder Ultrasound Assessment Across Ethnicities and Pain Syndromes.” This project is a joint initiative between the National Taiwan University Hospital, Beihu Branch, and UST, under the Manila Economic and Cultural Office – Taipei Economic and Cultural Office program.