Dr. Jonathan Dizon: This superhero wears a white coat

He doesn’t have a Batmobile. Nor does he have a powerful hammer. He can’t fly like Superman or Iron Man. Neither is he a member of the Avengers or Justice League. But this down-to-earth dermatologist is a hero in his own right because he loves his patients and will do everything to help them.

As a respected dermatologist and member of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), Dr. Jonathan A. Dizon has his share of high-class patients that include movie stars and other celebrities. What others don’t know is that the seasoned doctor has a secret. Five days a week, he quietly goes to his clinic at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon or BGC to treat patients. Every Wednesday for eight years now, he devotes time to the less fortunate by giving them free service at Justice Jose Abad Santos General Hospital in Binondo, Manila.

“I started in 2010. I was invited to head the dermatology section of that hospital which is one of the six premier hospitals in Manila. I accepted the offer, but instead of getting a salary, I decided to serve my patients for free,” narrated Dizon, a fellow of the Philippine Dermatological Society.

“The good thing there is I get to see a lot of patients. Initially, I served 30 to 50 patients a day. However, I can see only 20 to 30 people these days. I had to limit the number of people so I can attend to all of them and provide good dermatological care,” he added.

Like a superhero, Dizon said he helps anyone who sees him – from newborns to the elderly.

“I have some residents who help me. Everything is free. All the patients have to do is to go there and fill up a form at the records section before they are brought to us,” he explained. Patients consult him for a variety of problems ranging from psoriasis, eczema, skin allergies, fungal problems, and immunologic disorders. If certain procedures need to be done, the good doctor sends people to the charity clinics of St. Luke’s or Ospital ng Maynila.

If medicines are available, this is also given for free. Dizon explained that the government usually provides free oral medications to patients, but he admits their supply of topical medications is limited.

“I would like to solicit help if possible because topicals are expensive and not everyone can afford them,” he lamented.

Despite these trials, Dizon is happy at the end of the day because his patients are all that matter to him. The hero in him tells him to continue his work. Like a real super being, he hopes to do so for the next 10 years.

“I have been blessed for so many years and this is my way of giving back to the people. I don’t expect to be celebrated for what I’m doing. It’s just something I want to do,” he concluded.

I have been blessed for so many years and this is my way of giving back to the people. I don’t expect to be celebrated for what I’m doing. It’s just something I want to do