FOR his excellence and service, a former dean of the College of Medicine at Mariano Marcos University was named one of the outstanding physicians in the country this year.

Dr. Ricardo S. Guanzon received the 31st Dr. Jose P. Rizal Memorial Award for academe given by the Philippine Medical Association and the United Laboratories, Inc. during the PMA 115th Annual Convention and Scientific Meetings.

The MMSU said that the prestigious award is bestowed on notable physicians in the academe, clinical practice, community leadership, government service and research whose lives and works reflect the ideals of the national hero.

“During his deanship from 2018 to 2021, he successfully steered the college toward high standards of academic performance, achieving three consecutive 100% passing performance in the November 2020, March and September 2021 Physician Licensure examinations, producing a total of 25 new licensed physicians,” the university said.

Guanzon dedicated his award to the university, the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center and the Ilocos Norte Medical Society.

“(They) played big part in my years of medical education and practice,” he said.

MMSU President Shirley Agrupis congratulated Guanzon for his achievement.

“Dr. Guanzon’s feat proves that MMSU is home to academic leaders who help shape the future of our nation,” Agrupis said.

Guanzon was nominated for the award by the Pangasinan Medical Society. He is from Asingan town in Pangasinan.