Family and Community Medicine

In August 2005, Asian Hospital and Medical Center opened its doors for occupational health practitioners by establishing the country’s first-ever Department of Occupational Medicine.

The aim was to give company physicians the opportunity to admit their patients and make appropriate referrals to other specialists, while also overseeing executive check-ups (ECU). Members of the department came from various disciplines such as Internal Medicine, Dermatology, and Obstetrics/Gynecology — all of whom, regardless of specialty, completed the Basic Course in Occupational Medicine.

The department’s founding chairperson, Dr. Maria Antonia O. Yamamoto, led with vision and dedication. In 2007, with the creation of the Employee Clinic and an increasing need for physicians to safeguard employee health, Family Medicine practitioners were accepted and accredited. Evidence-based guidelines for health promotion were adopted, and the formal establishment of the ECU unit required both an occupational medicine specialist and a family medicine specialist. A Medical Manager headed the unit, while the department provided professional medical services.

In 2009, Dr. Juan Lucas Rosas (then Medical Director) championed the inclusion of Family Medicine as integral to hospital services. After confirming the clinical competencies of both specialties, the Credentials Committee — then led by Dr. Sol Alvarez — granted approval for Family Medicine specialists to join the Department of Occupational Medicine (they had previously been under Internal Medicine). The academic distinction of diplomate became a requirement for accreditation in both specialties.

The department was later renamed the Department of Occupational and Family Medicine. This ushered in opportunities for Family Medicine subspecialties such as Palliative Care, Nutrition Support, and Geriatrics. Occupational Medicine specialists also earned recognition through campaigns for awareness and the promotion of best practices, offering CME activities such as postgraduate courses and lectures on ergonomics, workplace balance, stress management, and more.

In 2010, the Supportive and Home Care Unit was formally launched, increasing awareness and understanding on how to care for the chronically ill, the sick, and the dying.

In 2018, after nearly 13 years of exemplary leadership, Dr. Yamamoto passed the torch to Dr. Eliza Mae P. Francisco. Under her guidance, the department continued to grow, providing professional medical services to the Employee Health Service (EHS), Supportive and Integrative Service (SIS), Center for Executive Health (CEH), and Primary Care and Vaccination Clinic (PCVC). The department also contributed specialist care to various hospital institutes, particularly the Asian Cancer Institute (ACI).

With the rising number of older patients worldwide, the Senior Wellness Institute (SWI) was established, with Dr. Francisco as its founding director, to address the specific needs of the hospital’s senior population.

In 2024, leadership transitioned to Dr. Arabelle Coleen Ofina as the new department chair.

In 2025, in response to the evolving requirements in training and the broadening scope of services, the department adopted its current name — the Department of Family and Community Medicine. This change reflects a wider vision of care that extends beyond the individual to families and the communities they live in, while affirming that Occupational Medicine remains a core and valued section of the department.

In March 2026, during the annual convention of Philippine Academy of Family Physicians, the Residency Training Program in Family and Community Medicine was accredited and conferred a new training program in AHMC.

From its beginnings in 2005 to the present day, the department has stayed true to its mission: to provide holistic, person-centered care grounded in excellence, collaboration, and compassion.

The Department of Family and Community Medicine of Asian Hospital and Medical Center strives to be a premier regional center for Occupational and Family Medicine providing competent, comprehensive, compassionate, advance and quality health care.

We are a team of highly trained and motivated  Family and Community Medicine specialists affiliated with a premier hospital who aim to promote and improve  health and safety  within the workplace  and family units through professional service.

C-ompassionate

O-bjective

R-eliable

E-xcellence

S-afety

A-ccountability

F-ellowship

E-fficent

T-eamwork