Dr Ellie May Belarmino Villegas

Dr Ellie May Belarmino Villegas, is a highly esteemed Medical Oncologist with an outstanding record of clinical, research, and academic accomplishments, primarily focused on advancing cancer treatment within Southeast Asia and globally. Dr Villegas earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the Cebu Institute of Medicine in Cebu City, Philippines. She had her Internal Medicine Residency and Medical Oncology Fellowship at the University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hosp (UP – PGH) and later pursued Clinical fellowship at the National Cancer Center in Singapore.   Her journey in oncology spans more than two decades, characterized by significant contributions to the management and understanding of complex cancers, including lung, breast, and colorectal malignancies.

Dr Villegas’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping oncology practices in the Philippines. She served as the President of the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology (PSMO) from 2013 to 2014, a role in which she helped establish standards in oncology care and fostered collaboration among oncologists nationwide. She also served as the Chair of the Philippine Society Board of Medical Oncology (PSBMO) and continues to contribute her expertise as a board member. Additionally, she chairs the Institutional Ethics and Review Board (IERB) at Perpetual Succour Hospital, ensuring ethical oversight of clinical trials conducted within the institution.

Currently, Dr Villegas holds several significant positions that enable her to lead cancer care initiatives and influence oncology education. She is the Section Head of Medical Oncology at Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital, Director of the Cebu Cancer Institute at Perpetual Succour Hospital, and Assistant Chairman of the Medical Oncology Section at Chong Hua Hospital in Cebu City. As an Associate Professor II at Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital, she is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of oncologists and promoting evidence-based practices.

Dr Villegas has been the principal investigator in numerous influential clinical trials that have helped shape treatment protocols for various cancer types. Her extensive research portfolio reflects a strong focus on lung, breast, and colorectal cancers, with a specialization in exploring novel therapeutic agents and combination therapies. Some of her notable clinical trials include: LUX-LUNG 3 Study, IPASS Study, RIBBON 2 Trial. BEATRICE Trial, ATLAS Study, and VEG108838 trial.

Dr Villegas’s research has extended beyond these areas, addressing a broad range of cancers, including Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, colorectal cancer, and head and neck cancer. Her research has not only contributed to the efficacy and safety assessment of multiple treatments but has also influenced international guidelines, particularly for the Southeast Asian oncology landscape.

Her research work, recognized through multiple publications and presentations, has a wide-reaching impact, contributing to advancements in oncology worldwide. Dr Villegas has authored or co-authored numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and has presented her findings at major oncology conferences, positioning her as a thought leader in cancer research.

In her clinical practice, Dr Villegas is affiliated with top medical institutions in Cebu, including Perpetual Succour Hospital, Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital, Chong Hua Hospital in both Cebu City and Mandaue, Visayas Med Hospital, and Cebu Velez General Hospital. Her presence across these institutions enables her to deliver high-quality, comprehensive cancer care to a broad patient population.

Dr Villegas is driven by a dedication to provide compassionate, patient-centered care. Her clinical philosophy emphasizes personalized treatment plans that integrate the latest research findings with each patient’s unique needs and values. She is also deeply committed to public health education, often engaging in community outreach to raise cancer awareness and promote early detection.

Dr Villegas’s legacy as an oncologist, researcher, and educator has laid a solid foundation for future oncology practice in the Philippines. She continues to be a source of inspiration and mentorship for young oncologists and medical students, advocating for continuous education and research. Her vision for the future involves furthering precision medicine and innovative therapies in cancer treatment, ensuring that patients in the Philippines and beyond have access to the best possible care.

During her entire career up to present, Dr Villegas is very active in socio-civic work and has initiated cancer awareness campaigns both at the grass roots and national level. Her advocacy of empowering the barangay health workers, school teachers, and the community as a whole on cancer prevention and screening education has led her to lead the Advocacy Committee of the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology (PSMO) up to this time.