By: Ryan Tejero
Since its inception in 1977, the University of Santo Tomas Medical Alumni Association of the Midwest (USTMAAM) has been the driving force of channeling supports from the US to the motherland. This group of dedicated members had stepped up to its faithful commitment to raise funds to help the indigent patients of the clinical (charity) division of the university back home and been instrumental in sending numerous and countless missions spearheaded by the USTMAAA and the Foundation.
More recently, USTMAAM installed its new officers to pursue and do more of its humanitarian initiatives. Inducted as the 28th President of the organization was Dr. Rafael Castro. This historic inauguration was held on April 6, 2024, at Marriott Hotel in Naperville, IL.
In his inaugural speech, Dr. Castro reflected briefly on the historical roots of the University of Santo Tomas. He shared that, “For 413 years, in 1611, a donation of P1500 from the Archbishop of Manila led to the founding of Miguel de Benavidez of a seminary college, with a mission to prepare young men for priesthood. This seminary plus his personal library became the start of the Colegio de Nuestra Senora del Santisimo Rosario. This was renamed Colegio de Santo Tomas in memory of the Dominican theologian St. Thomas Aquinas.”
Additionally, he said, “In 1645, Pope Innocent X decreed the college to be a university. Then in 1902 Pope Leo XIII declared it as a Pontifical University. In 1927 UST moved from Intramuros to its current location in Sampaloc. The UST became the oldest existing university in Asia. In terms of student population, it is the largest Catholic university in the world in a single campus.”
Some important facts shared by Dr. Castro in his speech were prominent figures in Philippine history who stepped in the portals of UST, and these include Dr. Jose Rizal, Emilio Jacinto, Manuel H. del Pilar and Apolinario Mabini. UST also produced previous Philippine Presidents which include Manuel Quezon, Sergio Osmena, Jose Laurel, and Diosdado Macapagal.
Dr. Castro is an accomplished leader in his professional field. He is an expert in General Surgery and Wound Care. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery and Wound Care. Since 1977, he holds his Unrestricted License to practice medicine in the State of Illinois. Prior to coming to the US, Dr. Castro took a Residency in General Surgery at the Philippine General Hospital. Then, in the US, he took his Residency in General Surgery at University of Illinois Metropolitan Group Hospitals in Chicago. He completed his Internship in Resurrection Hospital, Chicago.
Previously, Dr. Castro had occupied various key position in various healthcare companies. He joined Silver Cross Medical Center in Joliet, where he became the Chairman of the Department of Surgery (2001-2003), and as Chief of Staff (2004-2006). He was also affiliated with St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, IL from 1981 to 2008.
Currently, Dr. Castro is the Co-Medical Director of the Center for Wound Healing at Freeport Memorial Hospital, and serves as the Medical Director of Centered Care Hospice and Palliative, LLC in Joliet, IL.
As a true blooded Tomasino, and outstanding graduate, Dr. Castro completed two academic degrees from UST. He completed his bachelor’s degree in science, and Doctor of Medicine, both with Cum Laude honors.
Dr. Castro urges his fellow alumni from UST to rally behind the fundraising initiatives of USTMAAM. He said, “Once we have firmed up with our fund-raising efforts, I will recommend some items to send over such as the ultrasound machines, monitors, infusion pumps, etc. For those who have access to their hospital’s central supply, see if there are items that remain sterile and can be shipped. Let me know as I have been shipping surgical and anesthesia supplies to the Philippines care of Jim Sanchez’s Hospital on Wheels.”
For the successful USTMAAM Inaugural Ball 2024, Dr. Castro thanked all the generous donors and sponsors. He also shared his gratitude to the officers and committee chairs for a job well done in organizing this year’s event. Please reach out to USTMAAM if you want join or pledge your support in its projects at rcastro1028@aol.com.
The Castro Family Oldest son Gerry, his son Joseph, daughter Jennifer & youngest John, Dr. Rafael Castro and wife, Nancy.