The heart powers the body. For some physicians, it also powers a life’s mission.

Recently featured in The Leaders’ Profile alongside distinguished figures shaping the healthcare landscape, Dr. Alejandro R. Prieto stands as a physician, leader, and advocate for accessible, high-quality healthcare. Today, he serves Makati Life Medical Center as Chairman of the Board and Department Head of Cardiology, roles that reflect both his professional expertise and personal mission: to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and the future of healthcare in the Philippines.

The First Heartbeat
Like many physicians, Dr. Prieto’s journey began with a deeply personal experience.
“When my father developed heart disease, it inspired me not only to finish my training but to dedicate my life to helping others heal,” he shares.
Even at a young age, science fascinated him, particularly the intricate biology of the human body and the remarkable role of the heart as the engine of life. What began as curiosity grew into purpose, ultimately leading him to cardiology

Where Love Grows

In 1991, Dr. Prieto earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Santo Tomas. Determined to expand his expertise, he pursued residency training in Internal Medicine at Michigan State University–Associated Hospitals in the United States.
From July 2001 to June 2008, he served as an Associate Professor of Medicine at Michigan State University, contributing not only to patient care but also to the development of future physicians. Over the years, his career has spanned leadership and clinical roles across respected institutions both locally and internationally, shaping his perspective on what truly makes healthcare systems work: collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to patient outcomes.

A Life of Service and Recognition‍

Dr. Prieto’s dedication to service extends beyond the hospital walls.
In 2018, he was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. In 2022, he received the Rotary Club of Makati Director of the Year Award, reflecting his continued commitment to community leadership and service.
These recognitions speak to a career defined not only by clinical excellence but by a broader vision of impact.

At the Heart of Makati Life‍

Since 2021, Dr. Prieto has served as Chairman of the Board and Department Head of Cardiology at Makati Life Medical Center. His leadership continues to shape the institution’s direction and purpose.
He believes deeply in the power of collaboration, an ethos that aligns with Makati Life’s role as the country’s first Public-Private Partnership healthcare project. For Dr. Prieto, this model represents a meaningful step toward more accessible and inclusive healthcare for Filipinos.
With more than three decades of experience as both a cardiologist and healthcare leader, he champions a holistic approach to care, one that values clinical excellence, human experience, and the collective responsibility to improve healthcare delivery.

A Legacy Still in Motion        

“Leadership is not separate from medicine, it is an extension of it,” says Dr. Prieto.
Every decision, every innovation, and every partnership ultimately circles back to the same purpose: improving lives.
Because at the center of his story, and at the center of Makati Life, is a simple belief:
Healthcare works best when it is led with heart.