NAMI cited that "this year's awards are presented to psychiatrists who have made substantial contributions to local or state NAMI activities, who demonstrate exemplary commitment and expertise, and provide excellent clinical care to diverse populations across the life span." In a letter addressed to Pineda, NAMI said "Your dedication to improving the lives of people with serious mental illness has been recognized and appreciated."
Pineda studied at the UP College of Medicine and graduated in 1984, followed by a residency program in general surgery at the 13th Air Force Medical Center which he completed in 1990. He attained a Board Certification in general surgery shortly after and practiced for about two years.
Pineda came to the United States in November 1992, and completed a residency program in General Psychiatry at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston in July 1997. He received his Board certification from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in March 1998. Pineda now practices psychiatry in Phoebe Putney Hospital in Albany, Georgia.
“My work here in the United States as a psychiatrist who treats people across all ages and backgrounds has deepened my conviction at how vital and life-giving a family can be and should be," Pineda said. "Indeed, the family is the basic unit of society at many levels. I have always tried to help my patients understand that they are not alone in their struggles, and enlist the cooperation and assistance of their families and friends. It is a known fact that in the Western world, the family has weakened very much, and therefore I do what little I can to change this."
 Pineda said that part of his work is influenced by his upbringing as a Filipino. "Back home, I learned the fundamental importance of keeping the families strong and nurturing at the same time. We Filipinos have managed to pass on this cultural advantage from generation to generation, and here lies our utmost strength as a people, in my opinion."
Pineda treats patients across all age groups and in various clinical settings. Part of his involvement is the treatment of military veterans at the local Veterans clinic in Albany at least one day a week. "Majority of what I do involves diagnostic evaluations and medication management. The challenge for me is to optimize treatment outcomes for each and every client, regardless of background or diagnosis. This involves making both sound medical judgments as well as fostering a 'therapeutic alliance,' without which work cannot move forward."
A typical day for Pineda would be to attend to about 25-35 patients per day, majority of which are outpatient with about 10% inpatient. Pineda said that he is 'on call' every four days, when he attends to psychiatric emergencies.
With his aspiration to do well in his profession, Pineda tries to "see my patients with a set of fresh eyes," and not to just immediately label a patient with some type of disorder. "I feel that the goal is to see the unique strengths and weaknesses of each patient in front of me, to be present to that person and journey with them. It must not end with a mere diagnosis." Pineda added, "To me, the most comprehensive treatment model is the biopsychosocial-spiritual paradigm." This refers to the different biological, psychological, sociological and spiritual dimensions of the patients that need to be addressed in order to attain mental and emotional wellness and wholeness. Pineda calls himself a revitalized Catholic, and sees that his work would be more successful when the spiritual needs of his patients are also considered.
Pineda said that he owes his success to his people. "There will always be many things and memories that I will treasure in my heart about my home country and people. My roots will always be in the Philippines. Wherever life might take me or whatever changes happen in my personal life, I take my homeland with me. This is not mere sentimentality but a deep truth that I am now appreciating even more. We are never really 'alone' in who we have become or what we do, rather we represent all that have shaped our values and perspective. I am deeply grateful for the many gifts bestowed on me by my homeland."
"I've always taken great pride in our work ethic, our ability to simply get things done without much fanfare." True enough, Pineda because he was so busy with his work was not able to attend the award ceremonies in Washington, DC. His hospital however plans to honor him in July.
|
