Dr. Martin Jarmin: A Filipino Trauma Surgeon’s Journey of Excellence and Resilience

Community Stories, Education and Careers, Health and Wellness
-February 8, 2025
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By DR VANESSA ATIENZA-HIPOLITO FRANZCR

Cameron Wrathall, survived being attacked by a bull shark in the Swan River. PHOTO CREDIT: 7NEWS

Meet Dr. Martin Jarmin, an extraordinary trauma surgeon whose dedication to saving lives, teaching, and serving in resource-limited settings reflects his unwavering commitment to his calling. A graduate of De La Salle University College of Medicine Dasmariñas and a proud Pinoy, Dr. Jarmin’s career journey spans continents and brings pride to the Filipino medical community.

A Life Dedicated to Service

Dr. Jarmin currently serves as a full-time consultant and Deputy Director at the State Major Trauma Unit at Royal Perth Hospital (RPH), Western Australia’s sole Level 1 Trauma Centre. RPH is among the busiest trauma units in Australia, a testament to the immense responsibility he shoulders daily. Beyond trauma, he contributes to the Acute Surgery Unit and supervises the Surgical Stepdown Unit at Bentley Hospital, demonstrating his versatility and expertise.

Global Humanitarian Efforts

His dedication to humanity has taken him to conflict zones and disaster-stricken areas as a war surgeon for Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) and EMERGENCY. His experiences in these challenging environments molded him into the resilient and compassionate surgeon he is today.

The Path to Australia

Dr. Jarmin’s journey to Australia began in 2011 when he met Dr. Scott, the head of Liverpool Hospital’s Trauma Department, at a trauma conference in Singapore. What began as a fellowship opportunity blossomed into a fulfilling career. His dedication and love for his work eventually led to his decision to pursue permanent residency in Australia, bringing with him his Filipino roots and resilience.

Commitment to Education and Excellence

Aside from treating critically injured patients, Dr. Jarmin finds immense satisfaction in teaching junior doctors and surgical trainees. His memberships in the Australian and New Zealand Association for the Surgery of Trauma (ANZAST) and the World Society for Emergency Surgery (WSES) underscore his commitment to advancing trauma education globally.

Challenges and Motivation

Being a trauma surgeon demands extraordinary physical and mental endurance. For Dr. Jarmin, maintaining a sense of humor and appreciating life’s blessings help him balance the demands of work and family life. His faith in God serves as his driving force, inspiring him to give his best in every aspect of his career.

A Message for Aspiring Doctors

Dr. Jarmin advises the younger generation, especially fellow Pinoy doctors, to “work hard and persevere.” His journey is a testament to the incredible opportunities awaiting those who dedicate themselves to excellence and service.

Looking Ahead

Dr. Jarmin dreams of combining his love for travel with a renewed focus on humanitarian work. He continues to inspire through his humility, resilience, and dedication to the Filipino medical community and beyond.

Saluting a Friend and Fellow Doctor

As a proud classmate from DLSU and co-intern at Makati Medical Center, I celebrate Dr. Jarmin’s achievements and his profound impact on global healthcare. His journey is not just a source of inspiration for Pinoy doctors but a shining example of excellence and compassion in the medical field.

To learn more about Dr. Jarmin’s incredible work, check out about his missions with Médecins Sans Frontières and his feature on 7NEWS Perth.

https://www.facebook.com/7NEWSPerth/videos/195952162325040