Ambassador for Life: A Doctor’s Mission Beyond Medicine

“Being an Ambassador for Life is not a title, it’s a calling – a calling to serve, to inspire, and to make a difference.”
– Dr. Rollin Palermo Tabuena

In the heart of Iloilo City—endearingly known as the “City of Love”—Dr. Rollin Palermo Tabuena, an acclaimed Internist, Pulmonary Specialist, and Interventional Bronchoscopist, has emerged as a beacon of medical excellence and community leadership. Hailing from the modest town of Concepcion, Iloilo, Dr. Tabuena’s journey to national and international recognition is a story defined by resilience, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Dr. Tabuena's credentials are both broad and deep. He completed specialized training in Interventional Bronchoscopy at Hospital Torette in Ancona, Italy, and underwent Postgraduate Research Training at the prestigious Kyoto School of Medicine in Japan. His clinical and academic pursuits reflect a career steeped in both technical sophistication and human empathy.

Excellence Rooted in Purpose

As a proud Ilonggo, Dr. Tabuena’s contributions extend beyond hospital walls. His pioneering research, particularly on the Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Test Kit (TB-LAMP) for detecting pulmonary tuberculosis, has advanced diagnostic accuracy and helped address major public health challenges in the Philippines and beyond.

His tireless dedication has not gone unnoticed. Dr. Tabuena is a multi-awarded physician, having received the following prestigious accolades: Asia’s Most Distinguished Doctor in Pulmonary Medicine, Renowned Medical Internist and Pulmonary Specialist of the Year (Asia’s Modern Hero Awards) and Most Distinguished Doctor in Pulmonary Medicine (Asia’s Golden Icon Awards) These honors reflect not just academic and clinical achievement but also an enduring commitment to humanizing healthcare.
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From "Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, "Fabulously capturing the essence of healthcare excellence"

"Acknowledged as an international bronchoscopy specialist, Dr. Tabuena received accolades at the Asia’s Modern Hero Awards, being named the "Renowned Medical Internist and Pulmonary Specialist of the Year" in February last year. In June 2023, Asia’s Golden Icon Awards recognized him as the “Most Distinguished Doctor in Pulmonary Medicine.”

He focuses on innovative treatments for pulmonary diseases and one of his remarkable medical contributions was the Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Test Kit (TB Lamp) for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis that was introduced in the hospitals in Iloilo City.