Dr. Mariano M. Alimurung had great passion for the medical field and equally great compassion for healing the sick. After attending to his patients, he was often found quenching his thirst for knowledge by reading medical literature and doing research on medical procedures which he would share with his colleagues.
The man wore many professional hats—a teacher, writer and an artist. Dr. Alimurung was a pivotal figure in making the Makati Medical Center dream come alive. At the hospital, he became Chairman of the Department of Medicine, Director of the Coronary Care Unit, and Head of the Cardiology Section. He was also the first director of the Office of Medical Education, a position he held until his passing in 1989. To honor his passion for knowledge and pursuit of academic excellence, the Makati Medical Center Library was aptly renamed the Dr. Mariano M. Alimurung Library.
Dr. Alimurung’s spiritual commitment fueled his compassion to heal the sick. Just like his fellow founders, his objective was to give the best medical care regardless of social status or financial capacity. Due to his outstanding contributions and service to the community, he was bestowed one of the highest Papal Orders of Chivalry—the Knight Commander with the Star of Gregory the Great and Knight Commander of St. Sylvester I—an award given by the Pope to Roman Catholics who have contributed to the Catholic Church and to the community. His professionalism earned him numerous other citations throughout his lifetime, even some posthumously:
  • Cunning’s Humanitarian Award and Distinguished Fellow Award (American College of Cardiology)
  • Distinguished Physician Award (Philippine College of Physicians)
  • Distinguished Service Award (Philippine Medical Association)
  • Distinguished Service Award (posthumously from the Catholic Physicians Guild of the Philippines)
  • The Most Distinguished Teacher Award (posthumously from the Philippine Heart Association)
Life lessons from Dr. Alimurung: “At every stage of your career, take stock of where you are and where you have been and these will give you invaluable direction on what you should do and where you should go next.” – Dr. Benjamin N. Alimurung
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In 1966, the 11th congress was held in Manilla (the Philippines). Its theme was: “The catholic Physicians and the problems of the population“. This congress was organised by the Association of the Filippino Catholic Physicians under the presidency of Dr. Mariano Alimurung in the presence of His Grace Luoni, delegate from the Secretary of State of the Vatican. Sessions were devoted to genetics, birth-control, socio-economic problems and nationalised medicine. During this congress, the fifth November 1966, the constituting Assembly of the International Federation of Catholic Physicians (F.I.A.M.C.) was held, it took over the statutes and approved of them. These were accepted by the Holy See. Dr. M. Alimurung was elected President of the F.I.A.M.C., he was the successor of Prof. L. Gedda, President of the Secretariat of the International Association of Catholic Physicians since 1951. Physicians from 18 countries were present: Germany, Australia, Austria, Chili, Korea, Spain, the United States, France, Great-Britain, Hong-Kong, the Indies, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malta, the Philippines, Portugal and Thailand.
Dr. Jean Kluyskens  (+)