By: Justin Daniel Davis Serfino Φ2021
As the spokesperson of Philippine General Hospital, and one of the nation’s premier Pediatric Interventional Cardiologists, Brod Jose Jonas Diño Del Rosario Φ1986 is no stranger to leading the frontlines for both COVID and the needs of the people. Even in the context of a society that is in the process of recovering from the effects of the pandemic, it is important that other pressing health issues are not forgotten, and support is given to those who need it most. With this in mind, the Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity, both resident body and alumni alike, have collaborated in a project that seeks to provide hope through providing much needed assistance.
Spearheaded by Brod Jonas, along with Brod Jesus Urbi Socrates Φ1969B, Operation Braveheart is a multi-faceted project with roots in both service and education that first began in 2016. Its roots lie in the fact that many Filipino children are born with congenital heart defects such as Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), and Ventricular Septal Defect (VSA). They are often subject to lingering complications throughout their lives if their conditions are left untreated. Many of these children are unable to receive the necessary surgical treatment for their condition due to the high costs involved. Thus, Operation Braveheart exists to expedite these financial barriers for children who are in need of these life-changing surgeries by providing them free-of-charge.
In the months of September and October 2021, the Brods of the Most Venerable Fraternity of the UP College of Medicine were given the opportunity to participate in Operation Braveheart alongside Brod Jonas. On September 24th, Brod Ignatius Dominic Pamittan Cumigad Φ2019A, along with Brods Vincenz Constantine Tankiang Ferrer Φ2021 and Justin Daniel Davis Serfino Φ2021, were the first to participate in the latest Braveheart operations. On the first day of the project, the brods were able to meet the two charity patients and, under the tutelage of diligent PGH residents, were given the opportunity to conduct both a patient history and physical exam.
On the next few days of the project, the brods found themselves in the PGH cath lab. They were able to scrub into the operating room and witness first-hand the handiwork of Brod Jonas as he led the surgeries for both Braveheart beneficiaries. Following each successful operation, Brod Jonas would provide valuable mentorship by describing in-depth the details of each operation to the brods.
On October 22nd, a new set of Braveheart patients were brought to PGH. This time, the project was opened up to select members of the latest UPCM batch, Class 2026, to provide them with a face-to-face learning opportunity that few would be able to experience, especially in the pandemic. Led by Brod Vinz, Pocholo Ilao and Alfonso Madroño of UPCM Class 2026 were given the opportunity to conduct a patient history, physical exam, as well as scrub-in to the operating room.
Pocholo Ilao and Alfonso Madroño of UPCM Class of 2026 oriented by Brod Jonas Del Rosario Φ1986
Although these operations have just finished, Operation Braveheart is far from over and will continue to provide these life-changing surgeries for those who need it most. The men of the Phi Kappa Mu have always endeavored to uphold the pillars of Excellence, Leadership, Service, and Brotherhood. With a legacy that extends 88 years, its brods will continue to remain true to these values and will continue to render exemplary service to those in need.
