| Augustus "Gus" P. Soriano Philadelphia, Mississippi A National Filipino Community Leader From The Deep South A Courageous Fighter and A Firm Believer of Human Rights and Dignity |
It was in July 1, 1965 when a young Filipino physician arrived in
Meridian, Mississippi, the epicenter of racial discrimination and
during the height of the struggle for social and equal justice by the
"colored" people: black, yellow, brown against the supposedly
mainstream white community. It was the time when the saying:
"When you are black, stay in the back. When you are brown, stick
around." But not in Meridian - the deepest of the Deep South
where white skin is the only ones that counted. Just newly
graduated as a medical doctor from one of the most prestigious
medical schools in the world, the University of Santo Thomas
College of Medicine in Manila, Philippines, and just completed
his one-year internship from the VA Hospital in the Philippines,
young Augustus Pisuena Soriano's courage, patience and
tactfulness were being put in to extreme test. He now states: "I
survive discrimination in the deep South due to my faith in God,
family and country. All alone I never give them an inch to push me
around."
Indeed it was Gus Soriano's determination to succeed and his
desire to be number one in anything he does that made him one
of Mississippi's outstanding citizens and achievers not only in his
profession but in civic, cultural and political arenas as well.
Meridian, Mississippi, the epicenter of racial discrimination and
during the height of the struggle for social and equal justice by the
"colored" people: black, yellow, brown against the supposedly
mainstream white community. It was the time when the saying:
"When you are black, stay in the back. When you are brown, stick
around." But not in Meridian - the deepest of the Deep South
where white skin is the only ones that counted. Just newly
graduated as a medical doctor from one of the most prestigious
medical schools in the world, the University of Santo Thomas
College of Medicine in Manila, Philippines, and just completed
his one-year internship from the VA Hospital in the Philippines,
young Augustus Pisuena Soriano's courage, patience and
tactfulness were being put in to extreme test. He now states: "I
survive discrimination in the deep South due to my faith in God,
family and country. All alone I never give them an inch to push me
around."
Indeed it was Gus Soriano's determination to succeed and his
desire to be number one in anything he does that made him one
of Mississippi's outstanding citizens and achievers not only in his
profession but in civic, cultural and political arenas as well.
"I devote my life in Mississippi to help the poor, the minorities, the elderly and handicapped, and the least
fortunate citizens of our state. For this, I was labeled the most controversial physician and activist in
Mississippi," explained Dr. Soriano.
Born and raised in Iloilo City where he graduated from high school from the University of San Agustin, Gus,
as he prefers to be called by all, manifested his typical Ilongo treats: daring and brave and smart. "These
Ilongo treats sure came very handy in my first few years in the Deep South. I was cajoled, ridiculed and
constantly challenged. But I stood my ground and fought everyone -- including brief brushes with the racially
influenced police officers, and even members of the Ku Klux Klan."
After his residency at Mattie Hersee Hospital in Meridian, in 1967 he transferred to East Mississippi State
Hospital in the same city to be a staff physician. In 1969, he moved to Decatur, Georgia to served as resident
physician at the Veterans Hospital and to complete his Career Residency in General Surgery. In 1972, he
became a General Surgery Resident at VA Hospital in Alabama with UAB.
His solo private practice started in 1974 when he started his solo private practice in general surgery and
family practice at Philadelphia, Mississippi, affiliated with Laird Hospital. From 1984 to 1989, he was affiliated
with various hospitals in St. Louis, MO; Louisville, MO; Columbus, MS; and Louisville, MS. In 1989 up to the
present, he is Chief of Surgery at Neshoba County General Hospital in Philadelphia, MS.
As one can surmise, in spite of what appeared to be stumbling blocks to an average person, Gus Soriano
never waver on his desire to be somebody in his chosen field. He not only succeeded to complete his higher
medical education, but was able to complete his actual training or practice in the medical field with flying
colors. He never let up his desire for advancement. He achieved and acquired the highest accomplishments
a physician can aim for. He has fellowships in the International College of Surgeons U.S. Section; American
College of International Physicians; American College of Abdominal Surgery; American College of Medicine;
Inter-American College of Physicians and Surgeons; Royal Society of Medicine (London); and the Society of
Philippine Surgeons in America.
Admired by his peers for his industriousness and focused approach to accomplishing successfully anything
he desires, Gus have founded several organizations. "I get involve with organization only when its main
purpose is to provide humanitarian services to the community," articulated Gus. He formed the handful
Filipino physicians in the State and organized, and served as founding president, the Philippine Medical
Association of Mississippi. From this handful group of physicians, community-oriented services were
rendered; thus, winning the admiration and respect of the mainstream community. He is the founder of Malay
American Council in the U.S.; founder and interim chairman of the Filipino American Citizens League; founder
of Philippine Heritage Endowment Fund of Indiana University Foundation -- just mention a few noteworthy
associations he founded.
"Gus Soriano is a great man and truly a national Filipino-American community leader. As national president in
1991 of the American College of International Physicians (ACIP), he spearheaded various projects enhancing
and protecting foreign medical graduates from any discriminatory acts," explained Dr. Alex Yadao of
Alexandria, Virginia, previous TOFA awardee and prime nominator that highly recommended Gus Soriano to
the 1995 TOFA. "He is a courageous leader that should be included in the 'Circle of Leaders' and be
recognized for all his thankless and tireless efforts, for the last two decades, in highlighting positive Filipino-
American image."
One of Gus' favorite quotes is: "If society can not help the interest of the poor that are many, then it can help
the interest of the rich that are too few." In his stature as a dynamic leader in activism, Gus rubbed elbows
with the State's political stalwarts as well as the rich and the famous of Mississippi, in which he is considered
as one. He was elected three times to the East Central Sub-advisory Council, MSHA and was appointed by
Governor Cliff Finch to the Mississippi Health care Commission. His good friend, Philip Martin, is the Tribal
Chief of Chotaw Indian Nation, the State's most influential and powerful group.
Gus Soriano is married to the former Lilian Anita Hilton of Alabama. They have six children: Lisa, 23; Sean, 22;
Sonja, 21; Sunny, 20; Heather, 18; and, Philip, 16. •
fortunate citizens of our state. For this, I was labeled the most controversial physician and activist in
Mississippi," explained Dr. Soriano.
Born and raised in Iloilo City where he graduated from high school from the University of San Agustin, Gus,
as he prefers to be called by all, manifested his typical Ilongo treats: daring and brave and smart. "These
Ilongo treats sure came very handy in my first few years in the Deep South. I was cajoled, ridiculed and
constantly challenged. But I stood my ground and fought everyone -- including brief brushes with the racially
influenced police officers, and even members of the Ku Klux Klan."
After his residency at Mattie Hersee Hospital in Meridian, in 1967 he transferred to East Mississippi State
Hospital in the same city to be a staff physician. In 1969, he moved to Decatur, Georgia to served as resident
physician at the Veterans Hospital and to complete his Career Residency in General Surgery. In 1972, he
became a General Surgery Resident at VA Hospital in Alabama with UAB.
His solo private practice started in 1974 when he started his solo private practice in general surgery and
family practice at Philadelphia, Mississippi, affiliated with Laird Hospital. From 1984 to 1989, he was affiliated
with various hospitals in St. Louis, MO; Louisville, MO; Columbus, MS; and Louisville, MS. In 1989 up to the
present, he is Chief of Surgery at Neshoba County General Hospital in Philadelphia, MS.
As one can surmise, in spite of what appeared to be stumbling blocks to an average person, Gus Soriano
never waver on his desire to be somebody in his chosen field. He not only succeeded to complete his higher
medical education, but was able to complete his actual training or practice in the medical field with flying
colors. He never let up his desire for advancement. He achieved and acquired the highest accomplishments
a physician can aim for. He has fellowships in the International College of Surgeons U.S. Section; American
College of International Physicians; American College of Abdominal Surgery; American College of Medicine;
Inter-American College of Physicians and Surgeons; Royal Society of Medicine (London); and the Society of
Philippine Surgeons in America.
Admired by his peers for his industriousness and focused approach to accomplishing successfully anything
he desires, Gus have founded several organizations. "I get involve with organization only when its main
purpose is to provide humanitarian services to the community," articulated Gus. He formed the handful
Filipino physicians in the State and organized, and served as founding president, the Philippine Medical
Association of Mississippi. From this handful group of physicians, community-oriented services were
rendered; thus, winning the admiration and respect of the mainstream community. He is the founder of Malay
American Council in the U.S.; founder and interim chairman of the Filipino American Citizens League; founder
of Philippine Heritage Endowment Fund of Indiana University Foundation -- just mention a few noteworthy
associations he founded.
"Gus Soriano is a great man and truly a national Filipino-American community leader. As national president in
1991 of the American College of International Physicians (ACIP), he spearheaded various projects enhancing
and protecting foreign medical graduates from any discriminatory acts," explained Dr. Alex Yadao of
Alexandria, Virginia, previous TOFA awardee and prime nominator that highly recommended Gus Soriano to
the 1995 TOFA. "He is a courageous leader that should be included in the 'Circle of Leaders' and be
recognized for all his thankless and tireless efforts, for the last two decades, in highlighting positive Filipino-
American image."
One of Gus' favorite quotes is: "If society can not help the interest of the poor that are many, then it can help
the interest of the rich that are too few." In his stature as a dynamic leader in activism, Gus rubbed elbows
with the State's political stalwarts as well as the rich and the famous of Mississippi, in which he is considered
as one. He was elected three times to the East Central Sub-advisory Council, MSHA and was appointed by
Governor Cliff Finch to the Mississippi Health care Commission. His good friend, Philip Martin, is the Tribal
Chief of Chotaw Indian Nation, the State's most influential and powerful group.
Gus Soriano is married to the former Lilian Anita Hilton of Alabama. They have six children: Lisa, 23; Sean, 22;
Sonja, 21; Sunny, 20; Heather, 18; and, Philip, 16. •
Washington D.C. Since 1987
Washington D.C. Since 1987
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