PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. today appointed Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa as Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH).
Dr. Ted Herbosa brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise in healthcare systems, public health, hospital administration, emergency and disaster medicine.
He obtained his medical degree from the University of the Philippines Manila and holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of the Philippines in Diliman.
Dr. Herbosa’s educational background also includes an International Diploma Course in Emergency and Crisis Management from the University of Geneva and Postgraduate Studies in Medicine from the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University.
He previously served as an Undersecretary at the Department of Health from 2010 to 2015 contributing to various initiatives such as the Hospital Accreditation Commission, Modernization of the Philippine Orthopedics Center, and promoting Public-Private Partnerships in Health.
He also held the positions of former Undersecretary and concurrent Regional Director at the DOH-National Capital Regional Office.
From October 2017 to April 2021, Herbosa served as the Executive Vice President of the University of the Philippines System, contributing to its development and growth.
He has held various key positions, including Chief Division of Trauma at the Department of Surgery, Philippine General Hospital, Chairman of the Board for Physicians for Peace Philippines, and 3rd Vice President of the UP Alumni Association.
He has served as a Professor in Emergency Department at Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and at the National University of Malaysia.
He has also been involved in numerous international roles and collaborations, including serving on the Board of Directors for the World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine (WADEM), Medical Consultant/Adviser for the Australasian Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians in Melbourne, Australia, and Regional Education Coordinator for the HOPE Program (Hospital Preparedness and Emergencies) at John Hopkins University Center for International Emergencies, Disasters, and Refugee Studies (CIEDRS).
Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Herbosa served as a Special Adviser to the National Task Force Against Covid-19, offering expert guidance and contributing to the formulation of strategies to mitigate the impact of the virus.
He also served as an international consultant in several countries, including Palau, Maldives, Malaysia, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Vietnam, Tunisia, and Thailand, making notable contributions to emergency medicine and trauma care.
Dr. Herbosa’s involvement in the development of the STOP DEATH Program and his membership in the Safe Surgery Saves Lives Global Task Force, which developed the WHO safe surgery checklist, further demonstrate his dedication to improving healthcare systems.
Prior to his appointment, Herbosa held a prominent position as a Professor at the College of Medicine in the University of the Philippines Manila.
The appointment of Herbosa were announced after President Marcos met with Teodoro and DND Senior Undersecretary Carlito Galvez, and Herbosa and Health Undersecretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire in separate meetings in Malacañang this afternoon.
