Those were the reasons why Dr. Victor R. Potenciano, with several of his friends, decided to put up the then Polymedic General Hospital, Inc. In such a time when most doctors left the country to explore the lucrative possibilities abroad, Dr. Potenciano (or VRP as how he was fondly called by his friends and colleagues in the hospital) instead braved the path to stay and put up a hospital.

His wife, Irma Potenciano, shared: "The hospital was his greatest achievement. He started in 1967 as Polymedic, with only some savings earned from his practice and tons of patience and dedication."

VRP earned his medical degree from the University of the Philippines in 1950 and consequently landed 4th place in the board exams. VRP specialized in cardiology and internal medicine. He was one of the first to practice industrial medicine during his time and that created an indelible mark in the local medical profession then.

Because he garnered such credibility, he was awarded a scholarship grant to take further studies in industrial medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital in Harvard for six months and another six months in New York University. He was the industrial doctor of many big companies and pharmaceuticals, such as the Mency and Co., Wrigley’s, and United Laboratories.

He became the medical referee for Western Pacific of the World Health Organization and his reputation made him one of only 10 doctors accredited by the US embassy as examiner during his time.

One man’s vision proved to be many’s gain. VRP envisioned a medical institution that can both service the public and be a training ground for young medical practitioners with the social conscience to uplift the ailing medical practice in the Philippines.

Now on its 33rd year, VRP Medical Center continues to provide quality health care services by acquiring new equipment and establishing new facilities. The five-floor Physicians Center, which boasts of the well-appointed doctors’ clinics and modern facilities such as the Emergency Room, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department and Pharmacy is now operating to complement the 10-story hospital building.

The hospital building continues to transform into a more customer-oriented hospital. Aside from the usual facilities, there are also specialty centers available to address specific medical needs of patients, such as the Heart Station & Cardiac Rehabilitation Center, Women’s Healthcare Center, Eye Care Center, Respiratory Care Center, Ear Care Center, Breast Clinic, the Endoscopy Center and others.