Dexter G De Leon, MD

We only have one gift of life, and we should cherish it to the fullest. Once Life is lost, there is no way to give it back. Life is time, and Time is Life. Life is the most precious gift given to us, and we must protect and preserve it for as long as possible. I treat my patients as if I were the patient. This aligns with the golden rule of life: Do unto others as you want others to do unto you. During times of illness, patients are most vulnerable both emotionally and physiologically. This is when they need emotional support; thus, empathy is vital for our patients. As a physician, I want to ensure that my patients feel my support, but I also aim to be direct and honest about their options. I respect my patients' wishes. My goal as a physician is to provide medical options for my patients. I categorize these options based on importance, and whatever option they choose, I respect their decision wholeheartedly. I always tell my patients that it's your life, it's your decision. I believe the combination of empathy and respect is the foundation of patient-centered medical management, and this is my patient care philosophy for preventing suffering and respecting life.