In anticipation of the sesquicentennial celebration of the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (UST-FMS) in 2021, the “Anargyroi: FMS Foundation, Inc.” (AFI) held its Philippine launch on January 14, 2018 at the UST Main Building.
First launched on July 3, 2017 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada,
during the 25th Annual UST Medical Alumni Association in America (USTMAAA) Convention, the Anargyroi Foundation is an independent organization that manages donations, and supports the UST Faculty
of Medicine and Surgery to sustain and aid initiatives that include scholarship grants, facilities, community outreach, research, as well as student and faculty development programs.
In her message to the Foundation’s supporters, UST-FMS Dean Ma. Lourdes D. Maglinao, MD, said that “[Anargyroi] will serve as the conduit for all men and women, groups and institutions, advocates and champions to help [UST] continue its task to educate and enlighten competent, committed, and
compassionate Thomasian physicians.”
The first five full scholars under the Regent’s Scholarship Program, the flagship project of the AFI, were presented this academic year 2017-2018. Currently serving as the FMS Regent is Rev. Fr. Angel A. Aparicio, O.P. Each year onward, five more scholars will be chosen until the 150thanniversary of the FMS in 2021. Scholars are selected based on the students’ outstanding academic performance, Christian qualities, and need for financial support.
Quality medical education is made more accessible by prioritizing candidates from far-flung areas. Hence, one scholar from Luzon, two
from Visayas, and two from Mindanao will be given a scholarship grant which covers tuition and miscellaneous fees, board and lodging, as well as learning materials every academic year.
The first batch of Regent’s Scholars include Charles John S. Latorre, Cloie Ann P. Rabinetas, Patricia Joyce G. Si, Carmela Niña S. Tormo, and Jochebeth Joi T. Trocino.
“I believe that the highest virtue of the medical profession is its altruism. It is innate in you. You are wired for it. But as one author says, though this virtue is inherent in each and every one of you, a switch [still] has to be flipped. It is my fervent wish that [Anargyroi] will provide the impetus or the proverbial flipping of switch, or the process of initializing the spirit of altruism in all doctors and alumni,”
UST Vice-Rector Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., stressed during his opening remarks. AFI will also fortify health service delivery through its Community Outreach Program by establishing a comprehensive primary
care facility, a holistic nutrition program for children, and a functional geriatric day care in underdeveloped areas of the archipelago.
Another project is the Simulation Center, which replicates clinical scenarios in order to provide students a strong link between their basic medical education and actual clinical practice. Using simulation aides, students
can learn more effectively without fear of harming patients.
The Foundation will also support the Research Program, to assist in the production and publication of medical research work within FMS. It also aids the Student and Faculty Development Programs.
“There are so many challenges that we have to hurdle, so many things that we have to discuss, but just the enthusiasm of being
part of this launch is more than enough for me,” UST Rector Very Rev.
Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P. said in his message of appreciation.
“Because the root word of enthusiasm is entheos,” Fr. Dagohoy
continued. It means ‘God is within.’ “You are enthusiastic because
you are fired up. You are imbued with the presence of God within you.
You cannot be this expressive, willing, and enthusiastic without His
Grace. So please continue to maintain your enthusiasm [for helping
those in need].”
The Development Office of the Anargyroi Foundation may be
contacted at 406-1611 local 8566 or through anargyroifoundation@
gmail.com
