Dr. Thelma Tupasi Ramos has been my mentor during my ID fellowship in Makati Medical Center a long time ago.
She is the personification of excellence translated into action:
for the service of Filipinos especially the sick and underprivileged, reaching out to the grassroots
for the significant advancement of research in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases
for pioneering proactive and effective infection prevention and control committees involving multi-specialties despite objections from various sectors
for the education and training of students and younger colleagues, passing on the torch with the flame of knowledge, critical thinking, perseverance, compassion, integrity, professionalism and service without discrimination
She was a Ninang in our wedding.
She was so helpful in many ways that she even volunteered her distinguished husband, Dr. Claver Ramos, to insert all my IV's during the 7 sessions of my chemotherapy. Each vein was so valuable because only those on my right hand could be used. I realized it was not only Dr. Ramos's expertise that she wanted to share, but also his compassion and kindness. Imagine the expression on the faces of the nurses every time I told them THE Dr. Claver Ramos would be the one to insert the IV!
I am so blessed to have had you, Dr. Tupasi, as my beloved mentor. Our prayers for your eternal happiness and God's eternal embrace.
Your legacy lives on in all the lives you have touched.