Two years, not quite, but we have already accomplished a lot. As if our medical practices were not busy enough.
Website - Thanks to everyone who contributed to the text and to the pictures. Thanks to Mila Magno for putting everything together. We can now link up especially with Filipino physicians even before they immigrate to Canada!
Mentoring – Dr. Ben Pangilinan has been very instrumental orchestrating the Philippine International Doctors United (PIDrU). We have started monthly psychiatric consultations alternating between The Filipino Centre Toronto (FCT) and the Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre (KCCC). Physicians observe Dr. Maselle Virey conduct psychiatric assessments and interact discussing diagnostic and treatment issues geared towards credentialing examinations.
Medical fair – Dr Mario Andres initiated the maiden event at the Filipino Centre Toronto last June 8, 2008. Another one was held on September 13, 2009, at the Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre. Several members of the FCMA conduct information sessions geared towards educating the general public. Formal lectures are on detection, prevention, and treatment of common medical ailments and general health promotion.
Donate one hour of your time once a month – Members are encouraged to provide medical services to Filipinos who do not have OHIP or who are not residents of Canada but the legal repercussions can be a deterrent. On the other hand, members are encouraged to see OHIP patients and to donate one hour of their revenues once a month to a program/project/institution of their choice.
CME accreditation – We endeavoured unsuccessfully to have our continuing medical education dinner-lectures accredited by The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and The College of Family Physicians of Canada. We will not stop there.
Membership – We are looking into the issue of dwindling numbers, recycling dormant members, enticing others to formally apply. We will be reviewing the provisions and definitions of the various categories of membership and to welcome again other health professionals.
Medical missions – Some of our members have had their lives unrelentingly soaked in such ventures already. We are looking into how the rest of us can be enablers and not stumbling blocks.
Provision of psychiatric services to Filipino-Canadians in the GTA – We have a good number of Filipino-Canadian psychiatrists in our midst. Is there anything worth pursuing to meet the idiosyncratic mental health needs of our kababayans? A survey has been conducted as a first step. A first meeting is slated for November 15, 2009
Constitution and By-Laws – Dr Gemma Pastolero will be spearheading a comprehensive review of the various Sections and Articles to blend with the chorus of this day and age.
Financial assistance – We have contributed our generous share to disadvantaged individuals and allied with other Filipino-Canadian institutions that share common goals and visions.
Christmas party – A way to liaise and fellowship with our PIDrU colleagues in an informal way.
Annual gala – a reason for us to meet you!
Yes, our medical practices are busy…very busy. But we are more than doctors. We are "Tao Rin Pala".
