An Atenean took part in the very first liver transplant in Arkansas, USA

“To be men and women for others”: This is a calling and a challenge that is passed on to every atenean as they graduate and eventually face another milestone in their lives. More often than not, most ateneans take this to heart as once again, one of our very own has answered this call and has taken this challenge. Dr. Eugenio P. Sabalvoro, M.D., AdenHS’79, has dedicated his life to being a man for others through his profession as a doctor specializing in anesthesiology. He is part of a very competent medical team of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), who performed the very first Liver Transplant in the State of Arkansas, USA last May 14, 2005. The UAMS is the only comprehensive health center in Arkansas that has 5 colleges, a graduate school, a medical center, 5 centers of excellence and a statewide network of regional center. They are also certified by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), a non-profit scientific and education organization that administers organ procurement and transplantation network.

The first liver transplant program by the UAMS is indeed an answered prayer for the 55-year old man from Hot Springs, Arkansas, Mr. Greg Gilliland, who was suffering from an end-stage liver disease. Twenty-seven medical professionals, Dr. Sabalvoro being one of them, performed the surgical procedure, which lasted less than four hours. There were no surgical complications during the procedure and Mr. Gilliland is expected to fully recover in six weeks. To date, there are 100 Arkansans who are still in the liver transplant waiting list. With the UAMS liver transplant program, these people are given renewed hope and a greater fighting chance in surviving their liver disease.

Knowing all these makes us all proud that a Filipino and an Atenean such as Dr. Sabalvoro untiringly gives his time and commitment to his profession. He has truly answered the call and taken the challenge to be a man for others.

From your Ateneo de Naga family and from your HS’79 batch mates, Mabuhay ka! We are really proud of you. May you continue to save lives and make a difference in the lives of others.