The doctor is in

MANILA, Philippines - The doctor – oncologist Tranquilino Elicaño Jr., M.D., D.M.R.T. – has indeed been “in” for quite a long time, as he celebrates 50 years of dedicated medical service to the Filipino people.

Testament to the significant contributions he has made to the field of medicine are his numerous outstanding achievements. Elicaño holds a diploma in Medical Radiation Therapy from London; he was recognized as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) in medicine in 1965; he is also the youngest government official to receive the Civil Service Commission most outstanding performance award.

His awards and distinctions include an alumnus science award from the University of Sto. Tomas; Gawad Parangal for medicine; the President Manuel L. Quezon award for health and medicine; the Secretary of Health award of distinction for medical service; and the President Ramon Magsaysay award for 50 years of medical service.

Elicaño has been of service to the country through his many roles as a public servant, working as consultant to the late secretaries of health Francisco Duque Jr., Paulino Garcia and Clemente Gatmaitan. He became adviser to the Radiation Health Service; officer-in-charge of the Bureau of Hospitals; vice-governor to the Ospital ng Bagong Lipunan; president of the Philippine College of Oncology; and World Health Organization consultant in gastro-intestinal cancer.

As a past head of the Philippine Medical Association Committee on Cancer Control and the Department of Health National Cancer Control Center, Elicaño has advocated the important issue of cancer prevention.

A fellow at the Philippine College of Radiology, Elicaño has given hundreds of lectures on cancer here and abroad and has discussed it on TV and radio shows. As a leading doctor in his field, Elicaño has written extensively about cancer in various publications such as the Manila Times, Manila Chronicle, Philippine Herald, Daily Mirror, Philippine Express and the Manila Daily Bulletin.

He also reaches out to readers by answering simpler questions in “What’s Up Doc?” his column in The STAR as well as in Pilipino Star Ngayon. Through his column, he gives straightforward explanations and advice about the concerns of readers who send in their questions. In What’s Up Doc? Elicaño becomes approachable, like a personal doctor, answering questions such as: “Pitong tasang kape at apat na soft drinks, masama ba? (Is seven cups of coffee and four soft drinks bad for you?)” to the more serious, “Gout ba ang nararamdaman kong sakit? (Is gout the cause of the pain I’m feeling?).”

Not showing any sign of stopping or slowing down after 50 years of service, Elicaño is currently president of the Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Foundation, Inc. and director of the Elicaño Cancer Clinic. He is married to Yvonne Moreno Nite and they have a son, Tranquilino Rene III. 

This doctor is in and ready to serve, as he has been for the past 50 years.