Dr. Norma Calderon-Panahon, MD, DLFAPA is a distinguished pioneer, trailblazer, and a pillar in her work as a psychiatrist, a clinical teacher, and as an advocate for International Medical Graduates (IMGs).
Having graduated in the top 10 of the Interns' graduating class in the University of the Philippines College of Medicine in May 1967 was just the beginning of Dr. Calderon-Panahon’s long list of accomplishments. She emigrated to the United States, completed her residency training in psychiatry and carved a niche as an excellent clinician, specializing in depressive/bipolar disorders and panic disorders.
Patients and their families love Dr. Calderon-Panahon for her compassion, dedication, and commitment to them. She has been awarded as Most Outstanding International Medical Graduate by the American Psychiatric Association for her significant work in the integration of IMGs in the APA and for excellence in her profession. She has been bestowed the highest title in the profession, Distinguished Life Fellow of the APA.
Dr. Calderon-Panahon has given back to her community and her country in many ways. She spearheaded the Cesium project of the University of the Philippines Medical Alumni Society in America (UPMASA), Western New York Chapter, of which she is the founding president. Previously, indigent women in the Cancer Institute of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) had to wait for four years to get cesium treatment for their cervical cancer. Dr. Panahon organized fundraising for the Cesium project, effectively removing the waiting time and saving the lives of over 17,000 women with cervical cancer since 1996 by providing free brachytherapy treatment to needy women who would not have been able to afford the treatment otherwise.
Dr. Calderon-Panahon has mentored many young Filipinos and has paved the way for opportunities to grow and be successful in their medical careers. Her mentees have gone on to attain important positions at the American Psychiatric Association while she herself continues to play an active role in the organization as a representative in the Assembly, the congress of the APA.
Dr. Calderon-Panahon’s leadership as president of the Western New York Psychiatric Society, the Asian American Caucus, and the Philippine Psychiatrists in America have made these organizations robust, thriving and relevant. She has also been active as president of the Filipino American Association of Western New York, welcoming new Filipinos adjusting to the US and providing opportunities for Filipino families to create friendships and bonds.
Because of her illustrious achievements in her profession and service in the community, Dr. Calderon-Panahon was bestowed the Most Outstanding Alumna of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine award and was recognized as one of the Amazing Alumni Achievers of the
Maryknoll-Miriam College and 100 Most Influential Filipino Women in the United States.
Dr. Calderon-Panahon has made a huge difference in the lives of others, creating innovative programs and ways to advocate for her patients, her fellow physicians and her profession, and giving back to her countrymen. She is a doctor with a big brain and most importantly, a big heart.
Having graduated in the top 10 of the Interns' graduating class in the University of the Philippines College of Medicine in May 1967 was just the beginning of Dr. Calderon-Panahon’s long list of accomplishments. She emigrated to the United States, completed her residency training in psychiatry and carved a niche as an excellent clinician, specializing in depressive/bipolar disorders and panic disorders.
Patients and their families love Dr. Calderon-Panahon for her compassion, dedication, and commitment to them. She has been awarded as Most Outstanding International Medical Graduate by the American Psychiatric Association for her significant work in the integration of IMGs in the APA and for excellence in her profession. She has been bestowed the highest title in the profession, Distinguished Life Fellow of the APA.
Dr. Calderon-Panahon has given back to her community and her country in many ways. She spearheaded the Cesium project of the University of the Philippines Medical Alumni Society in America (UPMASA), Western New York Chapter, of which she is the founding president. Previously, indigent women in the Cancer Institute of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) had to wait for four years to get cesium treatment for their cervical cancer. Dr. Panahon organized fundraising for the Cesium project, effectively removing the waiting time and saving the lives of over 17,000 women with cervical cancer since 1996 by providing free brachytherapy treatment to needy women who would not have been able to afford the treatment otherwise.
Dr. Calderon-Panahon has mentored many young Filipinos and has paved the way for opportunities to grow and be successful in their medical careers. Her mentees have gone on to attain important positions at the American Psychiatric Association while she herself continues to play an active role in the organization as a representative in the Assembly, the congress of the APA.
Dr. Calderon-Panahon’s leadership as president of the Western New York Psychiatric Society, the Asian American Caucus, and the Philippine Psychiatrists in America have made these organizations robust, thriving and relevant. She has also been active as president of the Filipino American Association of Western New York, welcoming new Filipinos adjusting to the US and providing opportunities for Filipino families to create friendships and bonds.
Because of her illustrious achievements in her profession and service in the community, Dr. Calderon-Panahon was bestowed the Most Outstanding Alumna of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine award and was recognized as one of the Amazing Alumni Achievers of the
Maryknoll-Miriam College and 100 Most Influential Filipino Women in the United States.
Dr. Calderon-Panahon has made a huge difference in the lives of others, creating innovative programs and ways to advocate for her patients, her fellow physicians and her profession, and giving back to her countrymen. She is a doctor with a big brain and most importantly, a big heart.