Revisiting DOH Doctors to the Barrios Options

[dokdok]

http://news.inq7.net/nation/index.php?index=1&story_id=63311

Payback time: Fil-Am doctors return home

First posted 04:50am (Mla time) Jan 18, 2006
By Leila B. Salaverria
Inquirer

Editor's Note: Published on page A1 of the Jan. 18, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

WHILE hundreds of doctors are leaving the Philippines as nurses, a group of Filipino-American physicians is returning to give something back to their former countrymen.

Physicians for Peace (PFP), a United States-based nonprofit organization, is mounting medical missions in the country.

Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, chair of the PFP's Philippine chapter, called the medical missions "return migration."

"What we intend to do is to become a vehicle for return migration. We also want it to be an avenue for foreign doctors to come here and see how beautiful the Philippines is," Herbosa said.

He was seconded by Dr. Juan Montero, a Filipino-born US citizen who has been coming back regularly to the Philippines the last few years to bring medical services to far-flung provinces.

The PFP and the Philippine Coast Guard's BRP Pam

panga, normally used for search and rescue operations, set sail for Palawan province yesterday afternoon to provide free medical services and health education to residents of Coron town.

Hospital ship

The vessel has been turned into a well-equipped hospital ship, carrying at least 35 volunteer doctors and part of the $7.7 million in medical supplies and equipment donated by PFP.

Herbosa said the hospital ship would be very useful in an archipelago like the Philippines.

"When medical missions are conducted, it's usually by land or air. But there are several towns that have no access to medical help except by sea or water," he said at a press conference.

He said people who get sick in far-flung provinces usually have to travel hours just to see a medical professional.

Surgery

The 10 foreign and at least 25 Filipino doctors joining the mission will offer a host of medical services, including general surgery and eye operations.

The surgical team will be performing most of its work at the Coron hospital. Montero said some members of the team would try to conduct minor surgery aboard the ship if the waters were calm.

The PCG's search and rescue ships like the BRP Pampanga are equipped with facilities like operating tables and surgical lights.

Next stop, Camiguin

After its stop in Coron, which would end on Jan. 22, the BRP Pampanga is scheduled to go to Camiguin Island, where Montero said officials had been requesting a medical mission.

For his part, the PCG commandant, Vice Admiral Arthur Gosingan, acknowledged that a medical mission was a worthy cause but mounting one was not easy because of the cost.

Fortunately, organizers of this particular medical mission have been able to gather the necessary resources, according to Gosingan.

Also making the mission possible was the 16,000 liters of fuel donated by the Pilipinas Shell Foundation for the Coron mission. The fuel is worth about half a million pesos.

"It's an accomplishment to put it together with no budget and no money except big hearts," Herbosa said.

[dokdok]

http://news.inq7.net/opinion/index.php?ind...d=71268&col=127

Youngblood : Off to the barrio

First posted 02:43am (Mla time) April 01, 2006
By Che Zablan
Inquirer


I HAVE always wanted to be a doctor. I even remember the exact time when I realized this. I was 5 years old and having a severe asthma attack. Despite my Dad's efforts to relieve me of my difficulty in breathing, it was only my pediatrician who actually succeeded after giving me salbutamol, of course. The next thing I knew, I was already in medical school studying to be a doctor.

When I enrolled I told myself that as soon as I got my license, I would join the Department of Health's Doctor to the Barrios Program. It never entered my mind to take the US medical licensure exams and practice medicine there. Up to now, in fact, I can't help but feel disappointed when I hear about doctors taking up nursing and using that as their passport to the land of milk and honey.

One of my friends who has been to the States a few times told me that I feel this way for several reasons. First, I have never been to the States and don't know what I am missing. Secondly, I have never worked in
my whole life; until now at age 26, I still ask for allowance from my Dad. Lastly, she said, I have never worked my ass off for three years without being able to buy even just a used car because I earn just enough to get by. When I have experienced at least two of these, she predicted confidently, my decision will change.

Of course, my friend is right. I have never held a paying job in my entire life. But I have definitely worked, under training, for two years in two of the biggest public hospitals in this country. I go on a 24- and even 36-hour duty, holiday or no holiday, every three days for two years now without being paid any salary. Those are two of the three conditions she told me about, but my decision hasn't changed.

There are times when I fear that the time and effort that I invested in my medical education won't be repaid at all if I practice in this country. I begin to have doubts about my decision when my Dad tells me that I would be better off working abroad. But when I see a patient who doesn't even have P15 to buy a tablet that would lower his dangerously high blood pressure or when I look at a patient dying of breast cancer because her family doesn't have any money to pay for surgery, I am reassured that I am making the right decision. I may not be able to afford the comfortable life my colleagues are sure to have in other countries, but I know I am working where I am most needed. In a few months time, I will get my license. When that happens, I will be off to a barrio which needs my skill badly. With some luck, I may be assigned to a barrio by the beach. And that wouldn't be bad at all.

---------

Che Zablan, 26, is a post-graduate medical intern at the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center.

[kyuks]

hi guys, don't know if you remember me.most of the time i just lurk here but mostly i don't have regular access to the net. nice to hear about che off to being a doctor to the barrio! welcome to the club. i'm sure i'll meet you in one of our CME's. i wonder how you'll turn out after two years.

[edalbau]

Dra Che Zablan...
Saludo ako syo... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/flag.gif)

[longvestor]

hi guys, don't know if you remember me.most of the time i just lurk here but mostly i don't have regular access to the net. nice to hear about che off to being a doctor to the barrio! welcome to the club. i'm sure i'll meet you in one of our CME's. i wonder how you'll turn out after two years.

Welcome back, kyuks!

Enjoy lurking but it's more fun to post! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/au_revoir.gif)

[mikemuin]

Here is an article (a press release) from the PIA website:

PIA Press Release
06/08/2006
Feature: Service drives doctor to Davao Norte

TALAINGOD, Davao del Norte (8 June) -- Just what brings this Tagalog-speaking doctor in the hinterlands of Mindanao? If he can hardly speak and understand the Visayan dialect, how much more the native tongue of Ata Manobos here?

"Service to the people," quips 29-year old lean and boyish looking Gary Raymond Manliclic, a volunteer of Doctors to the Barrios Program of the Department of Health (DOH).

He is young with the ideals of youth burning inside him. Despite his medical profession as a physician and medical technologist, he prefers to make life's sacrifices in a place where there are no doctors.

Here are some interesting tidbits:

Unlike during his private practice when everything is within reach, in Talaingod he has learned to use improvised medical equipment for minor surgery and has resorted to herbal medicine prescription.

Dr. Manliclic only has one more year stint as the officer-in-charge municipal health officer of Talaingod RHU before ending his two-year Doctor's to Barrio volunteer work.

He is looking forward to working abroad while taking a course on medical specialization. He is taking his time doing community work because he knows he would not be able to do this later in his life.

Supplies talaga isa sa mga problems ng communities. Siguro kahit gusto niya mag-reseta, wala naman botika mapagbilhan.

Mag-abroad man siya o hindi, bilib ako sa kanya! Isa siyang bayani tulad ng lahat ng mga pumasok sa DTTB at mga doktor na tumutulong sa mga mahihirap na probinsya. I wish him well! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[tortuga]

Nako challenging ito. Sige lang adventurist man din ako," he cracked into laughter upon saying this.

He seemed to have acquired the Visayan accent (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[MerryCherry]

This is amazing! I was searching Google for my name, and there, I found my article posted in here. I have been having doubts these past few days because of peer and parent pressures about my decision to join DttB, but after reading your comments, my spirits were uplifted and I start to believe, again, that I am doing the right thing. Thank you guys!

Che Zablan, MD

[mikemuin]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome1.gif) to Pinoy.MD, Dr. Che Zablan!

Keep us updated on your progress and if there is anything we in PMD can help you with, let us know!

Good luck and take care! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/flag.gif)

[button]

This is amazing! I was searching Google for my name, and there, I found my article posted in here. I have been having doubts these past few days because of peer and parent pressures about my decision to join DttB, but after reading your comments, my spirits were uplifted and I start to believe, again, that I am doing the right thing. Thank you guys!

Che Zablan, MD

Hi Doc Che (IMG:style_emoticons/default/au_revoir.gif)

Good luck...hope you make a follow-up article after your stint with DOH...or maybe during. And if you ever need a devil's advocate (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon_evil.gif) , well, you know where to look (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[kyuks]

one of the problems the dttb encounters is hopelessness after a few months being part of being in the bureacracy. the DOH has this CME for the dttbs every 6 months and their idea of helping to cure this problem/s is throuhg a stress debriefing. i don't know if that was really effective. calling out to PMD-- maybe there is a way to we coould help the dttbs. many private organizations don't know they exist anymore. in dr flaviers time, companies sponsored them in many ways. many dttbs recalled that even their toiletries were donations form private companies. they were recruited by dr flavier--alam naman natin flair niya for finding sponsors. i think its about time the private sector support be activated again. like they adopt a dttb area for the 2 years the volunteer is there. there isnt much a dttb can do finding support while being in the barrios--i think this is where PMD can come in. we could be a voice for them, looking out for private individuals or sponsors willing to help out in any way. i am sure a dttb would be doubly active knowing he is being supported in many ways,knowing that the many sectors are behind him in his causeand maybe this will sustain them for two years in that lonely job. any ideas from u guys?

and yes you might be interested in this. in my batch we are proud to lay claim to having the dttb with the hardest post. 8-12 hours by pumpboat upstream. in rebel infested jungles of samar. after a short stint trying residency. he's back with the dttb. he could opt for another area. but he's back there. i could only shake my head when we texted me the news. i myself came back. crazy--they call us guys. but i think my friend is the crazier. any yes, not everyone is as crazy as us thats why i think ill do things in my capacity to help these new batches. the DOH program is not something we could really be gleaming about. much leaves to be desired.

[kyuks]

one thing im also trying to find out how to go about is this. there should be more media mileage on the continued resistance of the LGU's to give full magna carta benefits to all Public health workers. the AMHOP or assoc of mun health officers are not active in all areas. and many doctors fear going up against their mayors because of the repercusions. i myself am in the thick of budget preparations and in trying for the 2nd time to include hazard benefits in my staffs payroll. i feel the media. should take the lead. i don't expect congress to do so. why?? they.they can't afford to agitate the LGU's. the DBM just issued another circular reminding the mayors(in the light of the exodus of health workers they say) but these circulars really don't have that much teeth. i know because my budget officer said we don't have the money. which i don't buy. the DOH likewise, because of the devolution has no teeth. so any creative ideas again how we can pressure the LGU's?

[elrey_md]

This is amazing! I was searching Google for my name, and there, I found my article posted in here. I have been having doubts these past few days because of peer and parent pressures about my decision to join DttB, but after reading your comments, my spirits were uplifted and I start to believe, again, that I am doing the right thing. Thank you guys!

Che Zablan, MD

doc che,
isa kang magandang huwaran sa ating mga kabataan... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/flag.gif)
ipagpatuloy mo ang iyong magandang adhikain. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

saanman sila o anupaman ang dahilan ng ilan nating mga kababayang manggagamot,
buo at di natitinag ang aking pag-asa at tiwala na sa mga darating na panahon,
katulad ng iyong abang lingkod,
maibabahagi din nila ang tunay na kalinga at
pagmamalasakit bilang isang dokotr sa knyang bayang sinilangan! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/flag.gif)

[MerryCherry]

This is amazing! I was searching Google for my name, and there, I found my article posted in here. I have been having doubts these past few days because of peer and parent pressures about my decision to join DttB, but after reading your comments, my spirits were uplifted and I start to believe, again, that I am doing the right thing. Thank you guys!

Che Zablan, MD

doc che,
isa kang magandang huwaran sa ating mga kabataan... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/flag.gif)
ipagpatuloy mo ang iyong magandang adhikain. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

saanman sila o anupaman ang dahilan ng ilan nating mga kababayang manggagamot,
buo at di natitinag ang aking pag-asa at tiwala na sa mga darating na panahon,
katulad ng iyong abang lingkod,
maibabahagi din nila ang tunay na kalinga at
pagmamalasakit bilang isang dokotr sa knyang bayang sinilangan! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/flag.gif)

Maraming Salamat. I really pray that I get to finish my stint as DTTB cause everyday, I am tempted to go home. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[cruzin]

Prayers do help. You have our prayers too merrycherry!

[dokdeo888]

[i][color=#3333FF]Hi. I understand the plight of our DTTBs, because some of my companions in the province, where I am an MHO, are DTTBs. Yes there are some DTTBs who were assigned in some areas which unfortunately are really poor and inadequate. I also know some DTTBs who are enjoying their stint, in fact some of the MHOs envy them for the greater benefits they receive. The MHOs are also suffering. Pahirapan ang pagbigay ng Magna Carta benefits na yan. Though the AMHOP local chapter gave advocacies to our every LGUs, its frustrating that some LGUs are not willing nor have the will to help the health workers. How we did it? We filed cases vs our LGUs after dialogue since they wouldnt listen to us. We studied our budgets and found out that there are some other sources for our 25% hazard pay which they will start giving this January. Yes, we are serving our fellowmen because its our duty but we do have to think of ourselves too. making decisions to leave our post or not is rather a difficult issue. Besides helping other people thru our profession, we do need to grow. Sometimes we have to make choices, and take risks, but everything is all up to you as to how you see or take it. You cannot be judged because you alone can resolve the circumstances that you are in, and I am sure that we are inclined to make the right decisions.
I am not trying to offense anybody but after 9 years of practice as a general Practitioner, I have felt that some of my dispositions in life has changed. I was very idealistic at the start. I have enjoyed my time as a doctor. Ganun pa din naman ang sipag ko to practice, may kaunti lang na nabago. Well thats life, sometimes it cant be help.

[kyuks]

hello guys, something from todays inquirer. tama si dr che, why not?


YOUNGBLOOD
Why not?


By Che Zablan
Inquirer
Last updated 02:05am (Mla time) 01/13/2007


I AM a doctor to the barrio. For most people, I could not have made a better choice, but for a very few, I could not have made a worse or crazier one. In fact, the moment I utter those words, I see all sorts of reactions.

My family and friends are primarily concerned over my safety. After all, I could be assigned anywhere in the Philippines.

My superiors and colleagues, on the other hand, are afraid that I might stagnate professionally. The normal course for a newly licensed physician is to specialize. I won’t be able to do that in the rural areas.

Most people who first hear about my decision give me that you-must-be-crazy look and demand to know why. I have learned to just smile and vaguely explain that I really have nothing better to do or that I haven’t decided which medical field to specialize in. Sometimes, I am tempted to lie and say I am going abroad. This answer, I am sure, I would not have to explain myself.

It never fails to amaze me that people find it unusual that a young doctor would decide to work in the barrios and normal for him to work abroad. I thought I’d never find the perfect answers to all their questions until I was sent to a highland municipality in the northern province of Ilocos Sur.

My father felt reassured when I told him I have never felt safer in my entire life. I don’t speak Ilocano. I don’t know a single soul in the place. But when I walk on the street, everybody greets me. My dining table never runs out of fruits and vegetables given by the people. They invite me to dine in their homes although I am a total stranger.

This is contrary to what I experience every day in Manila. There, everybody speaks Filipino, but I feel like I could be mugged anytime. I could go around the whole metropolis without a single soul greeting me, much less inviting me to dine with their families. I am actually starting to feel that my family and friends in the city are the ones who need to take care.

It was tough to put on hold my dream of becoming an OB-gyn. However, I can still train to be one in a couple of years. That can wait, but the patients I serve might not make it if they don’t see a doctor right now. And while I may have put on hold my professional growth, I am definitely working on my personal growth.

I finally understood what being alone means on my first night and being independent on my first week here. I’ve realized what determination means when I see children walking five kilometers to get to school. I see what hard work means every time I see a farmer working under the sun in the middle of the day. Most importantly, I am learning what a doctor should do: to make a difference in people’s lives.

There are nights when I feel like paying a thousand bucks just to have a cup of caramel macchiato or pay slight less than that for a choco nutty sprinkle donut. However, these cravings are gone as soon as I get freshly brewed kapeng barako and kalamay—of course, for free.

On days when I can’t find the perfect medicine or order the ideal laboratory procedure, I am sorely tempted to take a bus back to Manila. But these are soon forgotten when I cross hanging bridges and rivers or walk along rice terraces just to see my patients.

When I get the you-must-be-crazy look, I tell people about the hanging bridges and rice terraces, but most of all about the barrio’s most important treasure: its people. They make my job so much easier. When they say thank you, they mean it. When they ask me how I am, they care enough to wait for my response. These are the people who teach me every day that simple living is so much better.

But when I am sick of answering why I chose to be a doctor to the barrio, I just say, “Why in the world not?”

[Jojo Ferrer]

Very nice article. Saludo ako sa yo, Dr. Che Zablan (MerryCherry to us here in Pinoy.MD). Sobrang nakakabilib.

If you read her 2 articles, you couldn't help but admire a doctor who "had a dream" and followed through on her dream. You've truly made a difference in your patients' lives.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumbsup.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/flag.gif)

[MerryCherry]

Very nice article. Saludo ako sa yo, Dr. Che Zablan (MerryCherry to us here in Pinoy.MD. Sobrang nakakabilib.

If you read her 2 articles, you couldn't help but admire a doctor who "had a dream" and followed through on her dream. You've truly made a difference in your patients' lives.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumbsup.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/flag.gif)

Thank you Sir. Sana, through that article, may ma convince ako kahit 1 Pinoy doktor lang, na mag serve sa rurals. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[cruzin]

Sagot ko na caramel macchiato ! Mabuhay ka!