Dr. Ted Herbosa

About Dr. Ted Herbosa

Dr. Teodoro Javier "Ted" Herbosa (born May 6, 1959) is a Filipino physician specializing in Trauma Surgery and Disaster Medicine. He was appointed Secretary of the Department of Health by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on June 5, 2023, and resigned in July 2026 due to health reasons following a medical procedure.

Herbosa obtained his biology degree from the University of the Philippines in Diliman and his medical degree from UP Manila. He holds an International Diploma Course in Emergency and Crisis Management from the University of Geneva and pursued postgraduate studies in Medicine at the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University. At the University of the Philippines, he pioneered Fellowship programs in Trauma Surgery and the Residency Program in Emergency Medicine.

His noteworthy achievements include making healthcare accessible to everyone in achieving Universal Health Care and upgrading public hospitals through Health Facilities Enhancement Funds and Public-Private Partnerships. During the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, he coordinated foreign medical teams, showcasing his commitment to public health in times of crisis. Herbosa was the executive vice president of the UP System from October 2017 to April 2021, overlapping with his role as a Special Adviser to the National Task Force Against COVID-19 during the Rodrigo Duterte administration.

Career History

• Secretary, Department of Health (June 2023–July 2026)
• Executive Vice President, University of the Philippines System (October 2017–April 2021)
• Special Adviser to National Task Force Against COVID-19 (2020–2021)
• Undersecretary, Department of Health (2010–2015)
• Professor of Emergency Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (2007–2010); created Center for Research in Emergency Medicine

What Herbosa could bring to future health leadership roles: Dr. Herbosa's extensive background in emergency medicine, disaster response, and universal health coverage initiatives—combined with his executive-level experience at both government and academic institutions—positions him as a strategic leader capable of managing complex public health crises, advancing healthcare infrastructure modernization, and coordinating multi-stakeholder partnerships across government, academia, and international organizations.