Dr. Rodney Jimenez
President
Philippine Heart Association
“My job is very challenging. Lives are always at stake. The hardest part is making tough decisions under pressure. Balancing work, fatigue and emotions is also difficult. You can’t afford mistakes — every detail matters.”“My job is very challenging. Lives are always at stake. The hardest part is making tough decisions under pressure. Balancing work, fatigue and emotions is also difficult. You can’t afford mistakes — every detail matters.”
AS a child, Rodney Jimenez aspired to become president of the Philippines. In high school, his interests shifted to computer science.
“I wanted to invent a communication platform where people could see each other’s faces,” Jimenez told The Manila Times.
In college, Jimenez took up Zoology at the University of the Philippines in Los Baños as a preparatory course for medicine.
SERVICE WITH A HEART The Philippine Heart Association (PHA) is a 1,600-member organization of cardiovascular specialists. Before reaching the top, Dr. Rodney Jimenez had been unsuccessful in his attempts each year. The PHA Board of Directors operates on a system where each member moves up a rung. The president completes a term, becomes the immediate past president, and a new member begins as director III. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
“I want to become as relevant and impactful as Dr. David Ho, the one who invented the antiretroviral medication for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus),” Jimenez said. “Eventually, I found my true calling in medicine. I wasn’t sidetracked. I just discovered a different path to serve.”
Jimenez has been a cardiologist for 18 years, practicing since 2007.
SERVICE WITH A HEART The Philippine Heart Association (PHA) is a 1,600-member organization of cardiovascular specialists. Before reaching the top, Dr. Rodney Jimenez had been unsuccessful in his attempts each year. The PHA Board of Directors operates on a system where each member moves up a rung. The president completes a term, becomes the immediate past president, and a new member begins as director III. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
“My job is very challenging,” Jimenez admitted. “Lives are always at stake. The hardest part is making tough decisions under pressure. Balancing work, fatigue and emotions is also difficult. You can’t afford mistakes — every detail matters.”
Last year, Jimenez became president of the Philippine Heart Association (PHA), the 1,600-member organization of cardiovascular specialists. Before reaching the top, he had been unsuccessful in his attempts each year.
The PHA Board of Directors operates on a system where each member moves up a rung. The president completes a term, becomes the immediate past president, and a new member begins as director III. Each incumbent officer must win in yearly electronic polls, a highlight of the four-day annual PHA convention held every last week of May.
The board is composed of the president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, director I, director II, director III and immediate past president (all cardiologists), along with a vice president for finance (an accountant) and a vice president for external affairs (currently Solicitor General Darlene Berberabe), who are non-doctors.
“It’s fulfilling to lead a group committed to saving lives,” Jimenez said. “We improved our primary prevention campaign, PHA Puso Muna. We also launched the PhilCardio Registry — tracking nine major cardiovascular diseases. These projects help shape better care for Filipinos.” “PHA Puso Muna” is the PHA’s healthy lifestyle advocacy launched during Jimenez’s term.
Not surprisingly, Jimenez finds leading a large medical association challenging. “It’s very challenging,” he declared.
“Expectations are high from all sides. You juggle leadership, politics and limited resources. You have to listen, decide and act quickly. But the impact you can make is worth it.”
Jimenez expressed pride in his one-year tenure as PHA president, especially after serving on the board for seven years.
“We’ve stayed aligned with our strategy map, mission and vision,” Jimenez declared. “I’m most proud of making PHA more impactful and relevant — not just to members, but to Filipino patients. We’ve become more accessible, especially through social media and digital platforms.”
At present, Jimenez represents University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Medical Center and St. Luke’s Medical Center.
On average, Jimenez travels five to seven times annually.
“The last places I visited were Chicago for the ACC (American College of Cardiology) Congress and Busan for the Asia Pacific Society of Cardiology,” he said. “Both were work trips. I attended meetings and served as faculty representing PHA. I usually add a short vacation side trip when traveling for work.” The Philippine Heart Association is an ACC Chapter known as ACC Chapter Philippines.
Jimenez believes there is no perfect balance in life.
“That’s the wonder of it,” he said. “You don’t balance; you dance with it. Each day, I focus on what matters most — whether it’s a patient or my family. I follow the principle from the book, ‘Make Time’: Give attention to what truly matters that day. Aside from work and home, a lot of my time goes to meetings, lectures and mentoring. I exercise regularly.”
Despite his busy schedule, Jimenez ensures quality time with loved ones, unwinding by watching Netflix or other streaming shows.
“I enjoy singing and exploring music,” he said. “I also read or listen to audiobooks to relax and learn. With family, we usually bond over lunch or dinner, catching up and sharing stories.”
“On weekdays, I spend 7 to 8 hours at the hospital doing clinic work, rounds and procedures. Weekends are for unwinding. I watch movies, read or listen to audiobooks and spend time with family.”
Jimenez admires many role models.
“I admire underdog athletes like Manny Pacquiao and Carlos Yulo for their tenacity and resilience,” he said. “Ninoy Aquino and Barack Obama inspire me with their leadership and powerful public speaking. Steve Jobs and Bill Gates taught me to dream big and push boundaries. The biggest lesson they taught me: Stay bold, stay driven and never give up.”
In 10 years, Jimenez still sees himself serving — mentoring, doing research and shaping health policy. “And hopefully, with more time for music, books and quiet moments with family,” he said.
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QUICK QUESTIONS
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
Heights.
WHAT REALLY MAKES YOU ANGRY?
What makes me angry is entitlement and unscrupulous practice. People who take shortcuts or abuse their position upset me the most.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO WORK HARD?
I’m motivated by purpose — the chance to make lives better. Knowing my work can ease someone’s pain or save a life keeps me going. I’m also driven by the responsibility to serve and lead by example.
WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH THE MOST?
Witty humor and smart comebacks make me laugh the most. Also, spontaneous moments with close friends and family. Sometimes, even my own mistakes — when I’m not too stressed.
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WON THE LOTTO?
If I win the lotto, I’d set aside funds for my health care when I grow old and sick — I don’t want to be a burden to my family. I’d support research on cardiovascular health and health education programs, especially for underserved communities. And maybe take a long, quiet vacation — offline.
IF YOU COULD SHARE A MEAL WITH ANY INDIVIDUAL, LIVING OR DEAD, WHO WOULD THEY BE?
I’d choose to share a meal with Barack Obama. I admire his calm leadership, eloquence and wisdom. I’d love to hear his thoughts on purpose, service and staying grounded.
WHAT WAS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ?
The last book I read was Bill Gates’ “Source Code.” It gave me insight into how curiosity, focus and bold thinking can shape the future.
WHICH CELEBRITY WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET FOR A CUP OF COFFEE?
I’d like to have coffee with Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto. I admire his integrity, data-driven leadership and commitment to good governance. He’s proof that public service can be honest and effective.
WHAT IS THE MOST DARING THING YOU HAVE EVER DONE?
Volunteering as a critical care doctor during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Facing fear and uncertainty head-on to care for the sick — that was the most daring.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WILL NEVER DO AGAIN?
I’ll never ignore my health for the sake of work again. Burnout taught me that you can’t pour from an empty cup.
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