09/08/2026
Dr. Jose "Brix" Pujalte Jr.: The Orthopedic Surgeon Tasked to Lead Philippine Healthcare
With more than three decades of service in medicine and public health, Dr. Jose "Brix" Pujalte Jr. steps into one of the country's most critical leadership roles as the new Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH), bringing with him a career defined by clinical excellence, hospital leadership, and a lifelong commitment to public service.
Appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as ad interim DOH Secretary on July 13, 2026, Dr. Pujalte succeeds former Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, who resigned due to health reasons. His appointment places a seasoned physician and healthcare administrator at the helm of the country's efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery, improve access to quality medical services, and advance health sector reforms.
A respected orthopedic surgeon with over 35 years of experience, Dr. Pujalte has dedicated the majority of his professional life to serving Filipinos through the public healthcare system. He joined the Department of Health in 1991 and steadily built a reputation as both an accomplished clinician and an effective healthcare leader.
A graduate of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine in 1990, he completed his orthopedic residency at the Philippine Orthopedic Center in 1994 before pursuing a Master's Degree in Hospital Administration from the Ateneo Graduate School of Business. His pursuit of medical excellence also brought him to advanced fellowship training programs in Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom, where he specialized in shoulder surgery, spine surgery, total joint reconstruction, and joint replacement.
Beyond the operating room, Dr. Pujalte has demonstrated strong leadership in hospital management. Since 2014, he has served as Medical Center Chief II of the Philippine Orthopedic Center, one of the country's premier specialty hospitals, where he led initiatives to strengthen operations, improve patient services, and modernize healthcare delivery.
His influence extends to medical education, having served as a faculty member at the University of the Philippines Manila, Far Eastern University Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation, and San Beda College of Medicine, helping shape the next generation of Filipino physicians.
Within the medical community, Dr. Pujalte is recognized as one of the country's leading orthopedic specialists. He served as president of the Philippine Orthopaedic Association in 2009 and the ASEAN Orthopaedic Association in 2010. He also founded the Philippine Shoulder Society and is a founding member of the Philippine Spine Society. His professional affiliations include fellowships with the Philippine Orthopaedic Association, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the American College of Surgeons.
Throughout his career, Dr. Pujalte has also been an advocate for accessible public healthcare. He was among the prominent voices opposing the proposed privatization of the Philippine Orthopedic Center during the 2010s, emphasizing the importance of maintaining affordable specialized care for Filipinos.
As Health Secretary, Dr. Pujalte is expected to continue the administration's agenda of strengthening the country's healthcare system by enhancing public hospitals, expanding access to quality healthcare services, and improving health outcomes nationwide.
Away from public office, Dr. Pujalte is a father of three. His commitment to medicine reflects a family legacy, following the footsteps of his father, Dr. Jose M. Pujalte, who once served as director of the National Orthopedic Hospital.
As he assumes leadership of the Department of Health, Dr. Jose "Brix" Pujalte Jr. brings decades of medical expertise, administrative experience, and a deep understanding of the Philippine healthcare landscape—qualities that many believe will be vital in steering the country's health sector toward a stronger and more resilient future.
