Ex-‘Doctor to the Barrios’ Appointed Top Official at Medical City Clark

MABALACAT CITY, Pampanga — The Medical City (TMC) Clark has appointed Dr. Jo Ann Soliven, a former "doctor to the barrios" and a seasoned vascular neurologist and neurocritical care specialist, as its new Chief Medical Officer (CMO). According to a TMC Clark statement, Dr. Soliven will lead clinical excellence and physician development at the hospital. Dr. Soliven's background includes years of service providing healthcare to communities in rural and remote areas of the Philippines. Her experience as a "doctor to the barrios" highlights the existing disparities in healthcare access across the country's medical system. This appointment signifies TMC Clark's commitment to enhancing regional healthcare quality and fostering the professional growth of its physicians. With her expertise in neurology and neurocritical care, Dr. Soliven is expected to contribute to elevating the hospital's overall medical services. For years, the Philippines has faced challenges with the concentration of medical resources in urban centers, leading to limited access to specialists in provincial areas. The appointment of an individual like Dr. Soliven, who understands the realities of community healthcare, holds the potential to be a step towards addressing these issues.