The International Academy of Medical Specialists (IAMS-PH) has inducted Dr. Ronald Rigor as a Fellow and Member of its Board of Trustees on January 21, 2026, strengthening the organization’s leadership with global expertise in regenerative medicine, dermatology, and internal medicine.
Rigor is a board-certified internist and dermatologist who also specializes in regenerative medicine, with medical training and professional practice spanning both the Philippines and the United States. A graduate of Centro Escolar University and Fatima Medical Center, he completed his internship at the Philippine General Hospital before pursuing advanced residency training in dermatology and internal medicine in the Philippines and the US.
Beyond clinical work, Rigor has held teaching and leadership roles in residency and nurse practitioner training programs, underscoring his long-standing involvement in medical education and mentorship.
According to Dr. Albert G. Gironella, President of IAMS-PH, Dr. Rigor’s induction reflects the Academy’s commitment to integrating emerging medical disciplines into mainstream healthcare. “Having Dr. Rigor as part of IAMS carries modern science because regenerative medicine is a relatively young institution focused on helping people live healthier lives and prolong life. His expertise brings a fresh injection of this kind of medicine into the Academy,” Gironella said, citing the value of Dr. Rigor’s international training and clinical experience.
Founded in 2006, IAMS-PH is the first international society of doctors established in the Philippines, bringing together medical specialists committed to advancing clinical excellence, education, and ethical practice.
During his induction, Rigor said joining IAMS-PH is part of his broader effort to give back to the country by sharing systems, insights, and best practices he has gained through his experiences both here and abroad.
He outlined three priority reforms he believes could significantly improve the country’s healthcare system: the expansion of Zero Balance Billing to include LGU hospitals and a portion of private hospitals; the strengthening of primary care to help decongest hospitals; and the digitalization of healthcare services to improve access, efficiency, and transparency.
Gironella said he was particularly impressed by Dr. Rigor’s proposal to expand Zero Balance Billing to private hospitals, noting that it directly addresses long-standing financial concerns in the private healthcare sector. “What impressed me most was his proposal to allocate 20 percent of hospital beds, with funding partly released in advance. If a hospital’s budget for those beds is ₱10 million, giving ₱5 million upfront means bayad na kahit hindi pa nagsisimula. This directly addresses one of the biggest concerns of private hospitals—delayed or unpaid reimbursements—so naturally, it’s something they welcome,” Gironella said.
Rigor emphasized that prioritizing preventive and primary care—particularly for chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes—can reduce hospital admissions and lower long-term healthcare costs. “Sa Amerika, ang ginagastos ng gobyerno kada pasyente ay $12,000. Sa Pilipinas, nasa ₱500 lang. Night and day ang pagitan. Kaya hindi pa natin puwedeng kopyahin ang sistema nila. Pero kung magawa natin na kahit 20 to 30 percent lang ng ginagawa nila, malaking hakbang na iyon—malaking tulong hindi lang sa gobyerno kundi sa ating mga kababayan. Ang mahalaga, sinusubukan natin. Kung mag-fail man, at least masasabi nating ginawa natin ang best (In America, the government spends $12,000 per patient. In the Philippines, it is only around ₱500. The gap is night and day. That is why we cannot simply copy their system yet. But if we can manage to implement even just 20 to 30 percent of what they do, that would be a major step forward—a huge help not only to the government but also to our fellow citizens. What matters is that we try. Even if we fail, at least we can say we did our best),” Rigor said.
His vision was welcomed by Dr. Luz Dia Guerrero, President of IAMS-USA, who said the focus on primary care is a crucial step toward healthcare reform. “What we need in the Philippines is a strong gatekeeper system. Primary care physicians should be the first point of contact before patients go directly to specialists. Preventive care can transform outcomes, reduce costs, and decongest hospitals,” Dr. Guerrero said, adding that digital medical records and integrated systems have proven effective in improving care continuity in other countries.
She noted that while new systems often face resistance, the long-term benefits of digitalization and structured primary care make these reforms both timely and necessary.
IAMS-PH officials said the organization was deeply impressed by Rigor’s commitment to giving back to society and by his application of his global experience to help address long-standing gaps in the Philippine healthcare system.
They added that IAMS-PH shares this vision and is committed to joining efforts that seek to strengthen healthcare delivery in the country, working alongside Rigor and other medical professionals to help ensure better access, better outcomes, and better care for Filipinos.
