THE Professional Regulation Commission recognized an official of the University of San Carlos in Cebu as one of the 2023 Outstanding Professionals of the Year.

Dr. Gerard Lee See, dean of the School of Healthcare Professions, was recognized for his distinguished contribution to the field of Pharmacy “as a Pharmaceutical Scientist in the development of a breakthrough method for drug delivery systems, utilizing the lower-eyelid skin to sustainably deliver drugs to the ophthalmic tissues.”

“Dr. See’s dedication to advancing the field of Pharmacy in the Philippines not only distinguishes him as a trailblazer and an exemplary professional but also sets a standard for aspiring pharmacists and healthcare professionals in the country to go above and beyond in the pursuit of excellence,” USC said.

“His receipt of this prestigious award is a testament to his outstanding competence in Pharmacy inside and outside the University,” it added.

See’s method allows the application of ophthalmic medicines even during sleep with reduced side effects.

He also led the development of nano-sized liquid crystal formulations for the delivery of an anti-Alzheimer’s drug and a clinically significant method to monitor drug distribution in the brain.

Currently, he leads the efforts of pharmaceutical scientists in the region in the pre-clinical drug development of natural products sourced from the local flora, the first kind of research to recognize the value of Visayan biodiversity in the development of indigenous pharmaceuticals.

The Outstanding Professional of the Year Award is the highest award given by PRC to a professional who is recommended by his peers for demonstrating professional competence of the highest degree.