Contributions:
1. Medical Education:
- Don Vicente Fabella co-founded the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Faculty of Medicine and Surgery in 1907, serving as its first dean until 1913.
- He introduced modern teaching methods, including laboratory work and clinical training, and established the university's first medical library.
2. Public Health Service:
- Fabella served as the Director of Public Health of the Philippine Islands from 1915 to 1918. During his tenure, he implemented various public health measures, such as improving sanitation, promoting vaccination, and establishing rural health centers.
3. Tuberculosis Control:
- He played a crucial role in the establishment of the National Tuberculosis Sanatorium in 1907, which later became the San Lazaro Hospital.
4. Leprosy Control:
- Fabella also contributed to the fight against leprosy, proposing laws for the segregation and treatment of leprosy patients and establishing clinics and hospitals for their care.
5. Legislative Advocacy:
- As a member of the Philippine Legislature from 1922 to 1925 and 1934 to 1941, Fabella advocated for laws related to public health, medical education, and social welfare.
6. Medical Research:
- He served as the Director of the Bureau of Science (now the Philippine Institute of Science) from 1918 to 1922, where he encouraged scientific research in the fields of medicine, biology, and chemistry.
7. Medical Organizations:
- Fabella was a founding member of several medical organizations, including the Philippine Medical Association, the Philippine Tuberculosis Society, and the Philippine Leprosy Society.
8. International Recognition:
- He gained recognition beyond the Philippines, serving as the president of the Far Eastern Association of Tropical Medicine from 1930 to 1932.
Don Vicente Fabella is remembered as a pioneer in Philippine medicine and public health, dedicating his life to improving the health and well-being of the Filipino people.