| Ulysses "Uly" Mejia Carbajal, M.D. Azusa, California A Super Dynamic Community Leader Whose Lifetime Dedication is to Serve God, America, his Homeland - the Philippines, and the Human Race |
Dr. Ulysses M. Carbajal is indeed a man of all seasons. A proven
and experienced born-leader par-excellence. A man of God. A true
Filipino and a dedicated doctor of medicine sworn to help not only
his own people but the peoples of this world as well. A man
whose burning desire to lead others to true Christian living is
immediately evident when one has the opportunity to be exposed
to him. Indeed, Uly is one of the super breed of community “can
do” leaders.
RICH CULTURAL BACKGROUND
Coming from a highly cultural background rich in arts, Dr.
Ulysses Mejia Carbajal or “Uly” — as he wishes his friends to
address him — was born on August 10, 1922 in San Nicolas,
Pangasinan to Crisanto Carbajal, a teacher and evangelist whose
father was a band conductor and a “zarzuela” director, and to
Candida Mejia, a genius mathematician.
Encouraged and nurtured by the Carbajal elders, Uly consistently
excelled in every thing he studies, more especially in drama
and music. In acting, he started at an early age when he played a
role of a doctor in a third grade school drama in Pangasinan.
From that moment on, Uly has not only acted but has been
and experienced born-leader par-excellence. A man of God. A true
Filipino and a dedicated doctor of medicine sworn to help not only
his own people but the peoples of this world as well. A man
whose burning desire to lead others to true Christian living is
immediately evident when one has the opportunity to be exposed
to him. Indeed, Uly is one of the super breed of community “can
do” leaders.
RICH CULTURAL BACKGROUND
Coming from a highly cultural background rich in arts, Dr.
Ulysses Mejia Carbajal or “Uly” — as he wishes his friends to
address him — was born on August 10, 1922 in San Nicolas,
Pangasinan to Crisanto Carbajal, a teacher and evangelist whose
father was a band conductor and a “zarzuela” director, and to
Candida Mejia, a genius mathematician.
Encouraged and nurtured by the Carbajal elders, Uly consistently
excelled in every thing he studies, more especially in drama
and music. In acting, he started at an early age when he played a
role of a doctor in a third grade school drama in Pangasinan.
From that moment on, Uly has not only acted but has been
writing and directing plays and dramas including “My Beloved Country First” which was shown four times at
Manila’s famous Philamlife Auditorium; “Even As I Have Found You,” “By Means of Love” and several others
which were held at Manila’s finest stages such as the Luneta Park, the FEU Auditorium, the GSIS as well as
in various schools and churches in the Philippines.
A BRILLIANT MAN
An exceptionally brilliant and honor student from elementary, to high school, to college and on to higher
educations, Uly has incredibly earned three doctorate degrees, three masters degrees and two diplomate
degrees! He graduated as one of the top students in 1952 from Manila Central University (MCU) with the
degree of Doctor of Medicine. In 1983, he received his Doctorate in Education from Andrews University in
Michigan, and presently completing his dissertation: “Education as a Healing Process.” From Fuller
Theological Seminary, writing on “The Theology of Salvation and Healing,” under the mentorship of Dr. Colin
Brown, PhD, Uly started and completed his Doctor of Philosophy. His Masters Degrees include Master of
Arts (Religion) from Philippine Union College in Manila in 1975; Masters of Divinity from Far East Theological
Seminary, also in Manila in 1977; and Masters of Theology from Andrews University in Michigan in 1981. He
earned his Diplomate Degrees in 1956 as Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, and in 1973,
he was certified by the Philippine Board of Ophthalmology.
MAN OF MANY "FIRST"
A leader with practically unequalled accomplishments among his peers, Uly has continously been very
visible in his profession, community and religious activities. From the time Uly graduated before World War II
in 1940 as high school valedictorian from Northern Luzon Academy, Uly has been earning many first-place
accolades as well as chucking the distinction of being “the first” in so many major events and activities. He
has the distinction as the first Philippine medical graduate to pass the California boards with a stunning 87%
high marks in written test and a grade of “Excellent” in the oral portion of the stringent California examinations
for foreign medical graduates. The first Filipino Ophthalmology Resident in both the prestigious U.C.L.A.
Medical Center and the Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles, California. He was the first president of the
following: Philippine Board of Medical Specialties, the Philippine Choral Conductors Association, the
Philippine Community Uplift Association, and the Federation of Adventist Choirs. He is the first Filipino eye
specialist to practice in California, the first MCU medical graduate to be the national president of the powerful
and influential Philippine Medical Association in the Philippines, and the first Filipino ever to organize the
International Choral Group in Southern California in 1958.
LOVE FOR THE PHILIPPINES
“Dr. Ulysses Carbajal is a unique person whose sincere love for his country, the Philippines, is deeply rooted
within him,” commented Dr. Rudy Punzalan, a successful medical practitioner in Southern California and a
fellow-MCU medical graduate and a member of the the prestigious APPA Board of Governors. “Unlike most of
the the Filipino doctors who have the good fortune of being educated and trained in this great country, Dr.
Carbajal opted to go back to the Philippines during the height of his successful practice in America in the ‘60’
s. He was obsessed to share his knowledge and know-how he had gained abroad with his countrymen in
the Philippines, more especially in rural depressed areas. Gratis et amori.”
True to his commitment, he had led medical missions alone in rural barrios in the Philippines. “It has
been my desire to serve our people in the Philippines,” remarked Dr. Uly Carbajal. “When I was completing
my higher medical education in America, I was envisioning myself working — for free — in the barrios
providing and sharing what the Lord has abundantly blessed me - - the talent of healing.”
PURPOSE OF RETURNING TO THE PHILIPPINES
Dr. Carbajal’s purpose in returning to the Philippines were twofolds. The primary reason is his ardent desire
to serve the Filipinos in the Philippines; and secondly, to fulfill a lifetime dream of being one of the physicians
responsible and instrumental in restructuring and streamlining the PMA — the Philippine Medical
Association. For it was the PMA that offered Dr. Uly Carbajal the opportunity to fulfill his lifetime dual
"fantasies" for the Filipino physicians: decentralizing the mega powerful, influential and wealthy professional
organization; and to coordinate, standardize and elevate medical society services in the country.
Dr. Uly Carbajal’s name appeared prominently in the history manual of the Philippine Medical Association,
which celebrated its 90th anniversary recently, as the first major mover towards decentralization of PMA which
was, decades later, successfully realized. Now, PMA is organized in to eleven districts with each district
representing major provinces and cities in the Philippines. The medical specialty societies have now
successfully created an Advisory Board -- free from influence of the Philippine Government and the PMA
itself.
Uly effectively utilized his various policy-influencing positions in the three major medical field associations
to advance these goals ... or, "visions" -- if you may wish to call them as such. He effectively served as
president of the MCU Medical Alumni Association, the Philippine Medical Association, and the Philippine
Board of Specialties. Creating legions of believers, and eventually followers, in his ardent desires to help
the unfortunates -- not alone by himself -- but jointly with the assistance of the cream of the crop of the
Philippine in the medical community.
“Dr. Carbajal’s philosophy, based on Romans 8:28, is that God can turn our discordant notes into beautiful
harmony if we yield our lives to Him,” wrote Alfea C. Salvador in one of the numerous articles written about
Uly.
Uly’s awards, honors, accolades, plaques of appreciation, achievement trophies, commendations from
educational institutions, various governments, peers and achievement medals are too many to
enumerate. " He could very well qualify as one of the the most decorated Filipinos, both here and in the
Philippines — for professional and community achievements," commented one of his fellow APPA officers.
MEGA TALENTED CARBAJAL CLAN
Dr. Uly Carbajal’s charming wife, Jovita, is a soprano graduate from the Philippine Women’s University.
Concertised in the Philippines, Hawaii and U.S., she is the first Orthoepist in the Philippines graduating from
University of Iowa in 1954. The four Carbajal children are all highly successful and achievers in their own right.
The eldest, Dwight Orwyn, 39, plays guitar and clarinet and is a manager of a computer design firm. Ritchie,
36, closely follows his dad. He was a child prodigy. He studied piano at an early age at Philippine Women’s
University in Manila. He has also a Masters of Divinity degree from Andrews University. Jan Idalyne
Carbajal-Giron, 35, who plays the organ, is a graduate of Doctor of Medicine from MCU, and has an M
aster of Philosophy from Philippine Union College, and is an Eye Resident at MCU Hospital. Eugene Ray,
33, a baritone singer, is a computer specialist. All of the Carbajal siblings have acquired the journalistic
abilities of their dad who has been writing published novels, stories, essays, reports and others journalistic
feats.
RUNNING FOR APPA PRESIDENT-ELECT
When we were preparing for this article, Dr. Uly Carbajal informed us that he was again seeking the highest
elected position of the prestigious and powerful APPA, Association of Philippine Physicians in America.
When queried why he seeks and possibly antagonize some of his friends in APPA, Uly explained: “Unless
we elect one who can be acceptable to the “warring” factions of the association, a large segment of our
colleagues may quit or put up another association. The beauty of APPA’s election process is each member is
entitled to cast his or her personal ballot, and since we are all highly educated and mature, I am confident
that friendships can be spared, and APPA members are given the opportunity to elect a leader whom they
sincerely feel could do the job to stress complete Christian reconciliation and Christian unity. Friends
and colleagues have asked me to accept the challenge to try and run again next year. With God’s guidance,
I again accepted the challenge to run for APPA President-Elect!!”
Manila’s famous Philamlife Auditorium; “Even As I Have Found You,” “By Means of Love” and several others
which were held at Manila’s finest stages such as the Luneta Park, the FEU Auditorium, the GSIS as well as
in various schools and churches in the Philippines.
A BRILLIANT MAN
An exceptionally brilliant and honor student from elementary, to high school, to college and on to higher
educations, Uly has incredibly earned three doctorate degrees, three masters degrees and two diplomate
degrees! He graduated as one of the top students in 1952 from Manila Central University (MCU) with the
degree of Doctor of Medicine. In 1983, he received his Doctorate in Education from Andrews University in
Michigan, and presently completing his dissertation: “Education as a Healing Process.” From Fuller
Theological Seminary, writing on “The Theology of Salvation and Healing,” under the mentorship of Dr. Colin
Brown, PhD, Uly started and completed his Doctor of Philosophy. His Masters Degrees include Master of
Arts (Religion) from Philippine Union College in Manila in 1975; Masters of Divinity from Far East Theological
Seminary, also in Manila in 1977; and Masters of Theology from Andrews University in Michigan in 1981. He
earned his Diplomate Degrees in 1956 as Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, and in 1973,
he was certified by the Philippine Board of Ophthalmology.
MAN OF MANY "FIRST"
A leader with practically unequalled accomplishments among his peers, Uly has continously been very
visible in his profession, community and religious activities. From the time Uly graduated before World War II
in 1940 as high school valedictorian from Northern Luzon Academy, Uly has been earning many first-place
accolades as well as chucking the distinction of being “the first” in so many major events and activities. He
has the distinction as the first Philippine medical graduate to pass the California boards with a stunning 87%
high marks in written test and a grade of “Excellent” in the oral portion of the stringent California examinations
for foreign medical graduates. The first Filipino Ophthalmology Resident in both the prestigious U.C.L.A.
Medical Center and the Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles, California. He was the first president of the
following: Philippine Board of Medical Specialties, the Philippine Choral Conductors Association, the
Philippine Community Uplift Association, and the Federation of Adventist Choirs. He is the first Filipino eye
specialist to practice in California, the first MCU medical graduate to be the national president of the powerful
and influential Philippine Medical Association in the Philippines, and the first Filipino ever to organize the
International Choral Group in Southern California in 1958.
LOVE FOR THE PHILIPPINES
“Dr. Ulysses Carbajal is a unique person whose sincere love for his country, the Philippines, is deeply rooted
within him,” commented Dr. Rudy Punzalan, a successful medical practitioner in Southern California and a
fellow-MCU medical graduate and a member of the the prestigious APPA Board of Governors. “Unlike most of
the the Filipino doctors who have the good fortune of being educated and trained in this great country, Dr.
Carbajal opted to go back to the Philippines during the height of his successful practice in America in the ‘60’
s. He was obsessed to share his knowledge and know-how he had gained abroad with his countrymen in
the Philippines, more especially in rural depressed areas. Gratis et amori.”
True to his commitment, he had led medical missions alone in rural barrios in the Philippines. “It has
been my desire to serve our people in the Philippines,” remarked Dr. Uly Carbajal. “When I was completing
my higher medical education in America, I was envisioning myself working — for free — in the barrios
providing and sharing what the Lord has abundantly blessed me - - the talent of healing.”
PURPOSE OF RETURNING TO THE PHILIPPINES
Dr. Carbajal’s purpose in returning to the Philippines were twofolds. The primary reason is his ardent desire
to serve the Filipinos in the Philippines; and secondly, to fulfill a lifetime dream of being one of the physicians
responsible and instrumental in restructuring and streamlining the PMA — the Philippine Medical
Association. For it was the PMA that offered Dr. Uly Carbajal the opportunity to fulfill his lifetime dual
"fantasies" for the Filipino physicians: decentralizing the mega powerful, influential and wealthy professional
organization; and to coordinate, standardize and elevate medical society services in the country.
Dr. Uly Carbajal’s name appeared prominently in the history manual of the Philippine Medical Association,
which celebrated its 90th anniversary recently, as the first major mover towards decentralization of PMA which
was, decades later, successfully realized. Now, PMA is organized in to eleven districts with each district
representing major provinces and cities in the Philippines. The medical specialty societies have now
successfully created an Advisory Board -- free from influence of the Philippine Government and the PMA
itself.
Uly effectively utilized his various policy-influencing positions in the three major medical field associations
to advance these goals ... or, "visions" -- if you may wish to call them as such. He effectively served as
president of the MCU Medical Alumni Association, the Philippine Medical Association, and the Philippine
Board of Specialties. Creating legions of believers, and eventually followers, in his ardent desires to help
the unfortunates -- not alone by himself -- but jointly with the assistance of the cream of the crop of the
Philippine in the medical community.
“Dr. Carbajal’s philosophy, based on Romans 8:28, is that God can turn our discordant notes into beautiful
harmony if we yield our lives to Him,” wrote Alfea C. Salvador in one of the numerous articles written about
Uly.
Uly’s awards, honors, accolades, plaques of appreciation, achievement trophies, commendations from
educational institutions, various governments, peers and achievement medals are too many to
enumerate. " He could very well qualify as one of the the most decorated Filipinos, both here and in the
Philippines — for professional and community achievements," commented one of his fellow APPA officers.
MEGA TALENTED CARBAJAL CLAN
Dr. Uly Carbajal’s charming wife, Jovita, is a soprano graduate from the Philippine Women’s University.
Concertised in the Philippines, Hawaii and U.S., she is the first Orthoepist in the Philippines graduating from
University of Iowa in 1954. The four Carbajal children are all highly successful and achievers in their own right.
The eldest, Dwight Orwyn, 39, plays guitar and clarinet and is a manager of a computer design firm. Ritchie,
36, closely follows his dad. He was a child prodigy. He studied piano at an early age at Philippine Women’s
University in Manila. He has also a Masters of Divinity degree from Andrews University. Jan Idalyne
Carbajal-Giron, 35, who plays the organ, is a graduate of Doctor of Medicine from MCU, and has an M
aster of Philosophy from Philippine Union College, and is an Eye Resident at MCU Hospital. Eugene Ray,
33, a baritone singer, is a computer specialist. All of the Carbajal siblings have acquired the journalistic
abilities of their dad who has been writing published novels, stories, essays, reports and others journalistic
feats.
RUNNING FOR APPA PRESIDENT-ELECT
When we were preparing for this article, Dr. Uly Carbajal informed us that he was again seeking the highest
elected position of the prestigious and powerful APPA, Association of Philippine Physicians in America.
When queried why he seeks and possibly antagonize some of his friends in APPA, Uly explained: “Unless
we elect one who can be acceptable to the “warring” factions of the association, a large segment of our
colleagues may quit or put up another association. The beauty of APPA’s election process is each member is
entitled to cast his or her personal ballot, and since we are all highly educated and mature, I am confident
that friendships can be spared, and APPA members are given the opportunity to elect a leader whom they
sincerely feel could do the job to stress complete Christian reconciliation and Christian unity. Friends
and colleagues have asked me to accept the challenge to try and run again next year. With God’s guidance,
I again accepted the challenge to run for APPA President-Elect!!”
Washington D.C. Since 1987
Washington D.C. Since 1987
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