Regina Marie San Gabriel, (RHAD) MClinAud

Holistic health is Regina’s true passion. Helping people with hearing loss to communicate and pursue what they love is her purpose. Regina is a Filipina Audiologist with a Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences and a Minor in Health and Development from the Ateneo de Manila University, and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Audiology from the University of Santo Tomas. While taking her post-graduate studies, she worked part time as a Research Assistant for Better Hearing Philippines, Inc. (BHPI), a non-government organisation that promotes ear and hearing health all over the Philippines and provides training for secondary and tertiary health workers. She loved volunteering in various hearing aid missions, where free hearing tests and devices were given to Filipinos in need. Regina was also the first audiology student to intern at EyeHear Foundation, Inc., in Bacolod, a city on the northwest coast of Negros Island. She travelled to Bacolod during school holidays to serve paediatric and adult patients, and to train audiometrists. Upon qualifying as an audiologist, Regina took on a double role as a Clinical Audiologist and Senior Programme Assistant for BHPI when the pandemic hit. Despite the transition from face-to-face practices to the online world, she utilised her creativity and resourcefulness by using social media as a tool to advocate for ear and hearing health. Her favourite project with BHPI was recognised by the World Health Organisation at the World Hearing Forum for World Hearing Day 2021, where she led the creation of the first nationwide hearing health directory for the Philippines. She and the team also worked closely with Prof. Andrew Smith of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine to launch the Online Public Health Planning for Hearing Impairment for Filipinos. Regina also took on other roles as a Virtual Assistant and Consultant Audiologist for Dr. Lilach Saperstein of the All About Audiology Podcast to help parents of deaf/hard-of-hearing children. Before moving to the UK, she joined a private hearing aid clinic in Metro Manila, where she learned the importance of patient-centred care. Regina’s empathy and dedication as an audiologist shines through her work in and out of the clinic. In every appointment, Regina cannot help but share her cheerful demeanour and contagious smile with her patients. She makes the effort to get to know her patients because she believes that a person’s mindset, interests and hobbies make an impact on the management of their hearing loss. Regina’s ability to relate to others is due to her inquisitiveness, which has led her to practise Muay Thai, gymnastics, golf, teach mindfulness and yoga, read about other countries, fashion and spirituality, and learn French and Korean when she’s off work. Her zest for life and emphasis on teamwork and support stem from being a cheerleader since 2008 and an original member of the Philippines’ National Cheerleading Team. Regina’s approach as an audiologist is where her acquired knowledge and experience through the years, science and wellness meet.