Gerardo Chanco Guzman, M.D. President, PMAC

By: Ryan Tejero

 

Chicago takes pride for having an active organization like the Philippine Medical Association in Chicago (PMAC). It was one of the organizations that were acknowledged by no less than Philippine President Benigno Aquino, Jr. during his State Visit in Chicago in May 2015. The President thanked PMAC for the extent of its contribution to the Philippines.

As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, PMAC stands by its mission to provide quality immediate medical care once a year to indigent rural population in various regions of the Philippines through volunteers composed of multi-specialty physicians, nurses, and allied medical professionals. PMAC believes that by treating the person, not only he or she becomes physically and emotionally better, but his or her dignity is elevated as well, thus enabling him or her to rejoin the community of persons with a greater drive to succeed and have a better future.

PMAC holds a yearly medical mission in the poorest regions of the Philippines as the group’s way of “giving back” to our native Philippines. PMAC Medical Mission 2016 is all set for its biggest annual medical surgical mission on January 19-22, 2016. Olongapo City will be hosting the 2016 Mission. To date, Olongapo Team members number about 100, with PMAC’s team composed of 36 physicians, 38 registered nurses and auxiliary members, 23 ancillary members and 2 from the US Army medical corps.

PMAC’s current president, Dr. Gerry Guzman in his President’s Message (PMAC News) said, “I would like to wish everyone a successful medical mission and trip to the Philippines. May the Lord through the intercession of the Blessed Mother keep you safe during your travel as you give your time, talent, and treasure in the service of our poor and under privileged kababayans in Olongapo and Bangued. In behalf of my better half, Gigi, and the officers and members of PMAC, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”

PMAC is blessed again this year, with another leader in the person of Dr. Gerry Guzman. His medical career began in 1963 after he completed his Doctor of Medicine from the Far Eastern University in Manila. In 1964, he had his Internship and Surgical Residency at the Atlantic City Hospital in New Jersey. Since then, Dr. Guzman was employed by other medical institutions in the US until in 1971 when he focused as a solo practitioner or as independent contractor. To date, Dr. Guzman is connected with the following: Correctional Medicine, DuPage County Jail, Wheaton, IL since 1998; Center for Advanced Medicine and Surgery Aurora, Elgin, Chicago in 2015 and Clinica Medica del Niño Jesus, Aurora, IL. He is Board certified by the American Board of Family Practice and Correctional Health Professional.

As a multi-awarded leader, Dr. Guzman has received numerous awards and recognitions: I.G. Martinez Gold Medal Award, Surgical Resident of the Year, 1969, Puerto Rico; Service Appreciation Awards, 1995,1997, FEUNAA, PMAC; Outstanding Service Award (Medical Director), Maplewood Nursing Home,1997; Humanitarian Award,PMAC,1996, 2001, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2013; Leadership Award (as President), Far Eastern University MAANI, 2000-2001; Outstanding Alumnus Award, FEUMAANI, 2003; Appreciation Award (as Secretary 2001-2006), PMAC & Auxiliary Medical Foundation; Outstanding Preceptor of the Year 2013 Award, PA-S, Midwestern University, IL; Golden Humanitarian Award 2013, PASS (Pil-Am Social Service), IL.

His involvement in fellowships, society and fraternal organizations include the following: National Commission on Correctional Health Care, Society of Correctional Medicine, American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of International Physicians, Society of Philippine Surgeons in America, Philippine College of Surgeons, American Medical Associations, State of Illinois Medical Society, Kane County Medical Society, Far Eastern University Medical Association of Northern Illinois, Philippine Medical Association of Chicago, PMAC AF (Foundation), Illinois Philippine Medical Society, Fox Valley Catholic Ministry/Fil-American Catholic Association/Samaritans of the Far West Suburbs, Lions Club International(Hopedale-Pekin-Peoria and Chicago-Philippines).

To inquire on how to support PMAC’s projects or become a member, please contact Dr. Guzman at guzman21@aol.com.##

Dr. Gerardo Guzman and wife, Gigi, wishing everyone a merry Christmas.