A medical doctor by training who’s also musically inclined and a graduate of European Studies, Dr. Robby Romero didn’t allow his previous accomplishments to stop him from venturing into other fields. As a seasoned medical practitioner and top Pru Life UK financial advisor, he believes that he is best able to serve his patients and clients in addressing their health, as well as protecting their future.
By Grace C. Diez
Photography by Stella Young
If one is seeking peace of mind from physical and financial concerns, Dr. Robby Romero is the person to call.
In a world where multihyphenates are becoming a dime a dozen, Romero still manages to stand out for being a practicing doctor and excellent financial advisor. Although it’s not uncommon for people these days to have varied interests and passions in life, his decision to take on both the medical field and the life insurance industry remains noteworthy and highly unusual.
How did he find himself in both worlds? “Long story,” Romero begins. “But it was like riding a rollercoaster at first.”
Prior to his current careers, he first graduated with a degree in European Studies from the Ateneo De Manila University. He did so to prepare himself for a career in foreign service. For some reason, he got waylaid by working instead, albeit briefly, for a telco company. Musically inclined, he could have also pursued music full-time as a member of an alternative rock band.
But the lure of medicine in a family of doctors, which was further bolstered after regularly watching his favorite TV series, proved stronger. “Watching Grey’s Anatomy encouraged me to pursue medicine. It got me interested, especially when you see the results soon after attending to other people,” he shares.
From doctor to financial advisor
Innately curious, this lifelong learner is not one to stay put in his quest to find deeper meaning and purpose in life. Thus, he soon found himself venturing into the field of financial advising. It wasn’t a difficult decision to make, he says.
“I’ve always been a believer in insurance,” he continues. “My mom invested in one early on in her career. I got my first policy when I was still an intern. Then during the pandemic, when patient interaction was limited, I realized that I could make use of my free time to start an advocacy.”
When his insurance agent, who was part of another company then but is now with Pru Life UK, invited him to train to become an agent, Romero saw it as an opportunity.
“If my patient can trust me with their health, maybe they can also trust me with their finances,” he reasons. And he chose to partner with Pru Life UK because he believes it provides the best products.
“I could have joined other companies, but I found Pru Life UK to be the most innovative,” Romero declares, highlighting that the insurer is the pioneer of Variable Universal Life insurance or VUL, which are life insurance products that come with investment.
The series of life-changing events brought about by the pandemic, as seen by Romero through his initial clients, further strengthened his belief in the importance of what he’s offering.
In 2021, a patient purchased an insurance policy from him. Barely two months after, this patient-client, a relatively healthy individual, contracted COVID-19 and eventually passed away. The development shook Romero to his core — likening it to losing one of his patients — but he was grateful to have been able to help alleviate the family’s grief through the quick processing of the claim.
“That episode really changed my mindset, making me more appreciative of the industry,” Romero says. “Being a financial advisor, in many ways, is like being a doctor. We also try to save lives or, at least, make life more bearable for the bereaved.”
Asked if he sees other points of convergence between being a doctor and a Pru Life UK financial advisor, Romero has a lot to share.
“As doctors, we believe in the principle of primum non nocere or ‘first, do no harm.’ The profession is bound by the moral duty not to kill, cause pain or disability, and deprive our patients of the quality of life. In a way, the same applies to financial advisors. We will only offer the best policy that is most appropriate for our respective clients.”
Both professions, Romero asserts, are dependent on establishing connections and relationships built on trust. The patient-client’s welfare trumps everything.
“In the past 20 years, we’ve noticed that people are now living longer by an average of six years,” the good doctor shares. “That’s great! But the problem is in some cases, the quality of life is not able to keep up with the increased lifespan or longevity of life. Being both a doctor and financial advisor, I make sure that you’re both healthy and relatively worry-free about future unexpected expenses when times are tough.”
His hard work and advocacy as doctor-slash-financial advisor has paid off handsomely, as Romero has been a consistent qualifier for the Million Dollar Round Table, a global recognition given to the top one percent of financial advisors around the world. During his rookie year, he was also named as first runner-up “Rookie of the Year” and part of The President’s Club as one of the company’s top agents.
“I’d consider being of help to countless families as my greatest accomplishment. To be able to help them secure their future and their health has been rewarding and an ultimate privilege,” Romero states.
He has no plans of slowing down nor is he leaving one profession in favor of the other. Romero considers playing dual roles as doctor and financial advisor as the best way to reach out and help people now and in their future.
At the same time, this multitasker offers advice and valuable nuggets of wisdom to fellow professionals, regardless of the field they’re in, who are thinking of adding another feather to their cap — that of being a Pru Life UK financial advisor.
“Be fearless and challenge yourself not to be boxed in the career that you are in. When you do something, don’t think of it as this is all you’re ever going to do for the rest of your life. Like me, be open to other opportunities, I married my two professions and I try to be excellent at both. It gives me fulfillment, professionally and financially, especially when I see the positive effect it has on other people. God didn’t say that we should confine ourselves to one job or career. If the opportunity comes, grab it and be good at it,” he concludes.
