DR. CYNTHIA PERALTA-LUBATON
Blessed with seven children, champion of Diabetes care for charity patients at the Jonelta OPD for more than 10 years, and a strict mentor, Dr Lubaton’s inspiring moments and practice tips in this issue are revealed.
During the early 80’s, Perpetual Help had to rely on willing and capable mentors to enable the conduct of classes in the College of Medicine. Dr Cynthia Lubaton was among those invited by the institution to share her expertise. Raised in Bicol and born to an English Professor, mentoring was not new to the strict Cardiology and Endocrinology teacher. Graduating from the University of Sto. Tomas (UST), and obtaining her residency training in Internal Medicine at Medical Center Manila, Dr. Lubaton enrolled in the Institute of Science-Diabetes Mellitus Foundation under the leadership of Dr Ricardo Fernando.
Highlight of all these, is being mother to seven kids. Married to Atty. Paterno Lubaton, who has also been a legal counsel to the institution and campaign manager to Col. Antonio Tamayo, Dra Lubaton recalls her UST days where they first met. Anyone would say that raising seven children while in a hectic medical practice would be a superhuman role. But she did it even surpassing uterine cancer on her last pregnancy.
Being active in her charismatic community, she has found ways to overcome the trials of losing her beloved husband just last year after almost 8 years of steady dialysis. Atty. Paterno Lubaton, whom she proudly mentioned as being an able lawyer and businessman in the maritime industry during his early years, has always been a supportive partner and father to the family.
When asked regarding her Perpetual experience, Dr. Lubaton recalls teaching Cardiology as a priority together with Dr Cynthia Fernandez in the department of medicine. It was quite emotional when the late Dr Raymund Katigbak, former Chair, who passed his personal lecture notes and materials to her on his deathbed, obliged Dr Lubaton to then take the responsibility of handling Endocrinology lectures for the 150 medical students at that time which became her primary field of expertise later, focusing on Diabetology.
Among the present consultants whom she was able to handle were Dr. Elizabeth Carreon, now the Medical Director; Dr Juliana Tamayo; and Dr Felicitos Obillo.
With her pioneering the Jonelta Charity DM Clinic every Thursdays, more than a hundred diabetic patients in Laguna and Cavite are benefiting upto now from the free blood glucose monitoring and cholesterol check, free consultation and sometimes, free medications upon admission.
When asked about the DM Epidemic and advice to younger students, she says:
IM Pulse: What can you say about the ongoing “DM Epidemic”?
Dr Lubaton: Alarming. The family itself must be wary of their own future diabetics.
IM Pulse: Advice to younger colleagues in practice?
Dr Lubaton: "Just fulfill your dreams, and do whatever makes you happy. But learn to sacrifice your profession to prioritize the family.”
LUCKY 7: Dr. Lubaton with husband Atty. Lubaton and seven kids - (eldest to youngest)
Eldest, Atty. John Patrick; Pediatrician Dr. Cheryl Ann; Cynthia Asteria – named after her mother – based in Singapore; John Emmanuel – section head in BDO; Paterno III; Christian Angelo – 2nd yr medicine proper; and plans to take surgery, was among the top 20 nursing board exams; youngest, Gerard Matthew – Nutrition student
Dr Cynthia P. Lubaton may be reached thru her Clinic at Family Care Hospital in Pacita Complex or at the College of Medicine twice a week for her lectures on Endocrinology.
