Philippine Society of Medical Oncology (PSMO) honored retired pharmaceutical executive Thomas Jordan at its annual meeting for his contributions to cancer patient treatment worldwide. About 500 oncologists applauded him in the ballroom as he stood to receive the recognition.
The former vice president of worldwide oncology business at Bristol-Myers Squibb described the tribute as a surprise.
“I was honored for my contributions to cancer patient treatment worldwide. No award, just recognition. This was a big surprise,” Jordan said in a message shared with PGMN.
A presentation at the event highlighted his responsibility for worldwide clinical trials involving Taxol and Paraplatin under Bristol-Myers Squibb in 1991. It also credited him with bringing the two cancer medicines to the Philippines in 1994.
The presentation cited Jordan’s establishment of the ASCO ONS Awards Program and his work as a consultant on international relations for the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
His wife, Resurecion “Jing” Laggui Jordan, joined him at the organizers’ invitation. Jordan recalled that she denied knowing about the surprise but kept reminding him they could not be late. Together, they shared the excitement of the unexpected recognition.
