Faculty spotlight: Benjamin G. Lumicao, M.D., FACC, FACP

Dr. Benjamin Lumicao is the Provost of Saint James School of Medicine. Why did he choose Saint James School of Medicine? What is his advice to medical students? Background Dr. Lumicao (MD, FACC, FCP) is currently the Provost of Saint James School of Medicine, but his journey to the desk started in the 1960’s, where he graduated from the University of the East, Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center College of Medicine in 1961. He then came to the United States where he did his residency in Internal Medicine at Illinois Masonic Hospital. Dr. Lumicao met Dr. Ogelsby Paul (who was the best known cardiologist in Chicago at the time) when he was visiting the hospital for a patient consultation. He accepted Dr. Ogelsby Paul’s offer to finish his residency at Passavant Memorial Hospital. He then did two fellowships, one at Northwestern University and one at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, which is known for its cardiovascular program. Career Dr. Lumicao became a cardiologist after further training and ended up as the Chief Resident under Dr. Ogelsby Paul. He enjoyed the interpersonal relationships he created while working on his patients. He said his patients became good friends of his over the years. He had many high profile people walk through his door, like the Arch Bishop of Chicago, members of the Board of Trustees of the hospital etc. Why Saint James School of Medicine (SJSM)? Dr. Lumicao came out of retirement when he was offered the Provost position and he went back into the medical field. He enjoys the challenge of working on the administrative side of things. Life has come full circle according to Dr. Lumicao. He started out as a foreign medical student and now he is helping other foreign medical students reach their potential. He said it is his challenge to see how he can help them and wants to know he made an impact on a student’s education while he is serving as Provost. He added that the aim of SJSM should be to make physicians who provide good medical service and he sees that as part of his challenge. Saint James School of Medicine’s faculty is made up of accomplished medical professionals dedicated to scientific instruction and academic excellence. All faculty members hold an M.D., a Ph.D., or both. Saint James School of Medicine faculty offer tutoring, mentoring, one-on-one guidance and research support. Message for Students During commencement, Dr. Lumicao empasised a quotation from the First Edition of Tinsley Harrison’s Textbook of Medicine which he believes, sums up what it means to be a physician and also serves what it means to be a physician. “No greater opportunity, responsibility or obligation can fall to the lot of a human being than to become a physician. In the care of the suffering he needs technical skill, scientific knowledge and human understanding. He who uses these with courage, with humility and with wisdom will provide a unique service to his fellow men, and will build an edifice of character within himself. The physician will ask of his destiny no more than this; he should be content with no less.”