Brain RESCUE Organization of
the Philippines
(Responders and Educators to Strengthen Care for NeUrologic
Emergency/Critically ill patients)
By Jo Ann R. Soliven, MD, FPNA
The Brain RESCUE Organization was
conceptualized based on a vision to streamline
and consolidate all possible resources in this
resource-limited country to improve chances
of survival for the Filipino patients with life
threatening conditions of the brain.
The organization’s name speaks for its
objectives to organize, advocate, and help
empower all those involved in the care of
emergent and critical neurologic cases, as well
as to educate the public on its impact and importance.
With my co-founders, Marian Sodusta and Gemmalynn
Sarapuddin, we envisioned a team beyond specialty, institution
and regional borders even though our driving forces were aligned
in a common foundation from our training institution, to “change
how the Filipino thinks about health.” We have invited the serviceoriented,
challenged and adventurous individuals to make this
an example of a “coalition of the willing.” This evolved into a
multidisciplinary/interprofessional/multisectoral team to address
the identified gaps in the country.
Boracay Island, Philippines
Inspired, and now a global partner of the Neurocritical Care
Society (International), we hope to learn from both local and
international linkages and adapt what is within the capabilities of
our target beneficiaries across the country.
Our objectives are ambitious, but through hopeful spirits and
collaborative efforts we envision to grow and sustain our dreams.
The Medical City, the biggest network of hospitals in our country,
embraced our ideas and hosted the event in its main hospital in
Pasig City, Metro Manila on Dec. 7-8, 2017.
Our heartfelt thanks to The Medical City; without its support, we
couldn’t have pulled off this endeavor.
Jo Ann R. Soliven, MD, FPNA
Founder of the Brain RESCUE Organization of the Philippines
Jo Ann R. Soliven,
MD, FPNA
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