From the Editor’s Desk:

Dear Fellow Thomasians,

Warm greetings to all members of our beloved Thomasian community.

As we continue to strengthen the USTMAAA and uphold he legacy entrusted to us by our Alma Mater, we are reminded of a responsibility that grows more urgent each year: welcoming and nurturing the next generation of Thomasians into our association. For us to remain vibrant, relevant, and forward moving, we must actively cultivate new members who will carry our mission into the future.

Inviting newly graduated students to our conventions has proven to be an excellent way to introduce them early to our culture of loyalty, service, and camaraderie. These gatherings allow them to witness firsthand how Thomasians honor tradition, support one another, and give back to the institution that shaped us. It plants a seed—one that, with time, grows into genuine commitment.

We also recognize, from our own journeys, that young graduates often need several years before they can fully participate. Establishing their practice, building careers, starting families, and navigating early professional responsibilities naturally take precedence. Yet even if their active involvement comes later, early exposure matters. It creates familiarity, builds connections, and ensures that when they are ready, they know exactly where they belong.

Remember that our Grand Reunions are for all Thomasian medical graduates and not only for the year’s Jubilarian classes. Last year’s Chicago convention was a testament to what is possible when we open our doors with intention. The Gala attendees were 433 and 375 for the Hawaiian night. With the Co-Chairpersons Drs. Zita Yorro and Stella Evangelista, the highest recorded net income of $200,000 was achieved excluding legacy contributions and this amount was totally given to our Foundation.  We welcomed a record number of younger Thomasians—an encouraging milestone for our association. Many of our CME speakers were part of this younger generation, demonstrating not only their competence but also their willingness to contribute meaningfully when given the opportunity. Their presence energized our programs and reminded us that the future of our organization is bright when we invest in it. We witnessed a record number of silver jubilarians attend our events (11 Silver Jubilarians in 2025, and 9 in 2024). One of them, Dr. Raymundo Racela, Class 2000, expressed his commitment and was elected as BOD of the USTMAAA. Likewise, Dr. Leslie Mendoza Temple, Class 1999 (CME speaker 2025 and 2026) was also elected as BOD. They have proven to be good additions and future leaders of our association. Dr. Luisa Corpus, Class 2011 (CME speaker 2025), became a BOD of USTMAA Midwest. This year one of the Silver Jubilarians, Dr. Millicent Osorio, was also inducted as BOD after learning about our organization and expressed her intention to be a permanent member of the Foundation. She has also recommended several of her classmates who likewise are willing to support our association. We extend our deepest gratitude to Drs. Kristine Pamela Garcia and Anna Garcia Wertz, daughters our most supportive and generous jeweler, Amelia Garcia. Although they are graduates of US medical schools they have been lecturers in our CME programs and are eager to support our organization. 

As we look ahead, let us continue to champion this effort. We need to focus more on the younger graduates who are already established here in America since they are, like us, ready to commit once they become aware of what our association is all about. Our association thrives when every generation stands together, rooted in the same values, driven by the same pride, and united by the same love for our Alma Mater.

Thank you for your unwavering dedication. Together, we will ensure that the Thomasian spirit endures for generations to come.

Sincerely,

Dionisio Yorro, MD, FACC Past Executive Director, USTMAAA CME Director Editor-in- Chief, Newsletter