ALUMNA IN FOCUS: Dr. Rissa Pineda Franks
Batch 1986
Founder of st Lukes stroke Center
Dr. Rissa Pineda Franks: AC HS ‘86 Mother Marie Eugenie Awardee
Assumption High School’s Batch ’86 is distinguished to have 3 Mother Marie Eugenie awardees. It is with great pride that we honor our distinguished alumna, Dr. Rissa Pineda Franks, a true testament to the values instilled in us by our beloved Assumption —dedication, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Dr. Franks has made significant contributions to the healthcare landscape in the Philippines, particularly through her visionary work in propagating the stroke centers at St. Luke’s Hospitals in Quezon City and Bonifacio Global City (BGC). Her commitment to improving healthcare access and quality for stroke patients has transformed lives and set a new standard for medical care in our country.
Before returning to the Philippines, she honed her skills during a prestigious tenure in Philadelphia, where her expertise caught the attention of many, including the highest echelons of political power. This high-profile assignment is a testament to her exceptional capabilities and the respect she commands in the medical community.
In the spirit of Saint Marie Eugenie, who once said, “To be faithful to your vocation is to be faithful to God,” Dr. Franks exemplifies this calling in her tireless work. Her journey is not just a reflection of her professional accomplishments; it embodies the spirit of service that Assumption High School champions. Through her dedication, she has shown us that true success is measured not just by personal achievements but by the impact we have on the lives of others.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Rissa is a devoted wife to her husband, Andy, and a proud mother of two very talented boys, Alex and Matteo. Her family serves as a source of inspiration and strength, grounding her as she makes significant contributions to her field.
We continue to be inspired by Rissa’s dedication and resilience. She exemplifies how the lessons learned within our school walls can culminate in a life dedicated to service and excellence. We are proud to call her one of our own, and we look forward to witnessing her continued contributions to society.
Dr. Rissa Pineda Franks, our Mother Marie Eugenie Awardee, serves as an inspiration to us all, reminding us that with hard work and a heart for service, we can make a profound difference in the world.
Dr. Franks is a graduate of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine. She took her residency training in Adult Neurology at the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, and fellowship in Stroke and Neurocritical Care also at the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. After graduation from fellowship, she joined the faculty at the Department of Neurology in the same institution, as an associate professor. She now resides, practices and teaches in the Philippines.