25/07/2025
๐๐๐๐ง๐จ๐ฅ๐๐ ๐ง๐ข๐๐๐ฌ | Dr. Mary Ann L. Palermo-Maestral, Undersecretary of the Department of Health and proud alumna of the West Visayas State University College of Medicine, served as keynote speaker at the collegeโs 47th Commencement Exercises today.
In her address, Dr. Palermo-Maestral reflected on what true wealth means after more than three decades in both private practice and government service. โIt is more than the luxury money can buy,โ she shared. โIt is being able to serve the communities we belong to, regardless of a patientโs financial capacity.โ She urged the graduates to pursue not only clinical excellence but also compassion, especially in serving the marginalized and those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
She encouraged the new doctors to embrace lifelong learning, innovation, and curiosity while never losing the human touch. โThere is no substitute for the care of another human being,โ she reminded them, emphasizing that the future of medicine lies in balancing technological advancement with empathy. โBe the answer to your patientsโ problems.โ
Dr. Palermo-Maestral also underscored the value of gratitude and purpose. โGratitude is free,โ she said, โand when you are grateful, you overflow with kindness, and that kindness can heal more than medicine ever could.โ
She closed by encouraging the graduates to take part in advancing Universal Health Care, welcoming them into the growing community of WVSU-COM alumni serving across the country.
Learn the latest | www.wvsu.edu.ph
Instagram | instagram.com/wvsu_edu/
YouTube | youtube.com/