Regenerative medicine specialist joins IAMS-PH leadership

The International Academy of Medical Specialists (IAMS-PH) has inducted Dr. Ronald Rigor as a fellow and member of its board of trustees, adding global expertise in regenerative medicine and dermatology to its leadership.

Rigor, a board-certified internist and dermatologist trained in both the Philippines and the United States, joined the academy during an induction ceremony 21 January.

Dr. Albert G. Gironella, president of IAMS-PH, said Rigor’s expertise in regenerative medicine—a field focused on prolonging life and improving health spans—brings "modern science" and a "fresh injection" of new disciplines to the academy.

During the event, Rigor proposed three primary reforms for the Philippine healthcare system -- expanding "Zero Balance Billing" to include local government and private hospitals, strengthening primary care to decongest medical centers, and digitalizing medical records to improve efficiency.

Rigor noted the sharp contrast in healthcare spending between nations, pointing out that while the U.S. government spends approximately $12,000 per patient, the Philippines spends about P500.

"The gap is night and day," Rigor said. "We cannot copy their system exactly, but if we can implement even 20 percent to 30 percent of what they do, it would be a massive step for the government and our countrymen."

Gironella expressed particular interest in Rigor’s proposal to allocate 20 percent of private hospital beds for indigent patients with partial advance funding. He noted that upfront payments would resolve the chronic issue of delayed or unpaid reimbursements that many private facilities face.

Dr. Luz Dia Guerrero, president of IAMS-USA, supported Rigor’s focus on primary care, describing it as a necessary "gatekeeper" system.

"Primary care physicians should be the first point of contact before patients go directly to specialists," Guerrero said. "Preventive care can transform outcomes and reduce costs."

Founded in 2006, IAMS-PH is the first international society of doctors established in the Philippines. Academy officials said the organization remains committed to bridging gaps in local healthcare delivery by leveraging the global experience of its members.