Ricardo Fernandez, Makati Medical Center’s (MMC) chair of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology (ear, nose and throat), comes from a family of doctors. Son of one of the founders of Makati Medical Center Dr. Manuel Fernandez, he also has a brother, Manuel, who specializes in cosmetic surgery at the same hospital.

The sixth of eight children, Fernandez earned his medical degree from the University of Santo Tomas and specialized in otorhinolaryngology at the UP-PGH, surprising his father at the time for it entailed really hard work. Eventually, he joined MMC and was the training officer of the late Dr. Ariston Bautista, whom he replaced as chairperson of the department he now heads.

As chairperson, Fernandez has his work cut out for him, with some 30 consultants whom he confers with every Thursday at the Diagnostic Center, an additional job he takes pride in.

“I was tasked to design the center and I made it a functioning one, which includes a conference room. This resulted in more referrals and, consequently, increased revenue for the hospital,” he says.

Fernandez has spearheaded  the drive to raise funds for less fortunate head and neck cancer patients treated by Makati Med. One project, held last year at Dasmariñas Village, Makati, was a fun run participated in by local and foreign dignitaries, including US Ambassador Harry Thomas. It successfully raised funds for the hospital’s outreach program.

Another project is a periodic art exhibit sponsored by his department, featuring the works of various artists and paintings donated by the good doctor himself, his colleagues and friends. Funds generated from the exhibit are earmarked for indigent patients.

Free surgery

Still another project geared toward helping cash-strapped medical students is the post-graduate course offered free to attendees. Funds are solicited  from drug companies, whose sponsorship enables these students to advance their training.  MMC itself, realizing the need for such a program, has chipped in to ensure its continued success.

Fernandez has also tied up with certain subsidized hospitals to be able to perform surgeries for free or at least cost to patients who lack the means to afford operations.

A scientist at heart, Fernandez continues to seek cures for illnesses through new drugs and treatments. He speaks highly of two products: CoEnzyme Q 10 and Capsibiol T. It was Fernandez who introduced CoQ10 in the Philippines in the 1980s. A natural substance in the body that helps cells produce energy, CoQ10 serves as an antioxidant to protect cells  from free radicals, which are responsible for damaging cells and causing certain cancers, premature aging and other diseases.

Thus, it not only is used to supplement existing cancer therapy, it is also effective in increasing the pumping force of the heart and in reducing blood viscosity, allowing for the easier flow of blood through the arteries and veins, thereby preventing heart attacks and strokes.

Less known but as effective is Capsibiol T, a suppressant of cancer also heralded as a miracle cure for the common cold. A dietary supplement created and formulated in Switzerland, Capsibiol T is a combination of decaffeinated green tea and red chili peppers in capsule form. It increases viral immunity, resulting in the suppression of flu-like symptoms. It prevents the spread of existing cancer cells  by slowing down their growth and development.

Correcting immunity

The latest “discovery” of Fernandez is a product called Transfer Factor, which is sourced from Colostrum found in mothers’ and cows’ milk, eggs and chickens.

“Transfer Factor contains the information molecule that educates the immune system. With it, a person’s immune system is able to correct itself,” he says.

He cites the case of his mother, now 90, whose heart and body were strengthened by CoQ10, but who was able to regain her vitality after taking Transfer Factor.

Today, Fernandez continues  to look for medicines to alleviate the ills of his patients in the latest medical breakthroughs.

Webster defines philanthropy as “the love or benevolence  toward mankind in general.” Fernandez’s untiring efforts toward helping patients of all classes prolong and lead quality  lives clearly qualifies him as a philanthropist.