ENGAGING in sports is good for one’s health, but it appears it can also be good for one’s career.
Ophthalmologist Potenciano “Yong” Larrazabal III’s journey in marathons is a testament of this. Running has kept him mentally healthy while overseeing the operations of six hospitals under the Cebu Doctors’ Group (CDG) of Hospitals.
Yong said this competitive sport, which demands discipline, drive and determination, gives business owners like him the competitive advantage. He said marathons worked well for him because he is a goal-oriented person.
“It keeps me fit. It strengthens me physically, emotionally and mentally,” Yong said, suggesting that business owners need to engage in at least one sport to help them stay active and balanced.
Yong was named the president and chairman of the board of the CDG after his father, Dr. Potenciano Larrazabal Jr., passed away last year.
Hospitals, according to Yong, have become their “second homes.” He said he and his siblings stayed at the facility after school and waited patiently for their father to finish his rounds so they could go home together.
“We were exposed at the very early stage. Our parents brought us up to become doctors one day. There was no other choice,” he said.
But Yong’s love for drawing got in the way when he was about to choose which profession to pursue.
During his fourth year in West Virginia, Yong told his father he would just finish medical school and then pursue architecture. This did not sit well with the patriarch.
“We did not talk for three to four months until my mom talked to me and told me that I’d never be an effective leader in my job if I was not a doctor. The respect is different. The compassion that we were taught is something that could never be acquired by any entrepreneur, religious order, etc. and now, I realized this to be true,” he said.
Yong has been in the medical profession for 20 years now.
He oversees the operation of six hospitals--Ormoc Doctors’ Hospital, Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital (CDUH), Mactan Doctors’ Hospital, South General Doctors’ Hospital, North General Doctors’ Hospital, and San Carlos Doctors’ Hospital.
What was your first job?
I worked as an administrative assistant in our Mactan hospital while I was doing my review. I got paid P1,500 a month that time.
Now, I run my own eye clinic. I do eye operations, which I have grown to love. Operating on eyes, for me, is like a work of art. I have also developed a system in my clinic, nearly perfected it, allowing us to cater to 70 to 100 patients a day from Visayas and Mindanao.
Who inspired you to get into business?
We are blessed that our parents have guided us well. They have created a positive influence around us, inspiring us to get better each day. When my father passed away and I assumed the position, it was a responsibility I embraced knowing that I was continuing a legacy.
I told them about my 10-point goal, and I’m happy that out of the 10, we have already accomplished seven. Our plan is for the group to embark on innovation, interconnectedness, renovation and improvement of facilities’ programs to ensure an excellent healthcare service for the community.
When did you realize this was what you were meant to do?
Running a hospital as big as ours is never easy. But getting things done, seeing how improved facilities have helped patients bring a sense of fulfillment.
When I became the president and chairman of the group, I knew I had to learn everything and that made me appreciate the work I am in. I got to better appreciate everybody’s jobs, no matter how simple or complex they are. The challenge, however, is to make quick decisions.
Why did you pick this type of business or industry?
This is an industry that allows us to help people in need. You don’t just look at the business side of it. You have to think beyond what you can get from the people, to what you can do for them. We were taught to give everyone the same treatment. In fact, those who have less in life should be given more attention.
How many times did you fail before you succeeded?
Marathoners have the knack for never giving up. So when there are challenges along my way, I face them head on. Failures or mistakes don’t really define us. It is facing them that teaches us a lot about our character.