In the mid-1970s, a group of energetic, eager and enterprising Filipino physicians who had graduated from various local residency programs (University Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital and Bethesda Hospital) in the Cincinnati area and some from nearby programs, came together discussing the vision of an organization of Filipino physicians in the Cincinnati area.  These early talks during social gatherings, focused on the inherent trait that bind them together.  These informal conversations progressed to serious meetings at Dr. Sabino Baluyot’s office or sometimes at La Rosa’s Pizza, over soft drinks and beer.  After several meetings, the organization was formally established in 1978. 

The original name of the organization was APPPGC – Association of Practicing Philippine Physicians of Greater Cincinnati.  The mission was to organize and promote the Filipino practicing physicians in Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Southern Indiana.  At a later date, the name was changed to APPGC, dropping the word “practicing”,  to include our Philippine doctor colleagues who were involved in the medical field but were not licensed to practice in the United States.  This was in harmony with the stature and recognition accorded to them as medical practitioners in the Philippines.

Among the movers and first members were Sabino and Nina Baluyot, Fred and Precy Suntay, Danny Santos, Rudy Bruno, Victor Co, Rudy and Art Canos.  (If some names were missed, Dr. Binoy extends his sincerest apologies.)  The organization gradually grew as more Filipino physicians joined.

The objectives of the organization included promoting its members and assisting the Filipino physicians in integrating with the Cincinnati medical community, providing an opportunity to socialize and network with fellow Filipino physicians and providing educational activities for its membership.

The organization had bi-annual elections.  Activities included yearly CME conferences and monthly medical and scientific lectures.  APPGC invited UC Faculty and other prominent Cincinnati physicians to give presentations on new and upcoming developments in medicine.  Likewise, prominent figures in the community including judges and other government officials were invited as guest speakers to inaugural events.  Most of the members joined the Academy of Medicine of Cincinnati and some were elected to the Academy’s Council, as well as some becoming presidents of their respective specialty organizations.

Dr. Danilo Santos who was also active in the National Philippine Medical Association, was the first APPGC President.  He provided an added dimension to the APPGC.  The list of past presidents is below.