Benefits and Services

Member Rights

• Attend regular continuing professional development dinner-lectures, general meetings, and other undertakings of the FCMA
• Propose resolutions and amendments to the Constitution
• Vote in the election of officers and on any issues presented by the executive committee
• Run for office and/or be appointed to a created position needed by the FCMA

Member Benefits

• Opportunity to meet and fellowship with medical and other health professionals during the continuing professional development dinner-lectures and other activities
• Inclusion in the e-group
• An indescribable fulfillment having directly or  vicariously participated in the various projects undertaken by FCMA assisting financially, or otherwise, disadvantaged individuals; and allying with other Filipino-Canadian institutions that share common goals and visions

Vision & Mission

Vision:

The Filipino-Canadian Medical Association will be recognized as among the most respected professional organizations in the community. FCMA will be dynamic and effective in promoting the interests of its members, in supporting the goals set up by its constitution and in providing leadership in the community that it serves.

The membership will provide excellent medical care to their patients and will maintain honesty and integrity in the performance of their duties as spelled out in their Hippocratic Oath.

Mission:

To unite the members in bonds of fellowship, common interests and professional goals.

History

In 1985 a group of Filipino Canadian physicians met and formed the Filipino Canadian Medical Association.

The goal was to have an organization to enable Filipino physicians to know one another better and to work together with support and understanding.

The organization would serve to represent the practicing Filipino physicians in the community (estimated to be about 50 then), be a forum to identify common needs/experiences, and to enable newly arrived Filipino physicians to integrate into the medical community.

The initial officers of the organization were:

Mario Andres – President
Guillermo de Villa – Vice President
Judith Bacalso – Secretary
Elrey Vicente – Treasurer

The first few years were concentrated on having the Filipino physicians form a social network. Monthly educational meetings were held. One of the key problems identified by the group was obtaining internship/residency positions for the new arrivals, a requirement for licensure in Canada. This problem was addressed by a number of practicing FCMA physicians who were involved in training programs in their respective institutions. In addition, practice examinations (both written and oral) and preceptorships were offered to the new physicians to improve the passing rate for the local certification examinations.

In its early years, dentists were also included in the FCMA roster, as were allied health personnel.

As the organization prospered, fund raising to support social causes was included in the group's activities. Support for projects in the Philippines and in Canada was included in the agenda. Among the initial projects were those of building a well in Pampanga, funding a clinic in Bohol, supporting the "Herbie Fund" for a child undergoing a complex operation at the Hospital for Sick Children.

The traditions of networking, mentoring, continuing medical education and support of various projects continue to be maintained by the organization.

The Presidents of FCMA

1985-86 Dr. Mario Andres
1986-88 Dr. Guillermo de Villa
1988-89 Dr. Nora Stephenson
1989-91 Dr. Maria Antonina de Villa
1991-93 Dr. Judith Bacalso
1993-95 Dr. David Sarile
1995-97 Dr. Albina Commendador
1997-99 Dr. Dulce Bismonte
1999-2001 Dr. Nestor Yanga
2001-2003 Dr. Eileen de Villa
2003-2005 Dr. Patrick Liao
2005-2007 Dr. Zenia Sanchez
2007-2009 Dr. Maselle Virey
2009-2011 Dr. Gemma C. Pastolero

The FCMA

The FCMA and its arm, the Philippine International Doctors United (PIDrU) is currently the only existing Filipino-Canadian medical association in the Greater Toronto Area.

The raison d'etre is to ensure that we have a distinguished group of Filipino-Canadian medical doctors cohesively working towards meeting the highest ethical standards as established by The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, The College of Family Physicians of Canada, The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, among other recognized local and international medical boards and associations; providing abled leadership in the Filipino community; assisting disadvantaged and medically impaired ndividuals; and allying with other Filipino-Canadian institutions that share common goals and visions.

As a non-profit organization, the FCMA collects membership dues; holds fund-raising events like the annual gala, among others, to accomplish its mission.

Born in 1985, the FCMA has endeavoured to maintain its guiding principles of KARUNUNGAN (wisdom and understanding), KAUNLARAN (professional growth and development), KADAKILAAN (nobility of character, honesty, sincerity).

The executive committee, which is elected for a two-year term ensures the smooth operations of the various programs and activities.

Latest News and Announcements

February 23, 2011 at 6:30pm

JUMP (Jupiter Understanding Meets Practice)