Dr. Philip Niño Tan-Gatue: A Leader in Integrating Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Philippines
Dr. Philip Niño Tan-Gatue blends Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine, transforming healthcare in the Philippines.
By
Oct 29, 2025
NATIONWIDE - OCTOBER 2025 - (USAnews.com) Dr. Philip Niño Tan-Gatue is a remarkable figure in the healthcare landscape of the Philippines, known for his pioneering work in integrating Western medicine with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). His contributions have significantly reshaped how healthcare is delivered, offering patients a holistic approach to healing.
Blending Western and Eastern Approaches to Medicine
Dr. Tan-Gatue's career is defined by a fusion of his Western medical education and expertise in Traditional Chinese Medicine. He is a certified medical acupuncturist and certified TCM practitioner, serving as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of the Philippines College of Medicine. In this role, he educates future medical professionals on how to combine Eastern practices like acupuncture with conventional Western treatments, helping broaden their approach to patient care. He is also faculty dean at the Philippine QiHuang TCM Institute, and a regular lecturer at the SMIC Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
He is also the Section Head of Herbology at the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center in Manila, where he oversees the integration of TCM into the hospital's healthcare offerings. His work in establishing TCM units within hospitals has made it easier for patients to access both acupuncture and herbal medicine, which he believes complement and enhance conventional treatments.
Challenges in Integrating TCM into Western-Dominated Healthcare
The integration of TCM into hospitals and healthcare settings that have traditionally focused on Western medicine was not without challenges. Many patients and healthcare providers were initially unfamiliar with acupuncture and herbal treatments. Dr. Tan-Gatue’s persistence, however, helped shift perspectives. His success stories, particularly with patients experiencing chronic pain and stress, have shown the benefits of TCM, making it more accepted within mainstream medical circles.
A standout achievement of his career was helping in the establishment of the Department of TCM at Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center, one of the first hospitals in the Philippines to formally adopt acupuncture as a legitimate treatment. He is currently following that up by helping to set up a TCM unit at Cardinal Santos Medical Center as well. His leadership and advocacy have been instrumental in advancing TCM within the healthcare system.
National Recognition and Leadership in TCM
Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Tan-Gatue's leadership and expertise have earned him national recognition. He serves on the National Certification Committee on Traditional Chinese Medicine under the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care, a body under the Department of Health. This role allows him to influence and shape the standards and regulations for TCM practices across the Philippines.
He was also recently elected to the Board of Trustees of the Philippine Academy of Acupuncture, Inc., further solidifying his position as a key advocate for the inclusion of TCM in mainstream healthcare.
A Holistic Approach to Healing
Dr. Tan-Gatue's philosophy on medicine is centered around a holistic approach, addressing not only physical symptoms but also the emotional and spiritual aspects of health. This comprehensive view of healing is what distinguishes his work. By integrating acupuncture and modern medical techniques, he crafts personalized treatment plans that aim to improve patients' overall well-being, offering relief from chronic pain, stress, and other ailments.
Why TCM Might Be the Right Choice for You
For those in the Philippines seeking alternatives to conventional treatments, Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a variety of potential benefits. With Dr. Tan-Gatue’s efforts, acupuncture and herbal medicine have become more accessible and respected within the country’s healthcare system. Whether for chronic condition management, stress relief, or a more balanced approach to wellness, TCM presents a valuable option for those looking to address their health from a holistic perspective.
Dr. Tan-Gatue’s innovative work continues to pave the way for a more inclusive, integrative healthcare system in the Philippines, where both modern and traditional practices can work together for the benefit of patients.
For more information and updates, you can connect with Dr. Tan-Gatue through his social media platforms:
