By: Khasian Eunice M. Romulo
Doc Rollin P. Tabuena, a renowned pulmonologist and the first bronchoscopist in Iloilo City proudly identifies himself as a "Mama's boy." Throughout his journey from medical school to becoming a seasoned physician, the unwavering support, encouragement, provisions, and invaluable lessons imparted by his mother served as the cornerstone of his strength and motivation.
In a world where passion, recognition, and wealth are often celebrated, it is humbling to find an individual whose love and connection with their family, particularly their mother, serves as the guiding force behind their successful journey in the field of medicine. Dr. Rollin’s journey is an inspiring blend of scientific excellence and profound compassion to his community.
Early beginnings and Education
Dr. Tabuena’s story begins in a small town in Concepcion, Iloilo. From an early age, his father taught him to be independent and transferred him to a school in Iloilo City. He graduated with honors in elementary and high school at the Central Philippine University. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology from the Southwestern University in Cebu City.
Encouraged by his father, whose unfulfilled dream is to take up Medicine was what prompted Dr. Tabuena to be a doctor. At first, he was adamant to pursue Medicine due to lack of financial resources. But through the support of his parents, especially his mother, he proceeded to medical school at the West Visayas State University. After four years, he was chosen one of the most outstanding interns during his Post-Graduate Internship at the state-owned WVSU Medical Center. In 1995, Dr. Rollin Tabuena earned his medical license and became the first doctor in the family.
Dr. Tabuena's affinity for Internal Medicine ignited early in his career. While his initial aspiration was to specialize in cardiology, however, he faced a prerequisite to become a diplomate or fellow before embarking on the training program in the Philippine Heart Center. Eager to avoid unnecessary delays, Dr. Tabuena found himself pursuing Pulmonary Medicine at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in Manila. His acceptance into the program hinged on the condition that he successfully pass the diplomate exam within the year—an undertaking he not only accomplished but excelled in by securing one of top positions.
Navigating Challenges
Dr. Tabuena was confronted with a myriad of challenges during his practice as a pulmonologist in the province, with one significant hurdle arising upon his return to Iloilo City from his training in Hospital Torette, Ancona, Italy. In 2004, Dr. Tabuena encountered some difficulty when he introduced the cutting-edge technique of interventional bronchoscopy to a traditionally conservative health practice in Iloilo. Interventional bronchoscopy was then a novel approach capable of detecting malignancies, infections, and various diseases of the lungs. His research gathered criticisms from fellow physicians, an experience that temporarily dampened his motivation to pursue further studies in his field.
Aside from colleagues’ criticisms, the scarcity of financial support for research among healthcare professionals in the country contributed to a decreased research output. But Dr. Tabuena's determination to advance the field of pulmonology despite these challenges underscores not only his resilience but also highlights the issues that impact medical research endeavors in the country.
Winning Moments
Dr. Rollin Tabuena stands as a beacon of excellence and achievement in his field, having garnered a commendable array of awards that underscore his significant contributions. Among his notable honors is the Heroes Renowned Medical Internist and Pulmonary Specialist of the Year during the Asia’s Golden Icon Awards in February 2023, a testament to his dedication to provide the best healthcare services during the peak of the pandemic. Dr. Rollin Tabuena's unwavering commitment to excellence has also been acknowledged with the Asia’s Most Distinguished Doctor in Pulmonary Medicine, showcasing his exceptional leadership and transformative impact in the communities of Iloilo City.
Compassion in Action
Dr. Tabuena's journey to excellence in the field of pulmonology was marked by a commitment to pushing the boundaries of medical science. His research focused on innovative treatments for pulmonary diseases. One of his most notable contributions was the Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Test Kit (TB Lamp) for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis was introduced in hospitals in Iloilo City. Aside from being less expensive than commercially available device, the TB Lamp is also easier to use in that it can give results in just 60 minutes. It also adheres to the same biosafety requirements that applies to the microscopy sputum smears, which normally takes three days in the traditional procedure. Essentially, the TB lamp gives a relatively high throughput and does not require sophisticated instruments.
Dr. Tabuena’s clinic, Asclepius Drugstore Medical Laboratories and Allied Services Corp in coordination with the Department of Health Iloilo is the center in the diagnosis of tuberculosis in the province. Iloilo City had the highest confirmed tuberculosis cases because of the efficient and effective diagnosis of TB Lamp. In October 2023, Dr. Tabuena, together with his wife, Dr Ma. Daisy Tabuena presented their research on TB Lamp in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA during the American College of Chest Physicians convention .
Balancing Career and Family bonds
Away from the hospital corridors, Dr. Tabuena is an advocate for community engagement. Known as the Dancing Doctors of Iloilo, he and his wife spearheads initiatives to promote healthy lifestyles by Zumba dancing and gym exercises. The couple actively participates in local events, mentors aspiring medical students, and engages in philanthropic activities to uplift the less privileged.
Despite his many responsibilities, Dr. Tabuena spends time with his family, especially with his son Dane Marco. His family engages into fashion and transforms into passionate models of Iloilo showcasing Hablon creations of local designer Nono Palmos.
As he stands at the pinnacle of his career, the longing for his mother's love has become a cherished sentiment. In reflection, he acknowledges that the enduring influence of his mother continues to shape not just his professional success but also the very essence of the person he has become.
Winning Moments
Dr. Tabuena stands as a beacon of excellence and achievement in his field, having garnered a commendable array of awards that underscore his significant contributions. Among his notable honors is the Heroes Renowned Medical Internist and Pulmonary Specialist of the Year during the Asia’s Golden Icon Awards in February 2023, a testament to his dedication to provide the best healthcare services during the peak of the pandemic. Dr. Rollin Tabuena's unwavering commitment to excellence has also been acknowledged with the Asia’s Most Distinguished Doctor in Pulmonary Medicine, showcasing his exceptional leadership and transformative impact in the communities of Iloilo City.
Dr. Tabuena is one proud mama’s boy who made his province proud by his TB Lamp.