Thank you to all the Brods who never fail to welcome my family and I in open arms, and most especially to those who helped my dad survive initiation, medical school and residency– or else I wouldn’t have been able to write this article. A special thanks to Dr. Boco, Dr. Pamatmat and Dr. Mendoza for allowing me to share their experiences of their beloved organization.

Academic excellence. Leadership. Service. Brotherhood.

These are the 4 main pillars that serve as the basis of the Tau Mu Sigma Phi Foundation. Originally a Filipino medical school fraternity, this organization started at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila, Philippines. After UST had suspended all fraternities and sororities on campus in 2018, Tau Mu Sigma Phi has evolved its identity into a philanthropic organization that is recognized by the university while retaining its original ideals and values. And I have had the personal privilege of witnessing the unique energy and spirit of this brotherhood that others can’t reproduce but wish to imitate.

But, you might be wondering, like me, what makes Tau Mu so special? Well, hopefully these Tauans (members of the organization) can help answer that!

Why did you choose Tau Mu? How was it different from the other medical school fraternities in the Philippines at the time before Greek life was suspended at UST?

The choice to join wasn’t always easy for every Brod (a term to denote fellow colleagues within the Tau Mu Sigma Phi Foundation). Dr. Erwin Boco, a family medicine physician and current president of the Tau Mu Sigma Phi USA Foundation, says that joining a fraternity wasn’t even on his radar at the time. Dragged along by his friends from one fraternity orientation to another during his first year of medical school, they were invited to Tau Mu’s. “The venue was grand [compared to the others] and the food was great,” says Dr. Boco, as he reminisces about the organization’s first impression. But, one of the things that impressed him the most was the strong essence of brotherhood between current members, faculty and alumni. Dr. Boco remarks that the “older and younger Brods regarded each other as equals.” Tau Mu Sigma Phi made a strong impression on Dr. Boco’s friends, who eventually convinced him to join the fraternity with them.

Not only did the brotherhood help this organization stand out, but its prestige was undeniably recognizable. “It was the #1 fraternity on campus,” says Dr. Ruben Mendoza, a child and adolescent psychiatrist. Those that were alumni and faculty were respected leaders in their fields, frequently occupying positions such as Department Chairs of various specialties domestically and abroad, or being trailblazers serving the community. Dr. Mendoza notes that Tau Mu was also unique in the fact that its members actually followed and exemplified its ideals. Dr. Stephen Pamatmat, a nephrologist, shares the same sentiment in that “Tauans are known for their exemplary character, dedication to service, and commitment to the [Foundation’s] ideals.” So for some, it was an easy decision to join this reputable organization.

Tau Mu has a strong alumni presence after medical school graduation. In your perspective, what about Tau Mu garners this kind of camaraderie?

Like any fraternity at the time (before 2018), Tau Mu’s initiation process was challenging. And the rigor of medical school just added to that. “There’s something about going through adversity with a band of brothers, problem solving trials, and facing the consequences if we failed together,” says Dr. Boco. This rite of passage of both initiation and surviving medical school serves as a connecting point between generations of Tauans. You could say that the modern term for this would be “trauma bonding” but in the best of ways. Not only that, the underlying idea that this fraternity was not made for an external goal but rather for the sake of others is what drives the strong brotherhood aspect of this organization.

In alignment to its pillar of service, Dr. Boco also makes note of the fact that the Tau Mu Sigma Phi USA Foundation raises money to help support students of all academic levels. “We’ve achieved our current fundraising goal, and we hope to be able to support more scholars in the future,” says Dr. Boco. With more than 250 active Tauan alumni in the United States, these physicians never stop looking for ways to give back and support the next generation of great minds in the same way they were supported, whether it be through financial means, mentorship, or networking. Dr. Pamatmat also notes that this is one of many ways alumni foster “continued engagement and a strong sense of community.” By sharing and exemplifying the same ideals and values among its members, this only adds to Tau Mu Sigma Phi’s undeniable camaraderie.

As summarized by Dr. Mendoza, “Every Tauan helps a Tauan.”

Although Tau Mu is primarily a Filipino organization, how do you think Tau Mu affects the healthcare system as a whole? How have the relationships that you’ve formed impacted your practice as a physician?

Tau Mu Sigma Phi planted the seed of a life towards leadership and service to others by shaping medical students early in their careers. For example, both Dr. Boco and Dr. Mendoza tout the success of Hospital on Wheels. It is a well-known outreach program founded by a Tauan, and supported annually by the Tau Mu Sigma Phi USA Foundation. It acts as a mobile operating room that travels to underserved communities in the Philippines and provides both medical and surgical care. This is one out of many ways in which Tau Mu has helped bridge gaps within its own healthcare system.

Tauans have also had considerable impact globally within their own respective communities. From Singapore to the United Arab Emirates, to Europe and to the USA, each Brod embodies the ideals of this organization and shares it with everyone they come across. Dr. Pamatmat remarks that “given [Tau Mu’s] Filipino identity and its focus on underserved communities in the Philippines… alumni become culturally sensitive healthcare professionals who are able to [build strong rapport] and provide more holistic care for diverse patient populations.” Not only that, Dr. Pamatmat makes note of the invaluable network one builds within Tau Mu, creating a pathway for “consultations, second opinions, and making [the] appropriate referrals for patients.” With such a diverse reach across the globe, many Tauan physicians have contributed to their communities in many other aspects, such as being a medical voice within the government, being recognized as Top Doctors for exceptional care, or hosting clinics for underserved populations.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about Tau Mu?

A common answer to this question from probably any Tauan would be gratitude. Many Tauans and their fellow Brods are thankful for the opportunities that this organization had given them access to that otherwise would have not been possible. And, one of those golden opportunities included making the path to becoming a physician attainable. “[Tau Mu] has made life colorful,” remarks Dr. Boco with a smile.

Closing Remarks

Over the past few years, my father, Dr. Mendoza, has given me the chance to come with him to a few Tau Mu alumni events. Witnessing my dad turn back into his twenty-something year old self with his Brods never fails to make me smile. One of the fun things about Tau Mu is that they have a hand sign. Similar to how a Baylor bear holds up a bear paw, Texas throws up its longhorns, or an Aggie shows a “gig em” with a thumbs up, Tau Mu makes a fist and holds their pinky up.

After all that I’ve witnessed, I ask my dad, “What was it really like to be a part of Tau Mu?" He simply smiles and says to me, “You just had to be there.”

So to all the Tauans out there, I’m raising my pinky up for you to say, “Hail Tau Mu!”

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Image Credit: Tau Mu Sigma Phi (https://www.taumusigmaphi.org)