Every memory of you is an inspiration to do my best and be a little bit like you! You’re one-of-a-kind! A wonder, a hero, a gift to the world!
I had more interaction with Dra. Tupasi in her fight against TB. She was a woman of action! She set up the MMC DOTS Clinic after the 1997 NTPS, which became the first DOTS-Plus pilot project worldwide managing patients with multidrug-resistant (MDR-TB). MDR-TB patients are a minority with a very expensive treatment not available in the Philippines at that time. She searched for funds as the patients’ waitlist grew by the day, sponsoring shows and leading proposal writing here and there. While WHO-Geneva colleagues supported her fight, the regional and local levels OBSTRUCTED her plans; to them, addressing MDR-TB would divert funds from the majority of drug-susceptible patients. But to her, each had a right to proper treatment. Her vision was universal access to health!
I have two unforgettable anecdotes that underscore her passion and her compassion. One day, she underwent gastroscopy. After the procedure, her gastroenterologist said “Dra., while you were under sedation, you were angry with someone and you raised your voice saying ‘You’re an obstructionist!’ She laughed and told him who she was referring to!
The other incident happened when DOH called one day to give her the good news that they had unspent project funds and got clearance to spend the money for MDR-TB patients, but had to be spent within a week. Quick as lightning, Dra. was able to have the medicines shipped to Manila through IDA (International Dispensary Agency). However, bureaucracy delayed the release of the DOH fund that made IDA frantic! Meantime, Dra. proudly spoke in an international conference about the pioneering work in the Philippines and, as always, was admired. One person, however, looked at her strangely. “Hi, I’m Thelma Tupasi from the Philippines,” she introduced herself. The gentleman replied: “Yes, I know you, Dr. Tupasi. I’m Cedric from IDA … and I was hoping you would let me know when you’re planning to settle your bill.” She almost fainted in embarrassment and almost knelt in apology! But the rest is history. Eventually the funds were released and TDF paid IDA. That’s Dr. Tupasi doing everything possible for patients!
Dra., thank you for the smile these incidents bring! I would tearfully always remember your inspiring courage and boldness for the sick. Like a child, I was always in awe and clapping for your victory that earned global applause for being the voice of the afflicted in a low-resource country that opened the door to saving many lives. Even after almost 2 decades, I still hear of cured patients gratefully mentioning your name and TDF in admiration of your selfless brand of compassion and high quality TB care. Many colleagues here and outside continue to look up to your impressive brilliance that has brought TB services close to those in need.
Thank you for all the years that you taught, guided, mentored and shaped me into who I am today. As your ID fellow, I learned not only ID but lessons in life not in the books. You were not only a brilliant mentor marked with integrity, and an exemplary expert in many fields, but a very compassionate doctor that always put the patient at the center. You were never proud of your numerous extraordinary achievements; you treated everyone with dignity. Your bedside manners were impeccable; your care was genuine. You would wait in the ward or nurses’ station until the first dose of antibiotic is administered when treatment was urgent. You would accompany patients to the radiology department for MRI or ultrasound, etc., just to hold their hands, make your presence felt, and so you could discuss the images with the radiologists right away. Indeed, you were one-of- a kind!
To me, you will always be the visionary with a heart whose dreams turned to life-changing realities that have made the world a better place. To me, YOU ARE A LEADER LIKE NO OTHER!