Jesus Roland M. Gatpolintan, M.D.

My practice philosophy is focused on caring for the person--the whole person: how we get sick, how we heal, and how we stay well. A patient's physical soundness may come down to a matter of science but it's their psycho-social background that makes them tick; it's who they are.

Nowadays the healers among us are beset by forms and claims and dispiriting bureaucracy and we need to be sure we don't begin to see our patients as just another problem that needs to be fixed by lunch. It's at these times we need to ask ourselves, "How would I treat this person if s/he was my mother, my father, my sister or my brother?" This philosophy comes to life through respect, honesty, and genuine concern for them. I start by listening carefully and making sure that the patient is an active participant in his or her health care. I should always strive to be grateful to have a profession I regard as my vocation. In essence, it is adhering to the principles that originally called me to dedicate my life to the practice of medicine: respect for human dignity, kindness, and consideration for others.

It is a privilege to be able to bring cutting-edge medicine together with patient-centered care to create the best possible healthcare for my patients and their families. The best outcomes in health care are achieved when the patient and the doctor are in a full partnership of equals, based on trust and free of judgment, working toward agreed-upon goals. This requires patient empowerment and an active advocacy for the patient's well-being. Also, this entails a sense of shared responsibility and accountability between the two. Education is key. Well-informed patients are better equipped to live healthier, happier, and more fulfilled lives.

To ensure that I am providing up-to-date health education information and treatment, I dedicate myself to continued reading & research. I stay abreast with the quickly-evolving landscape of medical science. I am also receptive to integrating alternative/complementary therapies in my care of patients. As with traditional western medicine, I rely on an evidence-based evaluation of their potential benefits. Further, I believe that my role includes being a patient's advocate, a responsibility that is needed in the face of an industry that is increasingly more complex to navigate.

If you are an HMO/POS health plan member and pick a primary care physician who is a member of the Mills-Peninsula Division of PAMF or Mills-Peninsula Medical Group, your specialty care, laboratory and radiology services will be provided by physicians in the Mills-Peninsula network. This network includes specialist physicians in Daly City, San Bruno, Millbrae, Burlingame, Foster City, and San Mateo area.