Have you ever met a doctor whose work transcends the medical clinic, touching the very heart of his community?
For Dr. Winston Umali, medicine is more than just a career—it is a calling, one that has shaped not only his life but the lives of countless families. His influence stretches far beyond his pediatric practice, reaching deep into the Filipino-American community, where he is seen as both a doctor and a leader.
Dr. Umali’s path to pediatrics was shaped by an upbringing in Tiaong, Quezon, where he was born as the fifth of six children to Drs. Vicente and Petra Umali—both respected community physicians. Raised in a household where the values of compassion and service were ingrained, Dr. Umali learned early on that being a doctor was not about seeking fame or wealth, but about making a lasting difference in the lives of others.
“My parents were my greatest role models,” he reflects. “They showed me that being a doctor is not just about medical expertise, but about treating people like family and always doing what’s right for them.”
His journey to medicine was not a straight path. Though he spent his high school years in a seminary, contemplating the priesthood, Dr. Umali soon discovered that his true calling lay in healing.
His academic brilliance was evident from his days as a valedictorian in both elementary and high school, but it was during his time at the University of the Philippines that he found his passion for pediatrics. With his mother’s influence and a deep love for children, he made the decision to pursue a career in pediatric medicine.
“My mother actually wanted to be a pediatrician and she was telling me about it all the time until I took the idea of becoming one when I was in high school as I did part-time work as a piano tutor to little kids ages 5-7 years old. Later in college, I had great experiences in child psychology during practicum, finding great ease dealing with children. Then on, I told myself that I would go to pediatrics.”
A Bridge Between Two Worlds: Training in the Philippines and the U.S.
Dr. Umali’s medical education took him from the University of the Philippines College of Medicine to the Philippine General Hospital, where his training in a resource-limited environment taught him the importance of empathy, resourcefulness, and patient-centered care.
“In the Philippines, we learned to be creative with limited resources,” he recalls. “We had to make sure that our patients received the care they needed, even if it meant making personal sacrifices.”
In 1994, Dr. Umali moved to the United States, where he completed his U.S. Medical Licensure Exams and a Pediatric Residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Adapting to a new healthcare system was not easy, but his training in the Philippines gave him a unique perspective.
“I had to unlearn some of the limitations we imposed on diagnostics back home,” he admits. “But the compassion and practicality I learned in the Philippines have shaped the way I approach patient care, whether I’m in the U.S. or abroad.”
Creating Comfort and Care for Every Child
Dr. Umali’s reputation as a pediatrician in Jersey City, New Jersey, is built on both his expertise and his warmth. Known for his light-hearted and cheerful personality, he greets each child with a smile, making even the most nervous young patients feel at ease.
“It’s all about making the child comfortable,” he says. “When they walk out of my office smiling, even after a shot, I know I’ve done my job well.”
But it’s not just the children who appreciate his care; Dr. Umali’s patients’ parents also value his genuine concern for their well-being. He sees every family as part of his extended community and goes out of his way to help them navigate not just their healthcare needs but also the challenges of adjusting to a new environment.
A Leader Who Lifts Others Up
Dr. Umali’s dedication to service extends far beyond his practice. He is a pillar of the Filipino-American community, having served in leadership roles for numerous organizations, including the University of the Philippines Medical Alumni Society in America (UPMASA), the Philippine Pediatric Society in America (PPSA), and the Handang Tumulong Foundation Inc. (HTFI). Through these organizations, Dr. Umali works tirelessly to provide education, resources, and support to aspiring medical professionals and families in need, both in the U.S. and the Philippines.
His leadership is grounded in humility, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to giving back.
“I’ve always felt that it’s my duty to serve,” he says. “The same way my parents served their community, I aim to do the same with mine. It’s about creating a ripple effect of kindness, care, and generosity.”
Recognition and Impact: A Legacy of Excellence
Dr. Umali’s dedication to his patients and community has earned him numerous accolades, including recognition as one of New Jersey’s Top Doctors and being honored with prestigious awards such as the Outstanding Filipinos in America (TOFA) Award. Yet, despite the accolades, he remains focused on what truly matters—his patients and his community.
“I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition, but the true reward is seeing the smiles on my patients’ faces, knowing that I’ve made a difference in their lives,” he shares. “That’s what keeps me motivated, day in and day out.”
Inspiration and Mentorship: Paying It Forward
Dr. Umali’s philosophy on leadership and mentorship is simple yet profound: “It’s all about paying it forward. The best mentors I’ve had are my patients. They’ve taught me so much about resilience, gratitude, and the power of human connection. As a mentor myself, I’m always looking for ways to lift others up.”
He is particularly passionate about supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals, from high school students to young medical graduates. Through his work with various organizations, Dr. Umali helps guide aspiring doctors, providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed. He also emphasizes the importance of work-life balance, encouraging others to stay humble, stay passionate, and never lose sight of the joy in what they do.
Motivated by Family, Driven by Love
For Dr. Umali, his motivation extends beyond professional accolades or community leadership. His family—especially his wife, Letty, and their son, Mark—are his greatest sources of inspiration. “Having my family by my side makes everything worthwhile,” he shares. “My wife and son not only keep me grounded, but they also remind me of the importance of work-life balance. Their support enables me to keep pushing forward, to always give my best to my patients, my community, and to those I mentor.”
Dr. Umali’s unwavering commitment to his family, his patients, and his community reflects his deep-seated belief that true success is about making a difference in the lives of others.
A Vision for the Future: Compassionate Care for All
Looking ahead, Dr. Umali is focused on expanding his impact, particularly in the areas of community support and care for children with special needs. He is also dedicated to strengthening the Filipino-American community, fostering connections, and helping others navigate the complexities of life in the U.S. “There’s always more work to be done,” he says. “But the journey is just as important as the destination. I’m committed to continuing to serve, learn, and grow.”
Final Thoughts: A Legacy of Compassionate Leadership
Dr. Winston Umali’s journey from a young boy in the Philippines to a respected pediatrician in the U.S. is a testament to the power of compassion, dedication, and service. He is not just a doctor; he is a leader, a mentor, and an inspiration to all who cross his path. His story reminds us that true leadership is about uplifting others, staying true to one’s values, and making a difference in the world, one patient at a time.