All posts by: Hayes Chu

Dr Jerickson Abbie Flores, Radiation Oncologist at CLIOC, keeps his motivation at work burning bright thanks to the amazing colleagues he has.

Enhancing access to comprehensive oncology care, providing specialised and advanced treatments in oncology, improving cancer research — these are the various issues in the health industry that  Central Luzon Integrated Oncology Centre (CLIOC) helps to solve.

CLIOC offers integrated services for patients in Pampanga and nearby provinces. We provide state-of-the-art treatment for cancer care in the country. CLIOC invests in the latest technologies and treatment methodologies, improving cancer patient care and outcomes. By centralising resources and providing expertise, this centre could significantly impact cancer care and management within the region.

As for me, I have a passion for helping others. To be able to provide care, support, and comfort to cancer patients and their families is a significant motivation. This motivation is why I joined CLIOC — to be able to contribute to cancer care, support patients, conduct research, advance medical treatments, and make a positive impact in the field of oncology in the region. Joining CLIOC offered me opportunities for learning, career advancement, and professional development in the field of oncology. As a radiation oncologist, the overarching goal to contribute to the fight against cancer and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected is both paramount and priceless.

Being in CLIOC also exposed me to the Clinical Practice Partnership (CPP). I gained new perspectives such as a broader understanding of the multifaceted nature of operating a cancer centre, encompassing both service and healthcare considerations. I am able to:

• Appreciate the significance of patient care, improving services, and focusing on patient outcomes and experiences.
• Gain insights into the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, compliance, regulations, and emerging technologies for treatments in oncology.
• Understand the challenges within the healthcare sector, seeking innovative solutions, whether in treatment methods, facility enhancements, or patient support programs.

Overall, what I love best about working in CLIOC can be summarised in one word — teamwork. Working alongside multidisciplinary teams and dedicated staff, fostering collaboration, and learning from committed and compassionate colleagues is what I love most about CLIOC. The dedication of everyone to their patients, the dynamic nature of our work, and the potential for meaningful contributions to the community make it a fulfilling and rewarding career.

Dr Jerickson Abbie Flores,
Radiation Oncologist

A thorn in the flesh that my fellow radiation oncologists and I have been facing until now is the long waiting time for cancer patients to receive radiotherapy treatment. On average, they have to wait 6 months to 1 year! This is because here in Indonesia, centres that provide radiotherapy are few and far between. Also, many of them have to share their patient load between normal patients and patients under Indonesian government health insurance programmes (BPJS). But with Adi Husada Cancer Center (AHCC), this problem of long wait times is reduced, especially for patients who require cancer services quickly and in high quality. AHCC provides patients with quality integrated cancer care and services without them having to travel abroad.

I joined AHCC because I was motivated to provide the best service for cancer patients, at a standard that is beyond the norm. Also, I wanted to explore new things in my field of radiation oncology — something that AHCC has provided me in abundance. Through the Clinical Practice Partnership (CPP), I realised that there are many things that I could explore and gain outside of my main profession as a radiation oncologist. On top of providing services to patients, I also learned a lot about how international health businesses are run.

Furthermore, I even got the opportunity to develop myself thanks to IOC’s network of doctors from centres in other countries. I am able to exchange ideas on the latest cancer treatments and learn things that I could apply in my clinical practice.

Ultimately, what I like about working at AHCC is the atmosphere and environment. It is conducive, fun and full of warmth like a family. Be it fellow doctors or multidisciplinary medical personnel, they are all great colleagues I can work with.

Dr Ulinta Purwati Pasaribu,
Radiation Oncologist

After graduating as a resident doctor at Hanoi Medical University, I worked for a period of time at a public hospital in Hanoi and witnessed many patients having to queue up as early as 3 – 4 am for medical examinations, then getting tired of waiting for the results. Doctors and medical staff were so busy that they did not even have much time to carefully consult and accompany their patients. As a young doctor specialising in oncology, I am very concerned about the service and understand that the patient’s psychological balance and a healthy, active lifestyle play a huge role in their response to treatment. I always look for answers for myself to improve the patient’s experience, to sympathise and accompany them. That was how I learned about private medical services and was really impressed with Hung Viet’s operating model.

Here at Hung Viet, administrative and insurance procedures are speedy. Patients’ waiting time is reduced and they are more receptive to the best treatment results. Across 3+ years with Hung Viet, I was able to freely develop my expertise and could spend more time taking care of my patients, being with them along the treatment process. To me, Hung Viet is not only the place where I work, but it is also my home, where so many people are willing to put their trust in me. What motivates me the most while working at Hung Viet is that we have built a thyroid patient community of nearly 20,000 members. Their questions, insecurities, worries — I am the one who will be with them, looking for answers, encouraging and supporting them with all my heart.

Another thing that I am extremely impressed with while working at Hung Viet is the IOC Clinical Practice Partnership (CPP) model. This is a regional oncology system that connects the IOC centres and excellent doctors from all over Asia. The CPP model empowers doctors to create the healthcare practice we want and to help us realise our ambition and potential. With a team of medical experts who possess diverse expertise from all over the IOC’s network, we are able to provide the most appropriate clinical direction for patients to receive integrated multidisciplinary care, ranging from diagnosis to treatment and palliative care.

Furthermore, Hung Viet also has many activities to express our responsibility to the community in general and cancer patients in particular, such as the program, ‘Keep Writing Your Hope’ for cancer patients, volunteer activities and fundraising for patients. I would like to express my gratitude to Hung Viet and I cherish the time I have worked and practised here.

Dr Nguyen Xuan Tuan,
Oncology Surgeon (Thyroid)

In Vietnam, public healthcare is often overloaded, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. I was drawn to Hung Viet Cancer Hospital as it not only reduced the burden faced by public hospitals, but also offered the full range of oncology services from examination to palliative care. The entire treatment journey for patients is seamless, reducing wait times while bringing better results.

I was impressed by Hung Viet’s dedication to delivering the best oncology services to patients. From investing in new equipment and machines to renovating facilities the better serve patients, Hung Viet has really gone all out in this regard. There are always courses being offered for staff and doctors, giving us an opportunity to constantly hone our skills.

As a doctor, what makes Hung Viet truly stand out to me is the Clinical Practice Partnership (CPP), a model offered by the hospital that enables doctors to take control of their work. The CPP here is very transparent and reliable. I often work closely with the hospital’s leadership and was able to develop an open environment as a result.

With this in mind, I am empowered to take the initiative in my work. This is what I like most about working here. Being proactive at work makes me more confident, helps me organise better and makes my work more convenient. Ultimately, the patients are the ones who benefit the most, as I can take better care of them.

Also, I am constantly in the presence of highly qualified doctors and oncologists. Hung Viet is home to a community of experts that come together to collaborate and share knowledge. This is very helpful to me, a young doctor, when I need to consult with other doctors on difficult cases. The constant sharing and collaboration here have tremendously improved my knowledge and techniques.

To top it all off, I get to enjoy a flexible and convenient working environment at Hung Viet Cancer Hospital. Not only doctors, but even nursing and customer care staff work flexibly to provide the best care for patients. Overall, all these great benefits join together to form the ideal environment for me to serve and better contribute in my field.

During my time at Adi Husada Cancer Center (AHCC) so far, I am happy because we are working in a solid team to provide solutions for cancer services in our city. We strive to provide integrated cancer services that are aligned with our goal of becoming the leading cancer service centre in Eastern Indonesia. Many patients have not been able to obtain fast and up-to-date cancer services in our country but we try to solve it.

AHCC, which is located downtown, offers patients in and around the Surabaya vicinity convenient access to personalised cancer treatment closer to home. I understand that location can play a vital role in determining where a patient chooses to treat, which is why I am a huge advocate of bringing the care people seek closer to their homes and work.

I am proud to care for patients at AHCC, focusing on individualised care in a compassionate manner. I enjoy working in a multidisciplinary team that fosters communication. My overall goal is to help my patients fight cancer using the most optimal treatment modalities combined with a patient-centred focus. As a radiation oncologist, this means maximising the benefits of radiation while minimising side effects.

Personally, I believe it is important to get to know my patients and their families. I take as much time as needed to get to know them, thoroughly explain everything and answer any questions to understand each individual’s needs and goals. I educate them so they feel empowered and can make informed decisions. AHCC’s expectations are in line with my thoughts, which is why I am motivated to be here.

Not many can provide integrated, fast, and up-to-date cancer services here in my country. We hope that the cure rate and patient life expectancy can increase. So far, I feel that AHCC has been great in providing collaboration in cancer treatment to achieve that goal. Nothing is impossible. We are working towards it.

I am very proud to be part of Hong Kong’s largest non-hospital oncology group. HKIOC’s integration of cutting-edge technology, multidisciplinary approach, and personalised care has significantly improved clinical outcomes and enhanced the quality of life for patients. We are able to offer a full suite of treatment modalities, including radiotherapy, systemic therapy, diagnostic/interventional radiology, and pathology and we have a team of affiliated surgeons to ensure a seamless, one-stop experience for patients, simplifying their treatment journey.

Joining HKIOC has given me a new perspective beyond clinical expertise. Witnessing the collective dedication, unwavering passion, and collaborative spirit within our team has broadened my understanding of the impact we can make on the lives of our patients. By harnessing technology, fostering collaboration among experts, and engaging in fruitful international collaborations, HKIOC elevates the standard of care, granting patients access to groundbreaking treatments and improving clinical outcomes in our locality.

HKIOC has provided me with an exceptional level of support that exceeded my initial expectations. From access to advanced resources and cutting-edge technologies to cultivating a collaborative work environment, I have been empowered to deliver the highest calibre of care to my patients. At the same time, I received plenty of nursing and administrative support, allowing me to focus as much of my time and attention as possible on my patients.

Moreover, what I find most gratifying about working at HKIOC is the dedication and passion that permeates our entire team. Together, we foster a nurturing and supportive environment where each member is wholeheartedly committed to advancing oncology care, sharing knowledge, and fostering personal and professional growth.

The lack of a one-stop centre for cancer care has been a problem plaguing our country. This is what Central Luzon Integrated Oncology Centre, CLIOC tries to address, providing care with concern and compassion, along with advanced medical equipment, facilities, and availability of best practices. Optimal management for cancer has always involved a consolidated approach from a multidisciplinary team, that gives a streamlined delivery of care ranging from diagnosis to treatment, be it curative or palliative.

The approach of CLIOC to provide the right care, for the right person, at the right time  motivated me to join the group. As a contributor to oncology care in the country, CLIOC not only provides a complete package for cancer care, but also gives a lot of positive vibes that leave a good and lasting impression on the hearts and minds of patients and families.

As a Physician working in this centre and as part of the Clinical Practice Partnership (CPP), CLIOC provides a platform wherein I can interact with patients in a conducive manner. CLIOC also provides logistics needed for my practice such as continuing medical education, patient education and collaboration with local and international colleagues. Coinciding the availability of advanced medical equipment, doctors and allied health professionals, total patient care and compassion have always been part of the solution.

Overall, CLIOC instilled in me the needed extra mile to nurture the culture of excellence in the practice of oncology.