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ANTIPOLO CITY, PHILIPPINES — Fatima University Medical Center (FUMC)-Antipolo has been formally recognized by German medical technology company ZEISS as a Global Training Facility, strengthening its role as a training hub for ophthalmologists in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
The recognition was highlighted during an awarding ceremony held on September 24, 2026, at the Eugenio Lopez Center in Antipolo, attended by FUMC officials, ophthalmology specialists, ZEISS representatives, and other guests.
The program featured messages from FUMC officials and ZEISS representatives, including Cindy Sim, Head of Refractive, ZEISS Medical Technology – Business Segment, Southeast Asia, and Andreas Bartels, Clinical Application Support Director for Refractive Lasers from Carl Zeiss.
Sim said the designation gives doctors in Southeast Asia the opportunity to access mentorship and training as they begin performing refractive surgery.
“So FUMC is important for Southeast Asian doctors because it gives them a facility, a place to really get started if they want to perform refractive surgery.”
She emphasized that technology alone is not enough to advance refractive surgery, noting the importance of having experienced mentors and a dedicated training facility.
According to Sim, FUMC's investment in advanced technology and its comprehensive facilities can expose visiting doctors to the latest innovations in refractive surgery.
“Having a good training facility in this region will give new doctors, young doctors, a helping hand to get started and be more confident in delivering the best possible outcomes for their patients.”
Strict Criteria for Global Training Facilities
Bartels explained that only a limited number of training facilities receive the designation worldwide, with ZEISS maintaining strict standards for centers that provide training.
“We just have a handful of training facilities around the world, and we have very strict criteria that need to be fulfilled, especially about the clinical excellence, of course, and accessibility and things like that.”
He also cited feedback from doctors who have trained at FUMC, saying ZEISS continuously monitors trainee satisfaction.
Bartels likewise highlighted the role of Dr. Vicente Santos, Jr., MD, DPBO, President of FUMC, as one of the mentors for the SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) procedure.
“We are very glad that we have him as one of the mentors, especially for SMILE, which is a minimally invasive refractive surgery.”
Bartels described Dr. Santos as a pioneer of the procedure in the Philippines and said his expertise and commitment to patient outcomes were among the factors considered in identifying FUMC as a training center.
“He was the pioneer of this method of SMILE in the Philippines.”
Dr. Vic Santos, Jr.: Recognition for FUMC and the Philippines
For Dr. Santos, Jr., the recognition represents more than a personal achievement. He said the designation reflects FUMC's contribution to advancing knowledge and training in laser refractive surgery.
“Malaking bagay po para sa akin at, mas importante para sa hospital at siguro sa mas malaking pananaw para sa ating bansa ng Pilipinas na kinikilala na po tayo na isang world-class, world-standard training facility para sa kaalaman ng laser refractive surgery.”
Dr. Santos said FUMC aims to share its knowledge and experience with doctors who want to learn advanced refractive surgery techniques.
He also stressed the importance of continuously learning and keeping up with developments in medical technology.
“I'm very proud, and I couldn't be any happier. But the work goes on. Marami pa kaming kailangan gawin para to give credence to this honor... The learning never stops.”
Patients to Benefit from Advanced Training
Also sharing her experience was Atty. Dot Gancayco, host of Serbisyong Bayanihan-UNTV, who recently underwent the SMILE procedure at FUMC-ANTIPOLO.
Gancayco described the procedure as life-changing, especially because she noticed improvements in her vision quickly after surgery.
“Right after the surgery, na napakabilis lang naman, nag-i-interview na rin ako sa kanya. Kinausap ko siya parang walang nangyari.”
She recalled being able to use her cellphone without eyeglasses just hours after the procedure and later read documents and sign checks without needing corrective eyewear.
Gancayco also described how her improved vision allowed her to see details in her surroundings that she previously could not clearly distinguish.
“Dati, nakikita ko lang green. Ngayon nakikita ko na yung porma ng mga leaves.”
She also congratulated Dr. Santos, Jr., for the recognition, citing his role in mentoring and sharing his expertise with other doctors.
“Napakahusay niya, napakabait niya kasi siya ay nagse-share ng knowledge niya, nagme-mentor siya sa mga ibang doktor, not only here but in the entire region.”
With FUMC now recognized as a global training facility, ZEISS and the medical center aim to further support knowledge-sharing and skills development among ophthalmologists in Southeast Asia, to help doctors gain greater confidence in performing advanced refractive procedures and ultimately improving patient care.
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — A new era in medical imaging is taking shape as Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed) inaugurates its NAEOTOM photon-counting CT, one of the latest innovations in computed tomography designed to deliver highly detailed images while using significantly lower radiation doses, making MMC the only hospital in the Philippines to offer the interventional option.
Photon-counting CT technology represents a major advancement from conventional CT scanners. Unlike traditional systems that use energy-integrating detectors, photon-counting CT directly detects individual X-ray photons and their energy levels—allowing for high-resolution images, spectral information, and reduced image noise.
According to Dr. Genevere Serna-Santos, Chairperson of the Department of Radiology at Makati Medical Center, one of the technology's major advantages is its potential to significantly reduce radiation exposure.
“The photon counting CT is the innovation in computed tomography,” Dr. Santos explained, citing three major advantages: lower radiation dose, improved image quality, and faster scan time.
For patients, this can mean obtaining detailed CT images with substantially less radiation than conventional CT imaging.
Dr. Santos also highlighted the new scanner's speed, saying a chest scan can be completed in seconds.
This faster scanning capability can be particularly beneficial for pediatric patients, who may have difficulty remaining still during conventional CT examinations and may sometimes require sedation.
Dr. Jackson Dy, Chief of the Section of CT-MRI, Department of Radiology at Makati Medical Center, said the technology also gives radiologists a clearer view of anatomical structures and possible abnormalities.
With sharper images and better delineation of structures, radiologists can identify pathology more clearly, potentially helping referring physicians arrive at more informed management decisions.
MORE THAN JUST LOWER RADIATION
One key distinction of MakatiMed's new facility is that its photon-counting CT includes an interventional option found in only one other hospital in Southeast Asia, allowing the technology to support image-guided procedures in addition to diagnostic imaging.
This makes the MakatiMed installation distinct from photon-counting CT systems that are focused primarily on diagnostic imaging.
Makati Medical Center already provides interventional radiology services, where imaging technologies such as CT, MRI, fluoroscopy, and ultrasound guide minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
The hospital's new photon-counting CT therefore expands the technology's potential applications—from detecting and characterizing disease to supporting image-guided interventions.
BENEFITS FOR CANCER, HEART AND LUNG IMAGING
The physicians also pointed to potential applications in oncology, pulmonology, and cardiovascular imaging.
According to Dr. Santos, the technology can provide finer detail of structures such as bones and generate spectral imaging information that can be particularly useful in evaluating cancer patients.
Dr. Dy likewise cited the ability to visualize structures such as the coronary arteries, including vessels affected by dense calcifications associated with atherosclerotic disease.
Photon-counting CT can also image the body from head to toe, allowing physicians to examine multiple areas with a single advanced CT platform.
A SIGNIFICANT STEP FOR PEDIATRIC IMAGING
For children, speed and radiation reduction can be especially important.
The physicians explained that conventional CT examinations may require a pediatric patient to remain completely still, sometimes requiring sedation and coordination with an anesthesiologist.
With the faster acquisition of photon-counting CT, examinations can potentially be completed before significant movement occurs.
Dr. Santos described the technology's speed in practical terms: a pediatric chest CT can be completed in only a few seconds.
This may reduce the need for sedation in appropriate cases while also providing high-quality diagnostic images.
MakatiMed's new installation adds another significant capability through its interventional option, broadening how photon-counting CT can potentially be utilized in patient care.
Internationally, photon-counting CT is being adopted for applications involving the heart, lungs, bones, cancer imaging, and whole-body examinations. Research and clinical reviews have identified higher spatial resolution and radiation-dose advantages as among the key areas of interest for the technology.
For Makati Medical Center, the inauguration marks another step toward integrating advanced imaging technology into diagnosis and minimally invasive patient care—giving physicians access to faster scans, lower radiation exposure, and more detailed images, while opening additional possibilities for image-guided interventions.
MAKATI CITY, Philippines — Makati Medical Center has introduced Ultherapy PRIME, the latest advancement in non-invasive ultrasound technology designed to help lift and tighten the skin without surgery.
The technology is now available at the hospital’s Skin and Laser Hub, housed within the MakatiMed Wellness Hub as the hospital continues to expand its services through new technologies in medical and dermatological care.
According to Dr. Maria Lourdes A. De Veyra, Section Head and Dr. Jose Giovanni E. Dimayuga, Asst. Section Head of the Skin and Laser Hub, Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound energy to target deeper layers of the skin involved in the lifting process.
“It’s like a non-surgical facelift,” Dr. Dimayuga said, explaining that the technology delivers energy precisely to targeted areas.
The doctors said Ultherapy PRIME improves on previous models, including a larger, clearer screen, shorter treatment time, and a more comfortable patient experience.
The treatment can be tailored to address a patient’s specific concerns, ranging from improving the appearance of a double chin to providing a comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
“It’s customizable,” Dr. De Veyra said, noting that the number and location of treatment shots can be adjusted according to the patient’s needs.
Unlike procedures that produce an immediate dramatic transformation, Ultherapy works gradually by stimulating the body's natural collagen-building process. The doctors said patients may begin noticing changes over time, with more visible results developing within the succeeding months.
For Makati Medical Center, introducing Ultherapy PRIME is part of its continuing commitment to innovation and patient care.
Dr. De Veyra described Ultherapy as a “gold standard” treatment for non-surgical facial lifting, saying the technology complements the hospital's focus on advanced equipment and physician-led care.
The doctors also emphasized that the technology is only one part of the treatment.
“It’s not just about the machine. It’s the driver of the car that wins the race too,” Dr. De Veyra said, underscoring the importance of having trained doctors perform and customize the procedure.
Makati Medical Center said patients considering aesthetic treatments should seek proper medical advice and choose qualified professionals who can assess whether a procedure is appropriate for them.
Celebrity couple Megan Young and Mikael Daez, who have partnered with Makati Medical Center, also shared their experience and perspective on Ultherapy PRIME.
For the couple, the treatment is part of a broader approach to health, wellness, and ageing gracefully, rather than simply changing their appearance.
As parents to their young son Leon, Young and Daez said taking care of their health has become an even bigger priority.
“We have to take care of ourselves if we want to be there for Leon,” Mikael Daez shared.
Megan Young likewise expressed her desire to remain healthy and strong for their family.
The couple also emphasized the importance of being informed before undergoing any aesthetic procedure.
“Being able to arm yourself with knowledge will help you make the best decision for you,” Megan Young said, encouraging people to consult doctors and understand how a treatment works before deciding.
Daez added that hesitant people should not be afraid to ask questions and seek professional advice.
For Makati Medical Center, the arrival of Ultherapy PRIME highlights the hospital's continuing effort to bring advanced technology, medical expertise, and personalized care together—giving patients more options for non-surgical aesthetic treatments while keeping informed decision-making at the center.
The Skin and Laser Hub is located at the MakatiMed Wellness Hub, 7F, Tower 1, Ayala North Exchange Makati City.
