Dr. Tony Leachon during the awarding rites together with (from L) Casto Ignacio, current president of the UST Galing Science Alumni Association; Dean Rey Donne Papa; and Rev. Father Louie Coronel, Secretary-General of UST. The Secretary-General is the chief protocol officer of the university and directs information toward a positive public presence. He supervises the Office of the Registrar, Office of Public Affairs, Office for Admissions, Communications Bureau and UST Publishing House.
Dr. Tony Leachon gets Outstanding Alumni of Science Toast Award from UST College of Science
PT columnist cited for his numerous contributions to PH
THE University of Santo Tomas (UST) College of Science has bestowed Dr. Anthony Cueto Leachon the Outstanding Alumni of Science Toast Award recently for his numerous contributions to the nation, especially during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when he was appointed as a Special Adviser of the National Task Force COVID-19 in 2020.
Leachon, in an interview, expressed gratitude for the award but maintained that he did what he did at the time to save lives and to do what is needed according to his values and beliefs.
“We have to do better every day. All these awards, the milestones, it just pushes me to do better. We should serve our purpose in life,” Leachon said.
Signed by Prof. Rey Donne S. Papa, Dean of the College of Science, the award given to Doc Leachon states that it is the highest honor bestowed by the UST Science Alumni Association, with the concurrence of the dean, to a member in recognition of the significant and exemplary contribution to the Science community, the nation and the church.
The goal is to award 100 college alumni as the UST approaches its centennial celebration.
Doc Leachon is a physician-leader, preventive health education and health reform advocate, a sin tax lobbyist and an internist-cardiologist practicing at the Manila Doctors Hospital.
He was a Dean’s lister of the UST College of Science during his college days, the team captain of the UST College of Science and the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery PAUTAKAN champion quiz teams, and one of the medical board topnotchers of the PRC Physician Licensure Examination in June 1986.
Aside from Doc Leachon, other known awardees include Manila Mayor and Doctor Honey Lacuna and Department of Health Undersecretary Rosario Vergeire.
Among his numerous awards and recognitions are the following: Distinguished Fellow, Philippine College of Physicians, 2007; The Outstanding Filipino Physician, 2008; Rappler Civic Mover Award, Ulirang Ama Awardee, 2015; The Outstanding Filipino in Medicine, 2010; The Outstanding Thomasian Awardee in Public Health, USTMAA January 2020-2021; Leadership Award by UST Medical Alumni Association in America-September 2021-San Francisco CA, USA.
Dr. Leachon finished his BS General degree in 1981 and graduated from UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery in 1985. The multi-awarded physician was a past president of the UST Medical Alumni Association, a former independent director of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation Board in 2016, and a former Special Adviser of the National Task Force COVID-19 in 2020.
A past president of the Philippine College of Physicians, Dr. Tony, as his colleagues and friends fondly call him, is widely known for his preventive health advocacies and social media educational campaigns.
More than the accolades, Dr. Tony believes that his biggest satisfaction at present is to be able to make a difference in the country in the area of healthcare reforms for the next generation of Filipinos.
Leachon said his wife, Dr. Margaret Lazaro-Leachon, who was also recently awarded as the “Most Outstanding Occupational Health Physician” by the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine is his most secret weapon and one of his most important treasures in life.
“Though a physician or internist is a solitary effort, teamwork is needed to succeed through the help of your family and good friends,” he said.
Leachon said it is important for the young generation to remember the following: “To never give up and that nobody is too young or too old to chase their dreams.”
