Vladimir Borja Santos

August 8, 1943-December 29, 2022

Dr. Vladimir Borja Santos, resident of Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away at age 79 on December 29, 2022 at Southern Hills Hospital.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 22 years, Ida R. Santos, his children, Dale, Lynn, Caroline, Claire, and Christine, and his sister, Vivian, and brother, Arnold. He also leaves behind 7 grandchildren (Alleah, Yianni, TJ, Lexa, Kayla, Troy, and Sophie), 3 great-grandchildren (Thomas, Anthony, and Eleanor), 1 Daughter-in-Law (Ria) and 3 Son-in-Laws (Terry, Darren, and Ezequiel). He is predeceased by his sister, Brenda, and his 2 brothers, Victor and Terry.

Vladimir was born on August 8, 1943, in Pasay City, Philippines to the late Hidalgo C. Santos and Gloria Borja. He was one of 6 children that grew up in Parañaque City in the Metropolitan Manila area. He attended the University of the Philippines Preparatory High School and graduated from the University of Santo Thomas in Manila with a degree of Doctor of Medicine and Surgery in April 1967.

Vladi did his residency in Otolaryngology at Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn, NY and subsequently did a fellowship in Head and Neck Oncology with Boston University School of Medicine in Boston, MA. He became board-certified in the field in 1975. Upon his return to Long Island College Hospital, Vladi was appointed the Director of the Department of Otolaryngology where he played an instrumental role on the residency admissions committee and the residency training program. Additionally, he was appointed the Section Chief of Otolaryngology at the Brooklyn VA Medical Center and subsequently was a Clinical Assistant Professor of the department of otolaryngology at the State University of NY – Health Sciences Center in Brooklyn, NY. He also was an ENT consultant for the NYC Department of Health, NYC Fire Department, Brooklyn International Longshoremans Association, and 2 nursing homes. His writings and research have been published in the Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal as well as the New York Academy of Medicine and other publications.

After 42 years of practice, Vladi retired in 2012 and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada with his wife Ida. During his retirement, he spent much of his time traveling the world with Ida. His favorite vacation spot was Aruba, and they spent many years going there annually. Additionally, he and Ida would travel with a group of long-time friends they would refer to as their “travel buddies.” Vladi would often recount his fond memories of his travel excursions with them. He also enjoyed keeping in contact with his past school classmates and would coordinate get-togethers, reunions, and fund-raising events for charities throughout the years. He was heavily involved in many organizations, such as the University of Santo Thomas Medical Alumni Association (USTMAA) and was an associate and lifetime member of the University of the Philippines Nursing Alumni association international (UPNAAI) and its chapter called Rocky Mountain Region Pacific States (RMRPS).

Vladi also engaged in new hobbies such as archery, kite-flying, and learning to play the ukulele. He loved writing and translating poetry and lyrics of songs; he was a quintessential “makata.” He was an avid sports fan in all areas, especially basketball in which his favorite team was the NY Knicks. He was an adventurous eater, never shying away from exotic foods from different cuisines. He also had a love for cooking and perfecting/emulating dishes he had tried in his travels. He was someone that truly enjoyed embarking on new adventures. He was always a seeker of knowledge, educating himself in subjects and topics he was not as familiar with.

Always a jokester, Vladi never failed to tell a corny joke. He would always make those around him laugh. He had a big heart, a hearty laugh, a generous nature, and always had a smile on his face. Moreover, Vladi was always quick to lend a helping hand to his family and friends, whether it was staying late to see one more patient or without hesitation being the rescuer in any emergency. He dedicated his life to helping others.

He was known to his colleagues, residents, nurses, and patients as a compassionate and caring physician and person. There are countless accolades from many resident doctors that Vladi was the kindest teacher and mentor and that his guidance was life-changing for them.

To his family, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and father-in-law.

His loss will be deeply felt by all those who knew and loved him.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.VernonCWagner.com for the Santos family.