From the President’s Desk

No abstract available.

In its 112 years of existence, the PMA has grown form an association with only one society, i.e. the Manila Medical Society, to one with 119 component societies, 8 Specialty Divisions, 77 Specialty Societies and 44 Affiliate Societies spread throughout the country. Its has been instrumental in the establishment of the Mary Johnston Hospital (1906), Philippine General Hospital (1910, the Department of Health (1939) and the Food & Drug and Cosmetic Board, which later became the Philippine Food and Drug Administration.
The association has been very active in helping the Filipinos during disasters, especially major ones like the Ondoy, Pepeng, habagat, the earthquake in Bohol and the typhoon Yolanda. These efforts were among the factors that contributed to the PMA being declared as the During the Bali Concord II, it was decided to adopt at the Ninth ASEAN Summit held in 2003 the call for the completion of Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRA) for qualifications in major professional services by 2008. The intent is to facilitate free movement of professionals/skilled labour/talents in ASEAN. The Healthcare sector is one of the twelve priority sectors that the ASEAN leaders have identified for integration and creation of the AEC. Providing an MRA for Medical Practitioners was expected to strengthen professional capabilities by promoting the flow of relevant information and exchange of expertise, experiences and best practices suited to the specific needs of ASEAN Member States.
The objectives of this MRA are to: 1. facilitate mobility of medical practitioners within ASEAN; 2. exchange information and enhance cooperation in respect of mutual recognition of medical practitioners; 3. promote adoption of best practices on standards and qualifications; and 4. provide opportunities for capacity building and training of medical practitioners.
To be recognized as a foreign medical professional and be eligible to practice medicine in another ASEAN state, they must have the following qualifications: 6. Declare that there is no investigation or legal proceeding pending against him/her in the country of origin or another country; 7. Comply with any other assessment or requirement as may be imposed by the host country. Knowledge ,

Skills and Values
Graduates at this level will have a broad and coherent knowledge and skills in their field of study for professional work and lifelong learning Graduates at this level will have advanced knowledge and skill in a specialized or multidisciplinary field of study for professional practice, self-directed research and/or lifelong learning Graduates at this level have highly advanced systematic knowledge and skills in highly specialized and/or complex multi-disciplinary field of learning for complex research and/or professional practice or for the advancement of learning

Application
Applied in professional work in a broad range of discipline and/or for further study Applied in professional work that requires leadership and management in a specialized or multi-disciplinary work and/or research and/or for further study Applied in highly specialized or complex multidisciplinary field of professional work that requires innovation, and/or leadership and management and/or research in a specialized or multidisciplinary field

Degree of Independence
Independent and/or in teams of related field Independent and/or in teams of multidisciplinary fields Independent and/or in teams of multi-disciplinary and more complex setting

Qualification Type
Baccalaureate Degree

Post-Baccalaureate Degree
Doctoral Degree and Post-Doctoral Programs The most important components and features of the Philippine Qualifications Framework are: 1) shift to outcomes-based education and the use of learning outcomes (through CHED Memorandum Order 46); 2) government regulatory bodies confer recognition to education and training providers (through the PRC Medical Council); 3) training and education providers are held accountable for the attainment of learning outcomes; 4) implementation of quality assurance mechanisms; 5) implementation of pathways and equivalencies; 6) establishment of a Qualifications Register; 7) ensuring international alignment of qualifications; 8) encouraging lifelong learning; 9) government regulatory bodies confer recognitions to certificates and licenses; 10) recognition of qualifications is based on assessment of individual; 11) recognition of prior learning; 12) credit accumulation and transfer.
The PRC has been preparing Filipino professionals by emphasizing their need to continued professional education as well as attend seminars, workshops and come up with tangible outputs to upgrade their competencies. By 2015, Filipino professionals will be measured not by the competency of the educational institution or the names of their schools and colleges but on their individual competencies as certified by PRC. As the country's biggest asset, human resources need to be upgraded come 2015 especially for some 3.5 million Filipino professionals to also be able to work and practice their professions in other ASEAN-member countries.
Improving Access to Quality Continuing Professional Development "Today with the emergence of the information age, the strength of a country is based on knowledge. National greatness will arise not from our national resources or our factories, but from our people-people with new ideas and skill," Michael Milken With the ASEAN 2015 at our heels, it is my distinct honor to be the first President of the Philippine Medical Association to lead Filipino physicians as the nation enters this historic milestone. As an advocate for Technology Integration in Medical Education and Training, I therefore initiated the OWL@PMA TM Program for Continuing Professional Development of Physicians. OWL@PMA TM is an acronym that stands for Online Webbed Learning @ Partnerships for Medical Advancement.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is defined as the education of physicians following completion of formal training. CPD is the acquisition of knowledge, experience and skills, as well as, the development of personal qualities. It involves both the acquisition of new skills, to broaden competence, and the enhancement of existing skills to keep abreast of evolving knowledge. Among physicians, CPD consists of any educational activity which helps to maintain, develop or increase knowledge, problemsolving, technical skills or professional performance standards. Keeping up-to-date enables them to work legally and effectively all with the goal that they can provide better health care redounding to patient safety. CPD includes 'formal' activities, e.g. courses, conferences and workshops, as well as self-directed activities such as preceptorship and self-determined learning. According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) (Marchington. M. and Wilkinson, 2006), CPD should be: 1) continuous -professionals should always be looking for ways to improve performance; 2) the responsibility of the individual learner to own and manage; 3) driven by the learning needs and development of the individual 4) be evaluative rather than descriptive of what has taken place; 5) be an essential component of professional and personal life, never an optional extra. artifacts/evidence); 5) paper-, computer-, or web-based evidence of having learned new skills.
The portfolio within the OWL@PMA TM will be both a product and a process portfolio. A product portfolio demonstrates mastery of a learning task or a set of learning objectives and contains the best works of the physician, while a process portfolio documents the stages of learning and provides a progressive record of the physicians" professional growth over time. All physicians shall simply curate or record all his continuing professional development activities (face-to-face and online) to be credited with the corresponding CPD units.

Our Philosophy
The OWL@PMA Program is anchored on the philosophy of heutagogy. Heutagogy is the study of self determined learning (in contrast to selfdirected learning in andragogy)… It is also an attempt to challenge some ideas about teaching and learning that still prevail in teacher centred learning and the need for, as Bill Ford (1997) eloquently puts it "knowledge sharing" rather than "knowledge hoarding". In this respect knowing how to learn is a continued on page 5... The Philippine CPD Council of Medicine is comprised of the tripartite representation from the Philippine Medical Association, the Association of Philippine Medical Colleges and the Professional Regulation Commission, All licensed physicians in the Philippines must participate in recognized Continuing Professional Development activities in which they demonstrate their commitment to continued competent performance in a framework that is fair, relevant, inclusive, transferable, and formative. With the ASEAN Integration and the requirements posed by the National Equivalency Framework looming in the horizon, there is a need for 1) a means to provide virtual and remote opportunities for acquiring CPD credits; 2) a means to document CPD credits earned; as well as, 3) a means to assess authentic tasks from formal, informal and nonformal training. various formats shared by various educational partners. Physicians will be recommended educational and professional development tracks based on their actual contexts. The intent is to provide an alternative platform for deploying learning materials via the online mode. Pre-tests and Post-tests will also be given to document learning from the online modules as well as from face-to-face encounters in Roundtable Conferences.

Filed in the
Moreover, the OWL@PMA TM will feature a cloud-based portfolio assessment platform which will be a virtual space for curating and archiving of physician profile and evidences of learning from formal, informal and non-formal Continuing Professional Development (CPD) encounters. CPD credits can be earned through the Online Modules and Roundtable Conferences; Certificates from local and international conferences, seminars and workshops; research outputs, creative works and outputs such as infographics for health awareness advocacies, policy statements, position papers, lectures delivered etc.
The portfolio will provide the evaluator with the following information, i.e., 1) a reflection of the physician as a professional; 2) a record of his professional development; 3) proof of his performance on-the-job or in class; 4) what he has accomplished (i.e., tangible OWL@PMA TM will be a MOOC site that will feature learning materials of fundamental skill that is developed in heutagogy. It looks to the future that moves at pace with innovation and the changing structure of communities and workplaces.
It recognizes that physicians are not only lifelong learners but that they are engaged in learning for life. They learn through consultation and collaboration, self-study, and through conferences and meetings, seminars and workshops. Our goal is to create an alternative virtual platform that will elevate the educational experience of physicians by measuring their learning and engaging them at their own pace and convenience. It hinges on Mobile e-Learning as an enabler of change.

Our Vision
 To be the online CPD provider platform that delivers valuable medical education to and enables professional collaboration among Filipino physicians in partnership with healthcare professionals elsewhere in the rest of the world.

Our Mission
 To cultivate partnership and understand the educational needs of the Filipino physicians at the PMA  To deliver valuable medical education programs that transform the educational experience and improve patient care  To utilize mobile technology in delivering innovative educational solutions to provide medical education anytime anywhere  To bring together physicians, medical organizations, and other medical education stakeholders into one online community that fosters professional, peer-to-peer discussion and collaboration The holistic approach of the OWL@PMA TM Program integrates the modules from different partners, as well as modules on critical thinking, leadership and management. As our members go through the modules they will learn more than just medical knowledge through the medical content… they will learn how to use information technology (ICT) to optimize learning, a competency that forms part of the Practicebased Learning and Improvement Standards of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) for training in the United States.
The OWL@PMA TM Program will deliver Continuing Education, Training and Development through videos, presentations, articles and other multimedia content, plus quizzes and certificates; reinforce learning objectives to and measure learning of the participants; provide course organizers with feedback on participant"s knowledge base and learning, time spent on the course, item analysis for quizzes, and other statistics; evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs. Currently, MSD shares online modules with certificates from Johns Hopkins Medicine; UMED shares its primary care modules and webinars; Johnson and Johnson shares its digital book and webinars on Pharmaceutical Medicine; and MD Pie shares its videobased lectures culled from Conventions and Congresses of Specialty and Subspecialty Societies; Asia eHealth Information Network (AeHIN) is providing 100 WEBEX seats for the deployment of the webinars. Each WEBEX seat is assigned to PMA Component Societies for online webinar sessions with the PMA members as in a roundtable discussion.
To date we are at the capacity building stage as we campaign for full adoption of the OWL@PMA TM Program during the PMA Regional Assemblies. Once fully implemented, the OWL@PMA TM can be used by Component Societies, Specialty, Subspecialty and Affiliate Societies and hospital training departments as a platform for: 1) delivering curricular online educational programs that will help members provide the best possible care to their patients; 2) providing solutions to manage challenging cases by consulting and collaborating with colleagues from within their own and across different specialties; 3) sharing and discussing the latest techniques, cutting-edge research data, and best practices; 4) earning CPD credits; 5) uploading Component Society, Specialty, Subspecialty and Affiliate Society CME activities, community work and social advocacies; 6) creating the Component Society Quarterly Report using the template provided; 7) checking and monitoring membership status; 8) deploying Certification courses to standardize treatment options and reduce the burden of diseases such as TB, diabetes, hypertension, pneumonia, etc.; 9) curating and archiving of artifacts for portfolio-based assessment and monitoring of CPD units; and 10) mapping the national geospatial distribution of physicians to determine our manpower strengths and weaknesses. The PMA is even more active now as the medical profession awaits the ASEAN Harmonization. The PMA also sits at the CHED as a member of the All efforts are geared towards bringing together the entire medical profession because the PMA believes that in unity there is strength. So are efforts to ensure that the Code of Ethics among Physicians are complied with. The PMA also promotes fraternal relationships among physicians and allied professionals.
With these positive developments, we encourage our members to be more active, as there are a lot of on-going programs that will benefit our members. It also makes us stronger, making the PMA a force to reckon with.
In more ways than one, our Philippine Medical Association (PMA) of today are like these great birds. Just like the geese, determined as they are in their desire to reach South, the PMA, as united as it is today, flaps its wings and flies high and mighty, advancing further and much faster, towards its goals.

The Physician
The Physician is an internal publication of the Philippine Medical Association instituted by the PMA Board of Governors for the dissemination of information to PMA Members. Its office is at the PMA Secretariat, North Avenue, Quezon City 1105; contact numbers: 9296366; 9262447, 09189234732, 09178221357; fax number: 9296951; Email: info@philippinemedicalassociation.org, philmedas@yahoo.com website: www.philippinemedicalassociation.org

EDITORIAL BOARD
The Philippine Medical Association (PMA) is happy to report that we are still on course and strictly following our flight path! In our last editorial, we talked about how every Fall, hundreds of thousands of birds of every species and size fly South for the Winter. We zeroed in on the tens of thousands of geese that travel thousands of miles, flying farther South with a common purpose and destination, following a flight path, flying in unison, flapping their wings together, following a V-Formation. There is indeed value in working closely together.
The story of the geese and their adventures do not end there Len Wilson, in an article about a book written by Kent Millard and Judith Cebula says that one of the lessons from the geese is that, "When a goose drops out of the v-formation it quickly discovers that it requires a great deal more effort and energy to fly. Consequently, that goose will quickly return to the formation to take advantage of the lifting power that comes from flying together. Sometimes people playing on teams will drop out of the group and try to accomplish goals on their own. However, like the geese, they usually discover that they miss the synergy and energy that comes when they are an active part of a cohesive team moving toward their destination, and want to return to the group." Over the years, the PMA has lost some of its members for various reasons. In order to strengthen the PMA, the Balik PMA program was re-launched last year, with the end in view of bringing back to the fold all inactive members. Posters and leaflets with the message of "Why become a PMA Member" was also launched last year. This has succeeded in some way, but there is much more that has to be done by all officers from the national level to the component societies in reaching out to all members. When we grow in numbers, we can become stronger! Our One PMA program announced by PMA President Dr. Minerva Calimag during the 108 th PMA Annual Convention last May 2015, has also brought about major strides with the launching of the OWL@PMA. A CME on line website wherein all members may acquire CPD or CME units. This will promote professional growth and extend medical knowledge to all its members, thus elevating the standards of medical education and

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The 109 th PMA Annual Convention will be on May 17, 2016 to May 20, 2016 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel in Cebu with the theme "One PMA.... One Health.... One Nation". For the Scientific Sessions, the theme will be "Caring, Mending & Sharing". The overall chairperson is Dr. Realiza G. Henson while the Host Chairperson and President of the Cebu Medical Society is Dr. Danny Y. Yu. The fellowship night will have the theme "A Night with the Great Gatsby". So please come with your hats, feathers, tassels, head bands, head dresses, long necklaces, minis, etc. Bring your dancing shoes for the Charleston! This will be a great, great night, my dear colleagues!!
The PMA Doctors' Inn under the chair, Dr. Francisco San Diego, has come out with rules and policies in the use of the Doctors' Inn. Emphasis was made on the existing rules, that only PMA members in good standing and their immediate families should be allowed to occupy the rooms.

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Effective November 2, 2015, the PMA Power Card Mobile Application will be available in any smartphone, and/or tablets for PMA members who will register to secure the power card. Any member may gain access to the system by simply downloading the app in Google Play or the AppStore, registering in the app and inputting the activation code issued by the PMA upon payment of the Php 250 renewable annually. Inquiries may be made to the PMA Membership Secretariat.

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To date, there has been 4 Regional Assemblies of the PMA.

The Oath
Oath Taking Ceremony -the day when we took the oath after passing the medical board examination is one of the most important dates in the life of a doctor. We woke up that day with full of excitement, thinking at last we are now full pledged physicians licensed to practice the profession we have painstakingly trained for. As the program begins to start, we cannot help but look back in our memory lane and pondered how we came to be.
Four years in pre medical course, another four grueling years in the medical school: years of sleepless nights enduring the work and hardships of studying and going on 24 hour duty, swallowing the failures and embarrassment, as well as embracing the joys and happiness that came along the way. Then there was another year of the post graduate internship -now feeling like a "little" doctor. Then here came the medical board examination -the finale of the trials and sacrifices just before becoming a full pledge physician. When the results came out and our names were included in the list of those who passed, we felt we conquered the world.
We recited the "Oath of Hippocrates". "I swear by Apollo the Healer, by Aesculapius, by Health and all the powers of healing and to call witness all the Gods and Goddesses that I may keep this oath and promise to the best of my ability and judgment......" How much of these words have we retained in our hearts and in our minds? When we recited it, was it only a lip service, or have we recited it meaningfully and vowed to keep what we had promised?
Looking back again, why did we study to become a doctor? Was it for the love of the profession? Or, was it for the love of the prestige that goes along with the name? Or, was it for the monetary compensation? No matter what our purpose was, we all shed tear, sweat, and blood for it. And that we respect all those people who made and endured same sacrifices as ours.
In my 4 th year in medical school, the year which I considered the hardest, I said to myself -"I salute and bow to all the doctors who made it." Now that we are all doctors, we are one in the profession. We are all brothers and sisters. Then why do we hear stories now that doctors charging professional fees to fellow doctors. Have we lost our respect to them? Can we not empathize that these doctors also went through the same way we went? Namumulubi na ba tayo at hindi na makakakain kung hindi natin singilin and mga pasyente nating mga doctor at kanilang pamilya? Probably, we can still afford some comforts in life even if we do not charge these doctors and their dependents, can't we? Hindi naman siguro araw araw na may pasyente tayong mga doktor at kanilang mga pamilya na maapektohan na ang ating kinikita. So why can't we give some consideration and be generous enough to waive these professional fees to our colleagues?
Article IV of the PMA Code of Ethics -Duties of Physicians to their Colleagues and to the Profession, Section 1. A physician shall waive his professional fees to a colleague, his or her spouse, children and parents who are financially dependent on him. As PMA members, can we not follow this particular code? Just because these doctors and their families are not within the circle of our friends, our classmates, or co-doctors in a hospital, that we feel we have no connection with them and that we can charge them. For goodness sakes, they are our colleagues, and they need us! Someday, we also need the services of other doctors. Someday, we will also be some doctor's patient. How would you feel if your doctor won't give you that respect as a doctor? there is an increase in the fund balance of more than 5 million or an increase of 4.3%.
From the total fund balance, the Physicians" Mutual Aid Fund and the Physicians" Trust Fund have the biggest share with 58% and 14% respectively.

UPDATES ON THE BALIK PMA PROGRAM
After the Board of Governors approved the extension of the Balik PMA Program until December 31, 2015, more members were able to avail of the program and this resulted to improved collections in membership dues benefiting not only the national office but also the component societies. Many members were able to update their membership dues.
The Balik PMA Program which was implemented last October 1, 2014 grants a 50% discount to all members who will settle their arrears on membership dues with the PMA covering the period 2013 and earlier. Moreover, with the payment of the arrears on membership dues on or before September 30, 2015, the right to vote and be voted upon will be reinstated.
For the period of August to October 2015, the total collections from the Balik PMA Program amounted to P697,775.00 coming from a total of 398 PMA members.

MUTUAL BENEFITS
For the months of August to October 2015 a total of P1,604,800.00 has been released for claims on Death Benefits to 35 members; P905,850.00 for Disability Benefits to 36 members; and P88,000.00 for Legal Assistance to 4 members. Overall, a total of P4,104,900.00 has been released from the Mutual Aid Fund for claims on Death Benefits, Disability Benefits and Legal Assistance for the period June 2015 to October 2015. Almost P270,000.00 has been allocated for the renovations and improvements comprising inclusive of the labor and materials. The cost of paint to be used was sponsored by Boysen Philippines, which enabled the PMA to significantly reduce the over-all cost of the renovation of the PMA Auditorium that has been an important icon of the PMA. Remember the difference between a boss and a leader; a boss says "Go!" a leader says "Lets go!" -E.M. Kelly

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Dr. Allaga, while on official leave of absence has fully endorsed her responsibilities and was ably handled by Dr. Romanchito P. Bayang, the President of Santiago City Medical Society and the Secretary of the Northeastern Luzon Regional Council. His strong and determined leadership is very palpable in the several activities they have conducted in their region.
The physicians of NEL region has been very busy for the first six (6)  Meanwhile, Quirino province experienced the proverbial "worst case scenario" of a typhoon signal number 4 brought about by Typhoon Lando"s landfall and consequently bringing about the unimaginable devastation of agricultural crops, houses, and infrastructures.
Dr. James C. Guzman, City Health Officer and Cagayan Medical Society President reported that 39 barangays were flooded in Tuguegarao City. There were 20 barangays with 1,930 families for a total of 9, 647 persons affected mostly from low-lying areas. In 7 evacuation centers, 351 families, for a total of 1,623 persons evacuated from their homes. The City Health Office of Tuguegarao underwent assessment in the health conditions. The needs of the evacuees like provisions of water containers with purified water and relief operations were also given. No casualties reported in Cagayan.
In general, the rest of NEL region were mostly affected with damaged agricultural land crops. A State of Calamity was declared for the provinces of Cagayan, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, and Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

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Dra. Gaerlan has been very busy for the first six (6) months as the PMA Governor for NWL region.
She led the component society presidents of the region in attending the Leadership Seminar in Cebu City last June 2015.
Several religious, social, CME, and community activities were conducted simultaneously by the component medical societies in celebration of the 58th National Medicine week last September 19-26, 2015. The week long activities were in line with the activities set by the PMA Board. Highlight of which were the Mass offerings, Wreath laying in Rizal Monuments to honor our National Hero, who himself is a Physician, followed by Parades, lay fora, free medical consultations, and culminated by the Senior Physicians Night to honor our teachers and mentors in the medical profession.
Several Regional Council Meetings has been held with this main agenda: "Preparations of the PMA NWL Regional Assembly". The July Regional Council Meeting was held at the Thunderbird Resort, San Fernando City, La Union. The September meeting was held at Bistro Candon, Candon City, Ilocos Sur, while the October meeting was held at Max"s Restaurant, San Fernando City, La Union.
The 2015 Northwestern Luzon Regional Assembly was held last November 8, 2015 at Hotel Ariana, Bauang, La Union and hosted by the La Union Medical Society. The much awaited, fun -filled Fellowship Night was held the night before the Regional Assembly Proper at the Oasis Resort, San Fernando City, La Union with a theme: "Gatsby -1920"s: A Roaring Fellowship Night". This fellowship night was indeed a night to de-stress, find new friends, rekindle old friendships, and enhance camaraderie amongst physicians in the NWL region. The Regional Assembly has been a resounding success. Thanks to the vibrant participation of all the component medical societies of the region, their young, dynamic, and dedicated presidents, and to the outstanding leadership exemplified by Dr. Gaerlan.
The success of the Regional Assembly has been ensured by advanced planning and early members invitation and information dissemination. Not to miss, were the memorable, functional welcome gifts (a PMA fan and key chain), courtesy of NWL Governor Jeisela Gaerlan. There were also a lot of raffle prizes given away during the affair, courtesy of benevolent donors in the region and again, by our NWL Governor.
The Ilocos Norte Medical Society was one of the first to have imple-

ACT NOW! Pampanga Medical Society successfully hosted the 1st Nutrition Forum
The Pampanga Medical Society successfully held the 1st ever Nutrition Forum, "ACT NOW! Advances and Current Trends in Nutrition, Obesity, and Wellness" Scientific Forum at the Orotel Hotel, City of San Fernando, Pampanga on November 6, 2015. This is an affirmation of the Component Society"s thrust to update the physician members and other allied health professionals on nutrition and to help mitigate malnutrition in their communities. This CME activity was initiated by the society through its Nutrition Initiatives and Competency Enhancement Program (NICE Program).
The scientific forum was well attended by over a hundred participants including doctors, nurses, nutritionists, dieticians as well as students from different hospitals and schools. Topics discussed were: 'Nutrition Screening and Assessment' by Dr. Michael James De La Cruz, 'The Role Sugar Sweetened Beverages in Nutrition' by Dr. Allen C. Mallari, 'Philippine Diabetes Nutrition Algorithm' by Dr. Cristy Redondo-Samin', 'The Bible Based Diet' was discussed by Dr. Luisito Llido, the 'Government Programs in Nutrition' by Dr. Renely Tungol, 'Burden of Overweight and Obesity' by Cristilyn Atrera, RND and 'Exercise for Wellness and Health' by Maria Cecilia Torres, RND.
The Nutrition Forum was conceptualized to complement the other nutrition programs being done by the Pampanga Medical Society which also includes regular feeding programs and lay education lectures done in coordination with partner institutions and organizations as well as the local government.
Our kudos to the organizers and members of the Pampanga Medical Society for a job well done!

Olongapo City Medical Society Promotes Health and Wellness Advocacy
Another activity that highlights the fervour of dedicated health service in the region is the Promotion of Health and Wellness Advocacy by the Olongapo City Medical Society.
The Olongapo City Medical Society (OCMS) is at the forefront in promoting health and wellness advocacy through various activities not only in Olongapo City but also in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. On the first five (5) months of the fiscal year alone, the society has conducted six (6) blood donation drives, eight (8) medical missions, and fifteen (15) community health advocacy seminars.
In addition to these activities, the OCMS continues to give benefits to its members. During the 2015 Medicine Week, the OCMS conducted "I Lab Doctor Day", where the physician members were treated with free and discounted laboratories and ancillary procedures. Part of the OCMS Medicine Week celebration includes Health and Wellness activities at Harbor Point, Ayala Mall; Tree planting and seed-sowing activities; three (3) consecutive nights of learning and fellowship night for the physicians, auxillaries, and medical representatives.
Recently, the OCMS celebrates the Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In line with this celebration, the society conducted various activities such as Lay Fora on "Breast Self-Examination", slogan contest, and amateur photo contest with a theme "I was breast cancer #healthy pinaylifestyle".
The OCMS culminated Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a "Walk Against Breast Cancer; inside the Subic Freeport Zone wherein more than five hundred (500) participants from various companies and organizations signed a pledge of commitment to support the breast cancer awareness campaign and help fight breast cancer.  The MMS continued its bi-monthly cataract operation as well as its regular free medical clinic held at the MMS building. The society also continued its feeding programs in Brgy. 448 zone 44 at M. Dela Fuente, Sampaloc, Manila and at Sto. Niño De Tondo Parish, Tondo, Manila. The society also distributed school bags for the indigent students at ALMARIO Elementary School in Tondo, Manila.
To help the members with their continuing professional development, the society continued to hold scientific symposia in cooperation with the pharmaceutical companies.

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Learning through medical practice and continuing professional education is always our commitment to provide quality health care to our patients and QC residents. Improvement of our medical practice through continuing medical activities will help member doctors deliver better health care services. Moreover, "You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply. You are here to enrich the world and you impoverish yourself if you forget the vision." (W. Wilson) The following significant medical events or continuing professional education include: Efficacy and safety of Pravastatin in the long term treatment of patients with hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular diseases last October 14, 2015 at

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The Valenzuela City Medical Society (VMS) continuously comes up with programs which strongly support its different advocacies. New to the list is "Wellness: Fitness, Nutrition and Hygiene" ---a program which emphasizes on health promotion and disease prevention. Along with that, and being "One with PMA", the society creates fresh and unique activities which embody the love for our culture (Cultural Awareness Program), concern for the environment (Repurpose, Environment Awareness Program) and dedication to our noble profession (Medical Missions, Adopt-A-barangay, CPDs). More importantly, through these programs, the society has recently built partnerships with some schools and different organizations, with profound intention to reach out farther and wider to varied communities which are the ultimate recipients of our equally varied services.  Week was a busy week and even two weeks before for all Component societies since there were a lot of activities related to it. Each Component Society reported their Medicine Week activities to the PMA Secretariat and also to me. Each Component Society tried to beat the deadline of submission of its report in the new format as prescribed by the Secretariat.

"QUO VADIS PMA MEMBERS"
One may wonder about the title. This stemmed from an observation of both PMA and component society membership over the years. They were inducted into the PMA and the Cebu Medical Society right after our oathtaking and registration as the new physicians in 1972 by no less than the incoming PMA president, Dr. Renato Espinosa. Everyone smiled with pride to be, at last, a full-fledged physician and to belong to the prestigious Philippine Medical Association. At the start of every year, we made a conscious effort to pay the yearly dues pertinent to the practice of Medicine. I would like to give special mention, a mentor, Dr. Mercedes Planas (bless her soul), who advised and encouraged us to do so. Initially, the members were around for scientific meetings, election and Medicine week celebration. However, over the ensuing years attendance dwindled. You see the same faces attending functions. It seemed, members would only show up when attendance was required for a certificate of good standing, such as PHIC accreditation. When things such as the BIR calling physicians as tax evaders, we were quick to ask , "What is the PMA doing?" Perhaps it would do some good to look at ourselves and do a selfassessment. Allow me to share something from Ms. Letty Canoy of the Cebu Woman"s Club.

SELF ASSESSMENT AS A MEMBER OF AN ORGANIZATION, WHERE DO YOU BELONG?
ACTIVE MEMBER (1) Are you an active member, the kind that would be missed?
(2) Do you attend the meetings of the association, and mingle with your co-members and share ideas that would benefit the organization?
(3) Do you take an active part to assist the organization to grow and be more active?
or JUST IN NAME (1) Just contented that your name is on the list?
(2) Do you stay at home or attend but only to criticize and disagree?
(3) Or are you satisfied to the kind that "Just Belong:?

So…………… THINK THIS OVER FRIENDS FOR YOU KNOW WHICH ONE IS RIGHT OR WRONG!!!
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REGIONAL NEWS
By: Erlinda G. De Los Reyes, MD "CROSSOVER" October 10, 2015 11:00 AM -Board Meeting of District Governors at the residence of Dist. Gov. Dr. Eliza Laurente, with lunch. 6:30PM -Start of Fellowship Night. All Component Societies in Region VIII accounted for except one, Samar Medical Society. It was a very entertaining, fun, and memorable night. October 11, 2015 Regional Assembly Proper at Sabin Resort Hotel. The program as printed proceeded smoothly headed by Pres. Ma. Minerva Calimag and all the key officers. The Scientific sessions were very well attended. The luncheon meeting presided by Pres. Calimag and attended by the Board of Governors with the officers of the component societies had a very productive interchange of relevant issues and concerns. Registered number of participants: 260 pax. The grand prize for the most well attended component society went to Biliran Medical Society. October 15, 2015 Post Activity Assessment Meeting with Scientific Lecture at Don Felipe Board Room. In summary, it was a most successful Regional Assembly, A dampener happened, however, in the afternoon of the fellowship night. A colleague from the neighboring town of Palompon some 80kms from Ormoc, on her way to attend our activity, accidentally ran over a 7-year old, an only child who perished 2 hours after the incident. That very day she shelled out a fortune for the hospital expenses and casket not to mention the settlement which was sure to follow. Brought this to the attention of our treasurer who in turn informed Pres. Calimag and we agreed to pass the hat during the assembly. The amount of P19,000 was right away turned over to Dr. Perla Jao-Tan. The PMA "Sa Hirap at Ginhawa" in action.

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For this quarter, the celebration of the Medicine Week last September 20-26, 2015 takes center stage. Various activities in lined with the program of the PMA were held simultaneously throughout the country. However, as this report will tell us, other relevant medical society activities were held with much importance and vibrant participation from the members as well.
Dr. Edgar Legaspi, shared that each component societies were able to carry out very well the Medicine Week Celebration. These were the Zamboanga del Sur Medicial Society and the Dipolog City Medical Society. Due to heightened alert against kidnapping, the Zamboanga Sibugay Medical Society had the celebration streamlined to a motorcade and simultaneous free clinics in their respective clinics and hospitals. It is noteworthy though that this medical society was able to address the concerns of its members regarding personal security and their establishments by conducting a fruitful dialogue with the provincial Philippine National Police within the Medicine Week itself, on September 25. This is a inspiring example of making PMA relevant to our members. Kudos to the officers and members of the Zamboanga Sibugay Medical Society! The Zamboanga City Medical Society had some innovative activities as well. This includes free clinic and free haircut, all in cooperation with other organizations in the city and the Fleacupmarket 3 where beautiful teacups are displayed and sold.
Aside from the Medicine Week celebration, this part of Mindanao hosted the PMA Regional Assembly on October 4, 2015

APMA Topics Awards
The Auxiliary to the Philippine Medical Association (APMA) celebrated 37 th Physicians" Day last September 27, 2015 at the PMA Auditorium by giving out The Outstanding Physicians in Community Service (TOPICS) Awards. The awards were given to honor physicians who did exemplary services for their respective communities.
APMA National President Theresa S. Bongolan, DMD and current Executive Vice President Com. Elsie B. de Veyra led the awarding ceremonies that singled out three winners: Dr. John Hernani V. Anacan Jr. from Zamboanga Medical Society, Dr. Sylvia R. Calingo from Pasig City Medical Society and Dr. Wilfredo S. Tagle from Quezon City Medical Society. The trophy given to each of them was designed by National Artist Napoleon B. Abueva.
These dedicated doctors were cited for their active participation in the following: indigent medical care, public health and preventive medicine, health education and public information, continued utilization of a fixed venue for community service, and emergencies and calamities.
The awards presentation was sponsored by United Laboratories.
Through the efforts of PP Lydia S. Cristobal & PP Lydia V. Marcos, "Physicians" Day" was created by former President Ferdinand E. Marcos through Proclamation 1789. The awards presentation has become a part of the celebratory activities for Physicians" Day. Through these endeavors, we sincerely hope the PMA will be able to sustain its growth internally, as well as externally through international medical relations.

Philippine College of Surgeons (PCS) Brings ATLS to the Philippines
The Philippine College of Surgeons is the only accredited provider of the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Course in the country. ATLS is an initiative of the American College of Surgeons. This is aimed for the purpose of reducing death or disability following trauma related injuries. It was in 2012 when the PCS applied for certification to bring ATLS to the Philippines through the regional office in Singapore. Grueling student instructor courses were attended by the following competent doctors; Dr. Josefina Almonte, Dr. Arturo E. Mendoza, Jr., Dr. Enrico Ragaza, Dr. Maximo Nadala, Dr. Ramoncito Magnaye, Dr. Orlando Ocampo, Dr. Jorge Concepcion, Dr. Raymundo Ressureccion, Dr. Joseph Juico, and Miss Ma. Cristina Borlongan (Registered Nurse). After an intensive training, the PCS through the efforts of the aforementioned personalities was credentialed as the sole course provider in the Southeast Asian region.
Since the initial offering of the ATLS course in 2013, numerous courses had been conducted participated by over a hundred doctors, the latest to wit was in November 13-15, 2015. This is open to all medical practitioners who are interested to learn valuable insights handling in trauma cases. For inquiries, you may call PCS at (02) 928-1083 or email at pcs_1936@yahoo.com.ph.

By Arnel M. Asino, MD
The society just recently concluded its successful annual convention held at the Marriott Grand Ballroom last November 26-28, 2015 spearheaded by no less than our indefatigable president Ma. Concepcion L. Cruz. Both local and foreign speakers were generous enough to share their thoughts on relevant issues and insights related to the specialty. Member attendees were enormously delighted with the lecture topics and workshops conducted by the equally competent local and foreign lecturers. The Philippine Society of Newborn Medicine, in its commitment to further strengthen the campaign on the prevention of prematurity and care of the high risk neonate will be conducting series of activities this November in line with the global commemoration of the World Prematurity Month and the World Prematurity Day last November 17, 2015. This is to reiterate the significance of raising public awareness on prematurity, its impact on Filipino families, and more importantly, a more proactive and dedicated approach to save preterm babies. In the Philippines, it is estimated that our private and public health institutions cater to around 350,000 preterm births annually. It is therefore not surprising that the Philippines ranked 8 th in the number of preterm births that account for about 80% in the world (WHO 2010 . This is a yearly gathering of PCOM members from different parts of the country to keep themselves abreast on the latest advances and trends. This time is also the best opportunity to rekindle camaraderie and friendship among members.

Opening Ceremonies with the Chapter organizers
Aside from the scientific program were tours to the Province of Guimaras to highlight the promotion of Environmental Conservation and Consciousness followed by a tour to Iloilo City"s cultural heritage. Healthy Lifestyle being one of PCOM"s advocacy, delegates were encouraged to participate and indulge in "PCOM Esplanade Walk and Zumba sa Suba" which is literally a kilometer brisk walk followed by a Zumba Dance by the Iloilo River. The next Midyear Convention will be hosted by the Baguio-Benguet Chapter in 2016. How did the Philippines fare in the MDG score sheets?

Philippine Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine Inc.
We have curbed by two thirds (2/3) the child mortality, specifically infant mortality and under five mortality, the former a rough indicator of the level of health in any country. The Philippines has also reached its target for children given the primary series of immunization including that for measles (FIC or fully immunized child). We have reduced the prevalence and death from malaria, and have increased both the case detection rate and cure rate for tuberculosis even years before 2015. The death rate however for tuberculosis remains to be significant, though DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short Course) strategy has made improvements in ensuring compliance. As it is present over a large area and is actively spreading, HIV/AIDS is the modern day pandemic. In 2013 alone, it has accounted for 1.34 million deaths worldwide, majority of which are spread in sub-Saharan Africa followed by South and Southeast Asia.
Of the MDG goals linked to health, improving maternal health has not been attained, and remains as a vision to health advocates. We have not reduced by three quarters (3/4) maternal mortality ratio, though we have increased the proportion of births attended by skilled health personnel. In addition, the low contraceptive prevalence rate and increasing adolescent birth rate are two hindrances to the full attainment of reproductive health in the average Filipino.
On September 25, 2015, all 193 countries comprising the United Nations General Assembly adopted the The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a successor to the MDGs. The resolution entitled Transforming our world : the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development listed 169 targets and 17 goals. The three dimensions of sustainable development are environment, economics and society and its interlinkages. The 17 goals are again measured by indicators, specific, and time-bound (2015)(2016)(2017)(2018)(2019)(2020)(2021)(2022)(2023)(2024)(2025)(2026)(2027)(2028)(2029)(2030), and are streamlined to end poverty , fight inequality and injustices and tackle climate change by 2030. Of the 17 goals listed, three are inevitably linked to health as it was in the MDGs: Goal #2 : End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture, Goal #3 : Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages and Goal # 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Three goals are also indirectly related to health : end poverty, in all its forms everywhere (goal 1),achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls (goal 5),and take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts (goal 13).
The SDGs are more pluralistic and may involve partnerships (governmental and non-governmental) to be attained as it was in the MDGs. Goal # 3 is more encompassing as it defines health as not merely the "absence of disease" but should embody wellness at all ages.Water and sanitation hygiene (WASH )are now recognized as a fundamental human right and a major determinant of disease. The empowerment of the female population are now extended to girls as more and more are becoming victims of diseases, abuses and early pregnancy. With the recognition of climate change becoming not only a physical but a health hazard as well, a binding and universal agreement should be reached when the COP 21 Climate Change Conference convenes its 21st yearly session in Paris this year. continued on page 31... Volume XXV, No. 2

SDGs, from page 30…
Though the SDGs are seemingly ambitious, as it has encompassed even more targets, its attainment should be driven by the successful formulae that have ensured attainment of the MDGs. Failed attempts should be learning lessons for the health sector to take, and should engage the active roles again of civil societies and developmental agencies. Like a musical virtuoso, the future President of the Republic should take the initiative of adopting the SDGs in his political platform, not to grandstand but to actually orchestrate its attainment. As the DOH secretary is a political position concurrent with the President, we wish that he or she should be picked from the roster of able and deserving physicians who are both teachers and public exemplify knowledge and health practitioners. Like those belonging to these noble professions, they exemplify knowledge and understanding of their profession, and a sheer love and lifelong dedication to the masses that they serve. If we wanted our reforms to be life changing and sustainable, they should reach the very basic unit of every Filipino -ang Pamilyang Pilipino. If we are to be part of transforming our world for the betterthe PMA should be one with the rest of the world in the a t t a i n m e n t o f t h e S D G s , #onepmaonenation ••• I just came back from the American Heart Association Convention in Orlando, Florida. Let me share with you some updates which may help you educate your patients.

"Energy Drinks present cardiovascular Risk"
This was presented in one of the Scientific session showed that drinking energy drinks revealed a striking rise in catecholamine levels. This is a favorite drinks of young adults especially those working in call centers, drivers, medical students or students cramming for their examination period. These acute adrenergic changes in term may potentially trigger arrhythmias or Ischemias especially in individuals with a vulnerable cardiac substrate.
Prior research showed that energy drink consumption increases blood pressure but the mechanisms remains 150 mg of caffeine. Energy drinks contains other stimulants as Taurine, Guarana a seed that contains caffeine, Ginko biloba and ginseng.
According to Biochemists, Taurine conjugates with bile acids to produce bile salts which are needed for fat absorption, Fats are concentrated source of energy. 1 gm of fats gives 9 calories, whereas 1 gm of protein and carbohydrates gives 4 calories only.
Thus consumers should be cautioned in taking this especially with alcoholic beverages, with hypertension, heart failure or structural heart disease. Further studies should be undertaken especially those who are interested in research. The rising tide of adverse cardiovascular events associated with energy drinks. In our country the energy drink are Red Horse, Sting, Cobra, Red Ball and Samurai.
May I also invite all PMA members to join us in the Annual Convention in Cebu on May 2016. We will present interesting topics like " The many kinds of Addiction not necessarily Drug Addicts". To name a few will be shopping addiction, Food addiction, Casino Addiction etc.

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to be unclear. However as mentioned earlier, the consumption of energy drinks to improve their physical and mental performance, to combat fatigue and to compensate for lack of sleep. In the 2015 AHA lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health Young Investigator Award. The abstract revealed that catecholamine responses may play a role in increasing cardiovascular risk. In the study, Mayo Clinic Researchers compared the effects of a single 16 ounce can of a commercially available energy drink against a sham drink, measuring blood pressure and plasma epinephrine levels before and 10 minutes after the consumption of each drink the result showed that the blood pressure and plasma nor epinephrine levels more than doubled after consuming the energy drinks. The drink elicited nearly 70% increase in plasma nor epinephrine levels compared with only 30% in the sham drink.
The energy drinks contains 100 mg to 280 mg of caffeine, while a typical cup of coffee contains only 40 mg to