THE FILIPINO INTERNIST

 

Pasig City, Philippines – 17 October 2024

Three years ago, the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) inaugurated the Dr. Arturo B. Rotor Memorial Awards for Literature in honor of one of its most prominent members. This prestigious literary competition was created to reclaim the heart and soul of Internal Medicine through the lens of literature, providing internists across the country with an opportunity to showcase their literary talent. It stands as the first national literary contest for physicians in the Philippines and Asia.

For this year, the competition featured two genres—Creative Nonfiction (CNF) and Short Story—with physician-writers delivering exceptional work reflecting their unique perspectives on life, medicine, and humanity.

This year’s panel of judges for CNF and Short Story is chaired by the much-respected poet and essayist, Dr. Marjorie Evasco. She is joined by distinguished personalities in the literary world: Ms. Susan Lara (for Short Story), Dr. Alice Sun-Cua (for CNF), and Dr. Abercio V. Rotor (for both categories), the cousin of the award's namesake, Dr. Arturo B. Rotor. Screening judges are Dr. Noel Pingoy and Dr. Sandra Tankeh-Torres (for CNF) and Dr. Joey Tabula and Dr. Wilfredo Liangco (for Short Story).

Dr. Arturo B. Rotor is celebrated as one of the finest Filipino short story writers of the 20th century. His literary contributions, such as "Confidentially, Doctor" (1965), "Selected Stories from the Wound and The Scar" (1973), and "The Men Who Play God" (1983), have earned him the Republic Cultural Heritage Award in 1966. In the medical world, he is known for discovering Rotor Syndrome, a rare form of jaundice, and his contributions to healthcare and government service, particularly during his tenure as Secretary of the Department of Health and Welfare after World War II.

The event features Dr. Imelda Mateo, President of the PCP, as the guest of honor. Also gracing the occasion are members of the PCP Board of Regents, Past Presidents, and other dignitaries.

Below are the winners this year and the past two years:

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