By Alex J. B. Alip, Jr., M.D.
“Multidisciplinary Approach: Working and Caring Together.” This was the theme of the 32nd Post-graduate course of the Department of Family and Community Medicine. The 2011 course was held 16 – 18 November at the Hyatt Hotel Manila. The theme was chosen to stress the fact that the care and service that are provided to patients and families would be optimal only if we have the vision to involve others in the task. Hence, the topics that were included are representative of conditions that require multi-disciplinary approaches. These fall under the broad categories of child, women and elderly care, with lectures such as disabilities in children, women with psychosocial concerns and nutritional deficiencies. Subjects that would generate a lot of interest – cancer prevention, animal bites and Philhealth concerns were also focused on. All these contributed to the recognition of the value of the other professions, be it in the lecturers, our audience or in the methods that we apply.
Another remarkable thing for the course were the simultaneous workshops, which were conducted in the afternoon of each day. Participants were given an option to select their field of interest among four areas, namely: palliative care, counseling, geriatric health and evidence-based practice. Those who completed all the requirements of the workshop earned a certificate of proficiency, separate from the course certificate. As a bonus, a first edition handbook that was prepared by the faculty to serve as a major and practical reference that can be fully utilized by doctors aiming to deliver holistic care was distributed to the attendees, who represented a mix of government doctors and private practitioners. Their comments in the evaluation form ranged from “very helpful and relevant in primary care practice”, “very good and informative”, “excellent lectures and workshops” and “well-balanced topics”. Average numerical rating was 94 %.
The conference reinforces the position of the Department as being consistently at the forefront of progress in the field, always dynamic, sharing and connecting. Overall course coordinators were Dr. Noel Espallardo, Assistant to the Chair for Post-graduate courses and Dr. Ranali Palma, Chief Resident. Dr. Leilanie Nicodemus was Chair of the Scientific Committee and Dr. Annie Francisco, Chair of the Ways and Means Committee.
