Tony is a psychiatrist and sleep specialist based in Auckland, New Zealand. He earned his medical degree from the University of the Philippines and completed his psychiatry and sleep training at the University of Pennsylvania. Throughout his career, he has received recognition for his work in medicine and education, including multiple teaching awards from the University of Auckland and an award from the President of the Philippines for his contributions to sleep medicine.
In 2015, he was honored with the Chair's award by the New Zealand Medical Association, the highest recognition given by the association to a doctor in New Zealand, for his work on physician well-being. In 2017, he had a unique experience when he received temporary ordination as a Buddhist monk in Myanmar. In 2021, he earned his PhD in the field of compassion in medicine at the University of Auckland.
Tony was actively involved in teaching mindfulness meditation and emotional balance to inmates at Mt Eden Correctional Facility. During the COVID-19 lockdown, he recorded guided meditations for use within the New Zealand prison system to support inmates in isolation.
Aside from his medical career, Tony is a cellist and a foodie. In 2014, he overcame his fear of water and learned to swim. He has since swum across Auckland Harbour and participates in ocean races regularly.
His book, Life Hacks from the Buddha, published by HarperCollins will be released in late 2024.
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