PDS: PMA's Special Society with the Most Outstanding Projects
By: Arnelfa C. Paliza, MD, FPDS

Congratulations to All Of Us!

May 24, 2008 is an important date for PDS. It was when PDS was presented the "Testimonial Recognition For Most Outstanding Projects By A Specialty Society of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA). The Award was given during the Annual Convention of the PMA held at Manila Hotel. The plaque signed by the Chairperson of the PMA Committee on Award, Elizabeth M. Del Rio, MD, together with the PMA Secretary General, Oscar D. Tinio, MS, and the PMA President, Jose Asa Sabili, MD, states that the award is in recognition of the following:

1. Outreach activities and information dissemination on (skin), hair and nail wellness throughout the country
2. Well-accomplished Psoriasis Awareness month
3. Initiating Global appeal 2007 to end stigma & discrimination against people with leprosy.
4. Supporting the HERO program of PMA as mandated by EO 595
5. Qualifying 3 members for International Society of Dermatology Scholarship Program and 2 members for the Poster Exhibit Scholarship of the American Academy of Dermatology, and
6. Updated outstanding researches submitted by members.

Based on the PMA's memorandum circular 2007-08-6 sent to PDS last Feb 6, 2008, the criteria for the award are:

1. Relevance of the project to the present needs, impact, importance.
2. Scope of coverage: number of people affected, beneficiaries
3. Ratio of accomplishment over objectives
4. practicability; can be duplicated or repeated, time consumed and expense, and
5. degree of community participated and involvement or amount of interest generated.

Each item was given a weight of 20%

This award actually came as a surprise because we did not intentionally compete for it. We have been informed that the award was based on submitted annual reports by the different specialty societies. The fact that it came unexpected make it a blessing for all of us who are the reason behind the award.

What does this award mean for all of us? It is another testimonial of the recognition of PDS as a specialty society of PMA. It tells us that we are the specialty society with a social relevance, doing great with our advocacy programs which are sustainable and can be duplicated in the years to come. It reflects the impact we make to the Filipino community. It is a pat on the shoulder but at the same time a challenge that we have to keep up to this recognition. PDS must not only continue previous projects but innovate new ones specially those which will be for the benefit of our patients.

PDS will soon embark on a tri-media “Patient Safety Campaign” aimed to educate the public regarding dermatology, the PDS as the society of real trained and certified dermatologists and the need for the patients to choose the professional dermatologists to ensure their safety and well being. The Chair of the PDS Committee on Public Relations, Loverna A. Suratos, MD, is doing her best to ensure that everything goes smoothly as planeed. The details of this plan will soon be discussed with the Advisory Council prior to its revelation to the members and public.

For the continuing medical education of our members, the Wach Wack country club is definitely a better venue which is more conducive for learning. We appreciate the efforts of the CME Committee headed by Blossom G. Tian Chan, MD, in finding ways and means to improve the CME meetings not only in Metro Manila but also in Nothertn, Central and Southern Luzon.

For our Annual Convention in November, we will also have a new venue – the SMX Convention Center. The members in the province are advised to book in advance at the nearby hotel because there are other medical societies that will have their convention, at the same time, in these hotels. The scientific program for this year is really good. There will be eight speakers coming from different parts of the world because this year's convention will be held in cooperation with the International Dermatological Society (ISD). The ISD tie-up was facilitated by one of the members of the PDS Advisory Council and Chair of the ISD Maria Duran and Fellowship Committees, Evangeline B. Handog, MD. We should credit her for all her efforts in bringing to our country the world-renowned speakers for our convention. At the same time, we are grateful for the unwavering efforts of the members of the Annual Convention Organizing Committee, headed by PDS Vice-President, Georgina C. Pastorfide, MD.

To ensure that there is continuation of our legacy, we are currently doing the compilation of the information necessary for the PDS Administrative Manual. This will be the most important guide that we can pass on to the next PDS administration so that the future PDS leaders will not grope in the dark base their decision on information passed on verbally from generation to generation. I would like to thank in advance the Secretary of the Advisory Council; Chairs of the Nominations Board, Board of Examiners, Board of Accreditation, Committees, and Task Forces, as well as the Cluster Heads, for their cooperation. Special thanks goes to Ma. Luz “Marilu” G. Aquino, MD, Donna L. Sarrosa, MD, and Rosalina “Rona” E. Nadela, MD, who have agreed to help me in editing the Administrative Manual.

Soon all the PDS members will receive their ballots for the election of the five members of the Nomination Board. This board is important because its members will screen the nominees who will be the candidates for election for the next Board of Directors. As I have mentioned during my President's report last November 2007, each of us should think carefully in choosing our future leaders. Our choice should not be based on the popularity of the candidates but on their ability and capability as leaders of the Society. I urge each one of you to ask around with people who have worked with the candidates so that you will have a properly informed choice. We have to ensure that PDS continues to be led by members who are devoid of vested or conflict of interest. At the same time, all PDS members should be ready to do their share for PDS in case they are chosen to be the future leaders of the Society. I must admit that being part of the PDS Administration takes some time out of one's daily routine and may even be a thankless job but each of us should be read and willing to do our part for PDS because it is our Society. It is certainly PDS that defines what we all are and what we will be as dermatologists, so we need to ensure that it is administered by the best leaders. So to all PDS members, I request you to discern well before you give your precious votes. In so doing, each one of us will ensure a better future for PDS.

Arnelfa C. Paliza, MD, FPDS
President