A Filipino nurse based in Dubai has made it to the Top 10 of the 2025 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award—an international honor that drew over 100,000 applications from 199 countries.
Currently the Nursing Manager at Mediclinic City Hospital, Fitz Gerald Dalina Camacho was chosen for his exceptional leadership in pediatric intensive care and oncology, as well as his dedication to improving patient safety and mentoring fellow nurses.
“I was overwhelmed with gratitude and disbelief,” Camacho shared with TGFM. “To be chosen from over 100,000 applicants across 199 countries is incredibly humbling. It felt surreal at first, but also affirming—it reminded me why I do what I do every day. This recognition isn’t just mine; it belongs to every patient, colleague, and mentor who shaped my journey.”
Originally from the Philippines, Camacho shared that his passion for nursing began at home. “My journey started in the Philippines, where I first saw the impact nurses could make in people’s lives—both during their most vulnerable moments and their victories. I moved to the UAE with a heart full of hope and a strong desire to grow professionally. Here, I found a diverse, dynamic healthcare environment that challenged me to be better, every single day. The opportunity to serve in a multicultural setting has deepened my compassion and sharpened my clinical skills.”
When asked what made his work stand out among thousands of other entries, Camacho pointed to his holistic approach. “I believe it was a combination of compassionate bedside care, leadership, and my commitment to continuous learning. I’ve always made it a point to not just do my job—but to elevate it. Whether mentoring junior staff, improving patient safety protocols, or speaking at international conferences, I’ve tried to bring passion and purpose to every role. Most importantly, I always anchor my work in patient-centered care.”
At Mediclinic, his impact extends far beyond routine management. “At Mediclinic City Hospital, I had the opportunity to lead the Pediatric Intensive Care and Pediatric Oncology Units. Beyond day-to-day clinical and leadership responsibilities, I’ve been actively involved in several key initiatives that aim to enhance patient safety and quality of care. One of the projects I’m most proud of is our implementation of the Pediatric Sepsis Bundle, which has significantly improved early identification and timely management of sepsis in critically ill children. I was also part of the commissioning team for our Pediatric Oncology Unit, helping to build the service from the ground up—from workflows to staff training—ensuring safe, compassionate care for children undergoing cancer treatment. Additionally, I led a Quality Improvement Project focused on IV safety, which reduced complications related to intravenous therapy through evidence-based practices and frontline staff education. These initiatives reflect my commitment to raising the standard of pediatric care in our institution.”
As one of the few Filipinos to receive this global recognition, Camacho sees the honor as much bigger than himself. “It means the world. As a Filipino nurse, I carry not just my personal story, but the hopes and resilience of many others who have chosen to serve far from home. This recognition is a celebration of the Filipino spirit—compassionate, hardworking, and dedicated. It also breaks the silence around the ‘invisible’ work we do, and shows the global impact Filipino nurses are making every day.”
To his fellow nurses, both in the Philippines and abroad, he offered this heartfelt message: “Your work matters—even when no one is watching. The quiet acts of care, the extra minutes you spend comforting a patient, the time you invest in teaching a colleague—those things create lasting impact. Keep showing up with integrity and heart. One day, your story might inspire someone else, just as many have inspired me. We may work in silence, but our contributions speak volumes.”
The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award winner will be announced at a gala ceremony in Dubai on May 26, 2025. While only one will receive the USD 250,000 grand prize, all ten finalists—including Camacho—will be celebrated for their outstanding achievements in the field of nursing.
