Dr. Ceres Paulino-Canto, MD, FPPS, FPSPC, FPSE is a Pediatric Cardiologist and Miriam College High School alumna of Class 1998. Through her work, she advocates for pediatric cardiology, patient-centered care, and holistic support for both children and their families.
Dr. Canto pursued a career as a cardiologist with a subspecialty in Pediatric Echocardiography and has been in practice for almost four years. For her, pediatric cardiology has always been the driving force behind her motivations, especially now, as the current Section Head of Pediatric Cardiac Rehabilitation at the Philippine Heart Center, where she focuses on patient-centered care, treating children with congenital and acquired heart diseases. Beyond addressing their physical health, Dr. Canto also supports parents emotionally through group support sessions.
Last February, Dr. Canto published a storybook for children undergoing surgery featuring illustrations by her niece. She underscores the significance of a child’s recovery milestones can sometimes be taken for granted, but seeing them thrive is deeply fulfilling, “It’s the best feeling, it’s so rewarding because that’s what you want. You want to give them their childhoods back. We want them to live normal lives as close to normal as possible,” she says.
She attributes her success not only to her own efforts but also to the help of others. Hard work, self-discipline, and mentorship have played crucial roles in her journey to becoming a doctor, especially in staying focused on her goals. In recalling one of her most memorable experiences at Miriam College, she shares that when she was a grade school student, they were invited to the Congress to lobby for environmental sustainability and a total log ban. At just ten years old, she was given a megaphone to speak on this advocacy, reflecting how the institution’s core value of ‘integrity of creation’ has been instilled within her up to this day. Among the many highlights of her life, Dr. Canto considers raising her daughter with the right values to be her greatest achievement. Professionally, she takes pride in leading and organizing five medical missions for Typhoon Yolanda victims in multiple municipalities aside from Leyte. At the time, she shared her plan on social media, and the overwhelming support she received, through donations, medicine, and volunteers, contributed to the success of the missions.
For Knollers who aspire to follow in her footsteps, Dr. Canto advises that they must be completely certain of their chosen career path and embody the same values that have guided her. She believes that self-discipline is crucial in ensuring one remains on track: “Because when you’re out there, when you finish college and you’re in graduate school, you’re basically by yourself. Nobody will tell you to study. Nobody will tell you to manage your time. You have to be able to discipline yourself.” Seeking mentorship, she adds, will also help in the long run, just as she found support in her college sorority.
Dr. Canto defines a Miriam College graduate as someone who has compassion, social awareness, and a love for serving others while being guided by our love for Mother Mary. These values are evident In her experiences, achievements, and unwavering commitment to her field.
