This story was taken from www.inq7.net
2 proposals to keep Filipino doctors from going abroad
April 30, 2005
Updated 00:19am (Mla time)
Christian Esguerra
Inquirer News Service
HOW do you keep Filipino doctors from leaving for abroad?
A member of the Philippine College of Physicians is proposing that the government require all doctors trained in state-owned hospitals to work in the country for a specified period before being allowed to seek greener pastures elsewhere.
Dr. Antonio Dans, chief of the Philippine General Hospital's adult medicine section, said his proposal was also meant to encourage doctors to stay and plot their career as "generalists or internists."
He noted that there was a wide gap between the number of general practitioners and specialists like cardiologists and pulmonologists.
The discrepancy has made health care more costly, he said.
When patients have to deal with many specialists, they naturally have to shell out more money, he explained.
But many of these cases can very well be handled by an internist who has a "broad knowledge and approach," Dans said.
No problem with specialists
"We're not saying that there's a problem with specialists. The problem is with the proportion (between the number of internists and specialists), not with the people," the doctor explained.
In fact, specialists such as cardiologists can be of help to internists by coming up with guidelines in the handling of cases like hypertension, Dans said.
The Philippine College of Physicians will tackle the problems during its 350th annual convention on May 3 to 6 at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel.
Clash of 2 rights
"It's really a clash of two rights," said Dans.
"While a doctor has the right to find his own destiny, the government also has the right to make sure that its investment becomes worthwhile," he said.
A logical requirement would be a year's service in government hospitals for every year of training, Dans has proposed.
This will mean that a doctor who has completed a regular three-year residency in a state institution like the PGH cannot leave for abroad until he serves for three more years in the country.
An estimated 30 percent of the country's 100,000 registered doctors have migrated to North America, according to Philippine Medical Association president Bu Castro.
Dans' proposal essentially seeks to expand an existing policy covering doctors sent by government hospitals for training abroad to cover all medical graduates of state institutions.
Dans, who was sent on a fellowship to train for two years on clinical epidemiology and cardiology at the McMaster University in Canada, said he had to work at the PGH for six years after completing the course.
Short-term solution
"It's a contract used by some government institutions. I think we can use this principle on more doctors to encourage them to stay," he said.
But this idea would provide only a short-term solution to the medical diaspora, he said.
"We really have to give them a reason to stay. And this involves a long-term solution that would entail an improved economy, among other things," said Dans.
©2005 www.inq7.net all rights reserved
Saturday, April 30, 2005
Thursday, April 28, 2005
An Invitation to the May 28 Doctor’s Meeting:
Crisis and Hope for the Medical Profession
(Invitation to May 28 Meet)
By Willie T. Ong, MD
“Never in history have thousands of Filipino doctors given up their profession to become nurses in a foreign land, ” laments Dr. Tony Acosta, the 81 year old and eldest official of the Department of Health.
Never in the history of the medical profession has there been a crisis of this proportion. “It’s a medical apocalypse,” says Dr. Bu Castro, president of the Philippine Medical Association. “It’s not brain drain anymore, it’s brain hemorrhage,” says UP Vice Chancellor for Research, Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan.
The facts are undeniable. PMA estimates that 12,000 doctors have and are taking up nursing. Many hospitals are on the brink of closure from lack of resident doctors. “Half of our class are deferring medical practice and going into other more lucrative businesses,” says Dr. Gan Montenegro, the president of FEU Class 2003.
If you want to assure yourselves that more doctors are coming in, think again. Fact: Dr. Fernando Sanchez, executive director of the Association of Phil. Medical Colleges, says that those taking the NMAT to enter medicine are down 50%, as compared to 3 years ago. The youth do not aspire to become doctors anymore. The issue is not just brain drain. But the issue of the lost glory, the fall from grace, and the end of the golden age for Philippine medicine.
The conclusions are frightening. Doctors are giving up on the profession in droves. New applicants are not coming in through the medical schools. Who will care for Juan De La Cruz?
And need we even mention, “medical malpractice bill.” A crisis in its own right. As Senator Richard Gordon comments, “The solution to the medical crisis must come from doctors themselves.” These bills have arisen from public perception of doctors, which can partly be blamed on the profession itself. Apathy, lack of concern, and inner squabbling can destroy any profession.
Moreover, there is a third looming crisis: the conflict of interests between the senior doctors and young doctors. Young doctors, a silent majority, are beset with obstacles to practice imposed by senior doctors. For example, before one can practice in a hospital, there is the prerequisite of expensive stocks. If you have the money, you must still pass stringent requirements that may border on the bosses’ whims. And there’s this turf-war to get control over patient referrals and admissions. Is it any wonder that young doctors, helpless and frustrated, quickly leave the country?
These crises have hit the profession at its heart, now bleeding, and near collapse. Who is to blame? And can doctors find their way back? It’s easy to blame the government and the medical societies, but we too share the blame. In reality, doctors can either be part of the problem or part of the solution.
Our group wants to be part of the solution. We cannot stand idly by as the profession goes down the drain. And thus we formed MIND: an advocacy and support group for doctors. Our goal is to help other doctors to the best of our abilities. For in keeping doctors here, we believe we are helping care for patients as well.
On May 28, 2005, we are asking you to come to an informal meeting where you will find other like-minded colleagues, doctors who have not given up on the profession. Let me introduce you to a number of our supporters.
Dr. Philip Cruz helped start the Give-a-life foundation when he was a pediatric resident. Philip has one single-minded goal: not to let a Filipino child die if he can help it. Give-a-life foundation has since given away tens of millions worth of medicines and equipments to 12 hospitals all over the country.
Dr. Amiel De La Cruz has devoted several years seeing charity patients at Our Lady of Peace Hospital, a hospital founded by Fr. James Reuter and Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Sr. Eva Maamo. Amiel started as a volunteer, and has become the Assistant Medical Director of this “Hospital for the Poor.”
Dr. Mike Muin and Jojo Ferrer, both based abroad, have started Pinoy MD in 2003, a website for Filipino doctors. This website has since connected 750 Filipino doctors from across the globe in the spirit of helping and camaraderie.
Dr. Robert Gan, a young and accomplished Filipino neurologist, is a supporter and part of the group’s think-tank. Dr. Gan’s research accomplishments (all published internationally) are truly phenomenal.
For my part, I have always wanted to help doctors ever since I wrote the first edition of the Medicine Blue Book in 1995 during my residency. I have also been the medical director of the Pasay Filipino Chinese Charity Health Center for 8 years, a center which has benefited thousands of indigent patients. I write these things not to boast, but only to inform you, our dear colleague, that we are serious in helping our fellow doctors and patients.
In our first meeting last March 2005, 40 doctors came. One doctor confided that she initially had plans of going abroad but “changed her mind” after hearing my talk. Since then, more than 20 core group of doctors have given their support.
I sincerely thank all those who have pledged their time and resources for our cause. I also thank the 120 doctors (and counting) who have trusted me with their cell phones and e-mail addresses to be updated on our cause. And finally, I thank God almighty, for giving the strength and the time to fulfill His mission for me.
We believe there is hope for the medical profession. There is a solution. And it must start from each one of us. Join us for our grand meeting on May 28, 2005. It’s free.
Why You Should Come:
1. This is just an informal dinner meeting. No commitments.
2. Catch up with old friends and meet new ones. You can network.
3. Air-conditioned venue doubles as medical museum with rare picture archives.
4. Two talks will be given by Dr. Willie T. Ong on (1) testmanship and (2) doctors’ issues and problems.
5. Free, signed 2005 edition of the Medicine Blue Book.
6. Dinner to be served by Verleo Catering.
7. No registration fees.
What: Informal meeting of doctors to talk about Philippine healthcare issues.
Where: 4th Floor, Sonlie Building, 2652 Taft Avenue, Pasay City (between LRT Libertad and EDSA station). Parking is available.
When: May 28, 2005, Saturday, 5 - 8 p.m.
How: If you or your friends would like to come, please text us your names. List of names will be given to building guard.
Who: Drs. Willie and Liza Ong (Cell: 0917-387-6750 & e-mail: willietong@netasia.net)
(Invitation to May 28 Meet)
By Willie T. Ong, MD
“Never in history have thousands of Filipino doctors given up their profession to become nurses in a foreign land, ” laments Dr. Tony Acosta, the 81 year old and eldest official of the Department of Health.
Never in the history of the medical profession has there been a crisis of this proportion. “It’s a medical apocalypse,” says Dr. Bu Castro, president of the Philippine Medical Association. “It’s not brain drain anymore, it’s brain hemorrhage,” says UP Vice Chancellor for Research, Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan.
The facts are undeniable. PMA estimates that 12,000 doctors have and are taking up nursing. Many hospitals are on the brink of closure from lack of resident doctors. “Half of our class are deferring medical practice and going into other more lucrative businesses,” says Dr. Gan Montenegro, the president of FEU Class 2003.
If you want to assure yourselves that more doctors are coming in, think again. Fact: Dr. Fernando Sanchez, executive director of the Association of Phil. Medical Colleges, says that those taking the NMAT to enter medicine are down 50%, as compared to 3 years ago. The youth do not aspire to become doctors anymore. The issue is not just brain drain. But the issue of the lost glory, the fall from grace, and the end of the golden age for Philippine medicine.
The conclusions are frightening. Doctors are giving up on the profession in droves. New applicants are not coming in through the medical schools. Who will care for Juan De La Cruz?
And need we even mention, “medical malpractice bill.” A crisis in its own right. As Senator Richard Gordon comments, “The solution to the medical crisis must come from doctors themselves.” These bills have arisen from public perception of doctors, which can partly be blamed on the profession itself. Apathy, lack of concern, and inner squabbling can destroy any profession.
Moreover, there is a third looming crisis: the conflict of interests between the senior doctors and young doctors. Young doctors, a silent majority, are beset with obstacles to practice imposed by senior doctors. For example, before one can practice in a hospital, there is the prerequisite of expensive stocks. If you have the money, you must still pass stringent requirements that may border on the bosses’ whims. And there’s this turf-war to get control over patient referrals and admissions. Is it any wonder that young doctors, helpless and frustrated, quickly leave the country?
These crises have hit the profession at its heart, now bleeding, and near collapse. Who is to blame? And can doctors find their way back? It’s easy to blame the government and the medical societies, but we too share the blame. In reality, doctors can either be part of the problem or part of the solution.
Our group wants to be part of the solution. We cannot stand idly by as the profession goes down the drain. And thus we formed MIND: an advocacy and support group for doctors. Our goal is to help other doctors to the best of our abilities. For in keeping doctors here, we believe we are helping care for patients as well.
On May 28, 2005, we are asking you to come to an informal meeting where you will find other like-minded colleagues, doctors who have not given up on the profession. Let me introduce you to a number of our supporters.
Dr. Philip Cruz helped start the Give-a-life foundation when he was a pediatric resident. Philip has one single-minded goal: not to let a Filipino child die if he can help it. Give-a-life foundation has since given away tens of millions worth of medicines and equipments to 12 hospitals all over the country.
Dr. Amiel De La Cruz has devoted several years seeing charity patients at Our Lady of Peace Hospital, a hospital founded by Fr. James Reuter and Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Sr. Eva Maamo. Amiel started as a volunteer, and has become the Assistant Medical Director of this “Hospital for the Poor.”
Dr. Mike Muin and Jojo Ferrer, both based abroad, have started Pinoy MD in 2003, a website for Filipino doctors. This website has since connected 750 Filipino doctors from across the globe in the spirit of helping and camaraderie.
Dr. Robert Gan, a young and accomplished Filipino neurologist, is a supporter and part of the group’s think-tank. Dr. Gan’s research accomplishments (all published internationally) are truly phenomenal.
For my part, I have always wanted to help doctors ever since I wrote the first edition of the Medicine Blue Book in 1995 during my residency. I have also been the medical director of the Pasay Filipino Chinese Charity Health Center for 8 years, a center which has benefited thousands of indigent patients. I write these things not to boast, but only to inform you, our dear colleague, that we are serious in helping our fellow doctors and patients.
In our first meeting last March 2005, 40 doctors came. One doctor confided that she initially had plans of going abroad but “changed her mind” after hearing my talk. Since then, more than 20 core group of doctors have given their support.
I sincerely thank all those who have pledged their time and resources for our cause. I also thank the 120 doctors (and counting) who have trusted me with their cell phones and e-mail addresses to be updated on our cause. And finally, I thank God almighty, for giving the strength and the time to fulfill His mission for me.
We believe there is hope for the medical profession. There is a solution. And it must start from each one of us. Join us for our grand meeting on May 28, 2005. It’s free.
Why You Should Come:
1. This is just an informal dinner meeting. No commitments.
2. Catch up with old friends and meet new ones. You can network.
3. Air-conditioned venue doubles as medical museum with rare picture archives.
4. Two talks will be given by Dr. Willie T. Ong on (1) testmanship and (2) doctors’ issues and problems.
5. Free, signed 2005 edition of the Medicine Blue Book.
6. Dinner to be served by Verleo Catering.
7. No registration fees.
What: Informal meeting of doctors to talk about Philippine healthcare issues.
Where: 4th Floor, Sonlie Building, 2652 Taft Avenue, Pasay City (between LRT Libertad and EDSA station). Parking is available.
When: May 28, 2005, Saturday, 5 - 8 p.m.
How: If you or your friends would like to come, please text us your names. List of names will be given to building guard.
Who: Drs. Willie and Liza Ong (Cell: 0917-387-6750 & e-mail: willietong@netasia.net)
Sunday, April 17, 2005
The "New" Tungsten E2
The Tungsten E2 uses the same design as the Tungsten E and Tungsten T5. The silver plastic tablet sits well in the hand at 114 x 78 x 15 mm, only a hair larger than the TE, and is a comfortable 133 grams. A square 320 x 320 16-bit color TFT offers slightly improved visual quality from palmOne's already excellent screen design, although still incorporates only a fixed handwriting area. The first noticeable improvement of the E2 is the inclusion of palmOne's new Multi-Connector serial port to replace the mini-USB port of its predecessor, a change the company claims was requested by many users in order to support the optional cradle. Other than that, and the barely-noticeable increase in thickness, the E2 is almost indistinguishable from the TE.
The next notable improvement over the TE is the inclusion of Bluetooth 1.1. Other connectivity options are standard, including the SDIO slot, IR, and Multi-Connector port. Although Wi-Fi is not included, palmOne does claim that, unlike the Treo 650 communicator, the E2 works with their SDIO Wi-Fi card.
The E2 sports a few improvements under the hood as well, including a new 200 MHz, and the same non-volatile memory system palmOne has started using on all of their models to avoid data loss in case the battery runs down. Although containing only 32 MB (26 MB user-available), the chunk size is smaller than on the Treo 650, which - without delving into a lengthy technical explanation - means lost slack space is far less. 26 MB is still a fairly small amount of RAM for a modern handheld, however
The E2 includes the current state-of-the-art of palmOne's software suite. That includes palmOne's upgraded PIM suite, media suite (photo/video viewer and RealOne audio player), and web browser in ROM, with VersaMail and Documents To Go available on the included CD. The built-in Launcher also includes the "Favorites" tool debuted on the Tungsten T5 as well. All of that runs on Palm OS "Garnet" 5.4 with the usual Graffiti 2 handwriting software.
The software package for the Tungsten E2 is complete, but unsurprising. Nearly identical offerings are included in the Tungsten T5 and Treo 650, and the media suite hasn't changed much since the Zire 72 a year ago. That's to palmOne's credit, actually. The same suite found on their high-end models is now standard on the low-end, too, making for a solid business device as well as a good media performer.
Wireless Harrison's Priciples of Internal Medicine
Wireless version of Harrison's Manual of Medicine
McGraw-Hill Professional has announced the launch of Harrison's Manual
of Medicine, 16th edition for personal digital assistants (PDAs), the
Web and wireless devices. The 16th edition of Harrison's Manual of
Medicine, published by McGraw- Hill, is derived from the world's most
authoritative internal medicine reference, Harrison's Principles of
Internal Medicine. The Manual is designed to provide on-the-spot
answers to daily patient management questions. The new edition adds
coverage of admitting orders, essential medical procedures, critical
care medicine and bioterrorism. Over 300 tables and 100 figures
augment the text, and more than 13,000 index terms aid information
retrieval.
McGraw-Hill Professional has announced the launch of Harrison's Manual
of Medicine, 16th edition for personal digital assistants (PDAs), the
Web and wireless devices. The 16th edition of Harrison's Manual of
Medicine, published by McGraw- Hill, is derived from the world's most
authoritative internal medicine reference, Harrison's Principles of
Internal Medicine. The Manual is designed to provide on-the-spot
answers to daily patient management questions. The new edition adds
coverage of admitting orders, essential medical procedures, critical
care medicine and bioterrorism. Over 300 tables and 100 figures
augment the text, and more than 13,000 index terms aid information
retrieval.
Friday, April 08, 2005
And Then There was One -- BEXTRA Pulled Out
The painkiller Bextra was taken off the market Thursday, and the
government wants similar prescription drugs to carry the strongest
possible warnings about increased risk of heart attack and stroke
among millions of people who rely on them.
Pfizer Inc. suspended sales of Bextra in the United States and the
European Union on Thursday at the request of the Food and Drug
Administration and European regulators. The company said the FDA, in
seeking Bextra's withdrawal, cited risk of serious, sometimes fatal,
skin reactions to Bextra on top of risks shared by other similar
drugs.
At issue are a broad class of painkillers known as nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs. Bextra is a particular type of
anti-inflammatory known as a Cox-2 inhibitor, a class of blockbuster
sellers particularly popular among arthritis sufferers until a
competitor — Vioxx from Merck & Co. — was pulled off the market last
fall. That sparked questions about the safety of all similar drugs.
Pfizer's Celebrex still can be sold, the FDA announced Thursday. But
it, and all other prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories carry
a black-box warning on its label that users may face an increased risk
of cardiovascular side effects.
Scientists don't have enough information yet to tell if one of the
remaining prescription painkillers is safer than another, FDA
officials said. But the agency decided Bextra was more dangerous than
its competitors because of the added skin side effect.
In addition to the prescription drugs, the FDA asked manufacturers of
over-the-counter NSAID painkillers to revise their labels to clarify
information about the risks of cardiovascular incidents,
gastrointestinal bleeding and rare but serious skin reactions.
That doesn't mean nonprescription drugs are dangerous, FDA officials
said — but the strengthened wording will make clear patients should
take those drugs only at the labeled dosage for short periods of time.
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
5 Reasons Sex is Good For You
5 Reasons Sex is Good For You!
Print this out and share it with your lover!
By Laura Snyder
Better sleep. A sexier physique. Stronger immunity. Sound like the effects of the latest wonder drug? Nope, it's just the many physical benefits of having a satisfying sexual relationship.
And all this time you were just making love because it was fun! If you're looking for more reasons to get romantic, consider the following:
1. You're getting a good workout. Would you rather run 75 miles or have sex three times a week for one year? While both burn the same number of calories (about 7,500), one is decidedly more pleasurable than the other. Regular sex - which burns approximately 150 calories in a half-hour -- is regular exercise. You'll have all the same benefits of spending that time in the gym, including improved circulation, lower cholesterol and the release of feel-good endorphins.
2. You won't get sick. According to research by Dr. Carl Charnetski, professor of psychology at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pa and co-author of Feeling Good is Good For You, people who reported one or two sexual episodes per week enjoyed higher levels of Immunoglobin A, the antibody that helps fend of illness.
3. You'll feel happier. In addition to the obvious boost in satisfaction, feeling secure in your relationship leads to a greater sense of well-being. Women in particular may see even more benefits. Researchers at the State University of New York at Albany found that women who regularly came into contact with semen were significantly less depressed than those who didn't get a dose of those potent sex hormones and naturally occurring opiates.
4. You'll reduce stress. People who get it on regularly report that they handle stress better. The release of climax will get even the most anxious lover totally relaxed, and you know you'll sleep better.
5. You'll live longer (and look younger!). A British study of 1,000 men found that those who had at least two orgasms per week had half the death rate of those who indulged less than once a month. Sex can make you look younger, too, according to neuropsychologist David Weeks, who found that men and women who reported having sex an average of four times per week looked approximately 10 years younger than they really were.
Print this out and share it with your lover!
By Laura Snyder
Better sleep. A sexier physique. Stronger immunity. Sound like the effects of the latest wonder drug? Nope, it's just the many physical benefits of having a satisfying sexual relationship.
And all this time you were just making love because it was fun! If you're looking for more reasons to get romantic, consider the following:
1. You're getting a good workout. Would you rather run 75 miles or have sex three times a week for one year? While both burn the same number of calories (about 7,500), one is decidedly more pleasurable than the other. Regular sex - which burns approximately 150 calories in a half-hour -- is regular exercise. You'll have all the same benefits of spending that time in the gym, including improved circulation, lower cholesterol and the release of feel-good endorphins.
2. You won't get sick. According to research by Dr. Carl Charnetski, professor of psychology at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pa and co-author of Feeling Good is Good For You, people who reported one or two sexual episodes per week enjoyed higher levels of Immunoglobin A, the antibody that helps fend of illness.
3. You'll feel happier. In addition to the obvious boost in satisfaction, feeling secure in your relationship leads to a greater sense of well-being. Women in particular may see even more benefits. Researchers at the State University of New York at Albany found that women who regularly came into contact with semen were significantly less depressed than those who didn't get a dose of those potent sex hormones and naturally occurring opiates.
4. You'll reduce stress. People who get it on regularly report that they handle stress better. The release of climax will get even the most anxious lover totally relaxed, and you know you'll sleep better.
5. You'll live longer (and look younger!). A British study of 1,000 men found that those who had at least two orgasms per week had half the death rate of those who indulged less than once a month. Sex can make you look younger, too, according to neuropsychologist David Weeks, who found that men and women who reported having sex an average of four times per week looked approximately 10 years younger than they really were.
Sunday, April 03, 2005
I join the world in mourning for the POPE's Death
I join the world in mourning the death of the most POWERFUL PONTIFF that had ever Lived!
I had the opportunity to see his Holiness twice in my lifetime. Though the first one in 1981 when he first visited the Philippines, as a kid was less memorable, I can still hear the crowd cheering "VIVA LA PAPA" as he passed us from the airport in Buendia cor Roxas Blvd. The next one was in 1995, with my then girlfriend and now my wife. When he visited again, the Philippines for the World Youth Day Celebration. Though it was not up close, we were able to see him from his Pope Mobile when he passed us on his way to the Quirino Grandstand. Up 'til today, I can still see his pink face waving his hands to us when his car drove by. That time we were chanting "WE LOVE YOU, JOHN PAUL II!"
I had the opportunity to see his Holiness twice in my lifetime. Though the first one in 1981 when he first visited the Philippines, as a kid was less memorable, I can still hear the crowd cheering "VIVA LA PAPA" as he passed us from the airport in Buendia cor Roxas Blvd. The next one was in 1995, with my then girlfriend and now my wife. When he visited again, the Philippines for the World Youth Day Celebration. Though it was not up close, we were able to see him from his Pope Mobile when he passed us on his way to the Quirino Grandstand. Up 'til today, I can still see his pink face waving his hands to us when his car drove by. That time we were chanting "WE LOVE YOU, JOHN PAUL II!"
Friday, April 01, 2005
Gmail to go 2GB
Gmail is not just going to let Yahoo! gram the limelight, Google recently said that they are increasing the Gmail storage to 2GB as a response to Yahoo!'s announcement that it will be increasing it's free web mail storage to 1GB. And so the competition leaves the consumers as the overall winner!
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