The Dermatology Training Program at St. Luke’s Medical Center is a 3 year Philippine Dermatologial Society (PDS) accredited program, patterned after the training requirements of the PDS. Aside from General Dermatology, the program offers generous exposure to community dermatology, research and subspecialty fields, specifically dermatologic and laser surgery, environmental dermatology , pathology and photodermatology. We strongly encourage community involvement and would like to train residents from the provinces who have a desire to practice dermatology in underserved areas of the country. We have a strong bias for the bright, enthusiastic, compassionate, hard working physician, with a vision of making his/ her mark in the field of Dermatology.

The resident will receive a monthly stipend in accordance with the policies of the Medical Center.  Living quarters are available in limited number.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The applicant must:

1.  be a bonafide Filipino citizen

2.  be a licensed medical doctor in the Philippines

3.  be of good moral character, with no criminal record or previous serious

disciplinary offenses

4.  be of above average intelligence (upper 50% of their graduating class, with a

Physician Licensure Examination of 80% or higher)

5.  be computer literate

6.  pass the qualifying examinations given by the SLMC Section of

Dermatology  [To be given on September 17, 2010, 14Flr, CHBC

Auditorium, 1-5pm]

7.  express the desire to serve/ practice in underserved communities.

REQUIREMENTS:

To be submitted in a single large brown envelope, properly labeled with your full name and contact information, to the Medical Education Office, Ground Floor of St Luke’s Medical Center on or before September 15, 2010.  The Dermatology Center is open from 8am-5pm daily except Sundays.

1. Letter of Intent addressed to Lonabel A. Encarnacion, MD, FPDS, Chief,

Section of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, St. Luke’s Medical Center.

2. Curriculum vitae, to include all relevant information on training and

employment

3. Recently taken colored pictures: 2×2 and 1×1 (2 copies of each size)

with your name clearly written at the back

4. The following documents:

a.  Transcript of Records, Medical School      (certified true copy)

b.  Diploma, Medical School                          (photocopy)

c.  Diploma of Internship                              (photocopy)

d.  Result of Medical Board Examinations

e.  PRC Diploma

f.   PRC ID (photocopy)

g.  Class Ranking and General Weighted Average

h.  Copies of certificates supporting any postgraduate education or training

5. Letters of Recommendation

a.  1 letter from a doctor involved in your training/ medical school

b.  1 letter from the Dean of the medical school graduated from

c.  1 letter from the Head of the training program previously in, if any

d.  1 letter from the Head of the office or organization previously

employed in, if any

6. One page essay entitled “How I Imagine my Dermatology Practice Will Be Like

10 Years after Graduation from SLMC Dermatology Training”.

*Please bring all ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS for verification

*Incomplete papers will not be processed.

*Application Fee: Php 1,000.00

For any questions, please contact:

Dermatology Center                                          7230101 local 5208

Marie Kristy L. Alo, MD (Chief Resident)             09209009190

Lonabel A. Encarnacion, MD, FPDS                   7230101 local 6428

Nora Cortez, MD, FPDS                                    09178217661

Belen L. Dofitas, MD, FPDS                              09176294329

Rosario A. Blas, MD, FPDS                               7230101 local  5001

In the recent 6th World Congress for Hair Research in Cairns, Australia held on June 16-19, 2010, the PDS’s very own Dr. Alma Atilano Bautista, a graduate of Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center, presented her paper A Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of 5% Garlic Gel and Clobetasol Propionate Ointment in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata: An Investigator – Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

Amidst foreign studies that tackled issues from another perspective – molecular level, receptors, genes, genomes, signalling pathways – Dr. Bautista’s presentation was simple, practical and promising. The study sought an alternative to the longterm use of steroids for alopecia areata, and the native Ilocos garlic in a 5% gel formulation was compared to clobetasol propionate ointment.

A total of 34 patients were randomly assigned into two groups, to receive either clobetasol propionate ointment or garlic gel applied twice a day for three months. Total hair counts on the patches were recorded and difference in hair density between the two groups from baseline to the end of the third month was compared using the Kolmogov-Smirnov Test. Three independent observers performed efficacy evaluation using a terminal hair regrowth score.
Results showed that in the steroid group, 5 out of 15 patients had no hair growth, while 10 had either little or sufficient hair growth. In the garlic gel group, 1patient had no hair growth, 1 withdrew from treatment, while the rest had good growth. At the end of the third month, the number of hairs strands was statistically higher in the garlic group compared to the steroid group (p-value<0.001). The Anova-F test showed that the monthly increase in hair strands in the garlic group was significant (p=0.002) compared to the steroid group (p=1.21). There were three patients from the steroid group who had folliculitis and pruritus; there were no side effects noted in the garlic gel group.
The research concluded that 5% garlic gel is a more effective and safer topical therapy for alopecia areata than clobetasol propionate ointment.

The lone presentor from Southeast Asia fielded questions from the interested audience that ranged from “How about irritation or allergic reaction to the garlic? How did you make sure that there will be no irritation?” to “What is the smell of the garlic gel, did it smell bad?” According to Dr. Bautista, patch testing was done on all patients in the pilot study a year before the randomized controlled trial. She further replied that “Yes, it smells like garlic,” but patients claimed that a few minutes after applying the gel on the scalp, the scent was no longer noticeable and it did not bother them at all. The scent could not be taken out because that might affect the efficacy of the gel. Asked also about the efficacy of garlic for AA if taken orally, she said oral intake of garlic has not been tested for alopecia areata so far.
Dr. Bautista’s presentation was truly a remarkable achievement – a moment where we delegates from the Philippines felt truly proud to be Pinoy!

The 10th annual convention of PDS-Southern Philippines started with a tour of the neighboring mystic island of Siquijor, wherein we were all made closer literally and figuratively in our mini-bus. The tour was capped by a sumptuous curacha dinner at Lab-as. The following day, learning sessions started with a lunch symposium on the “Clinical Implications of Retinoids” by Dr. Tess Gabriel, focusing on this year’s main theme – The Skin and its Appendages. Colleagues from PDS shared their knowledge about Hair Removal (Dr. Angel Cumagun), Hair cosmetics and Hair-growing Agents (Dr. Jun Bormate), Hair Surgery (Dr. Kristine Bunagan), Mechanisms of Barrier Repair (Drs.Roberta Romero and Yssa Cellona). The annual business meeting was held soon after, wherein the incoming set of board members for the next business year were elected.

No convention would be complete without a fellowship night and this time, we had a disco theme complete with a DJ and a mirror ball. The group had a great time dancing to hits old and new, losing a few pounds trying to jump along with the song “Jump.” The night had to end early so we could catch the sunrise breakfast on the beach, many thanks to Dumaguete-based BG, who hosted all of us on her family’s private beach house. A great start for another day of learning which began with Etarnecept in Psoriasis (Drs. Joseph Ortiz and Juan Javier Lichuaco, a rheumatologist), Nail surgery (Dr. Marcellano Cruz), an interactive mind-boggling Nail Pathologies (Dr. Evelyn Gonzaga), Acne Update (Dr. Aileen Montero), Mometasone review (Dr. Rosario Cañete) and a fun-filled CPC with prizes for each correct answer by Dr. Jasmin Jamora. Dr. Jay Estoya, a plastic surgeon, shared techniques on regional blocks of the hands and feet, and demonstrated the proper anesthetic techniques and injection of botulinum toxin for axillary and hand hyperhidrosis.

Dumaguete was surprisingly well-attended, considering the round-about way most of us had to go through in getting to the city. All thanks to the hard work of incumbent president Dr. Marovi Celis, who managed to put everything together despite her occasional OFW status. The other incumbent officers of Southern Philippines are: Vice President Dr.Marissa Urgel, Secretary Dr. Karen Alabado, Treasurer Dr. Elvie Dofitas, Board members: Drs. Ana Lucia “Yoyoy” de la Paz, Emily Soriano, Rosario Cañete and Charisse Eusebio.The incumbent officers, who are co-terminus with the current PDS Board, will be passing the torch to the next set of officers: President – elect Dr. Yoyoy de la Paz, Vice President – elect Dr. Cecile Serrano, Secretary Dr. Karen Alabado, Treasurer Dr. Lalaine Visitacion with Board Members Drs. Charisse Eusebio, Cristy Caumban, Cynthia Morales and Elvie Dofitas.

Learning, coupled with bonding and curacha, sansrival, silvanas, tree-lined avenues, jump pictures… we all can’t wait until October next year in Cagayan de Oro!

The Department of Dermatology of the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center held its postgraduate course on 16 April 2010 at the Diamond Hotel, Manila. Drs. Ma. Victoria Dizon, Vesna Castillo-Yaptinchay and Adolfo Bormate, Jr. lectured on the basic topics of common childhood and adult hair diseases and tools in diagnosing alopecia. Drs. Gertrude Chan, Juan Sanchez, Julieta Peralta-Arambulo, Mary Jo Kristine Bunagan, Jonathan Dizon, and Rhesa May Manoloto-Martinez shared their experiences on procedures involving hair, such as hair transplantation and laser hair removal. Innovative topics consisted of garlic gel for the treatment of alopecia areata by Dr. Alma Felicia Atilano-Bautista, the truth on prostaglandin analogues for eyelash growth by Dr. Lee Versoza, and stem cell cytokines for androgenetic alopecia by Dr. Lillian Lopez-Villafuerte. After an eventful day of learning, 237 participants went home with more than just shopping bags and full stomachs.

It was an amazingly cool morning on the 20th of May as fellow dermatologists of the PDS – Central Luzon Chapter (CLC) trooped to Angeles City from the different provinces of the region. Oasis Hotel, home of fine dining and the juiciest steak in Angeles, was the venue for the PDS-CLC’S first CME activity entitled “Effective Communication, Ethics and Echoes.”

We came with a sense of anticipation and curiosity as we were expecting a CME that would touch on purely dermatological issues and we were not disappointed -we were in for a treat. Our speaker, Ms. Jeanette Geronimo – a Mass Comm graduate, Film Major, an Ad Executive and a Pastor’s wife at that – was a whirlwind. She was simply pure energy with all the gyrations, facial expressions and body movements. It was an action-filled interactive crash course on Effective Assertive Communication: we learned the spectrum of aggressiveness to passivity, to being assertive, with nuggets of wisdom spliced in between. We learned techniques on how to balance our needs and the needs of others and how to communicate our opinions, feelings, and rights in a way that does not step on the rights of others.

Lunch break was a blast with Dr. Elsa Maningas doing a Lady Gaga song as entertainment, with Ms. Jean showing off her funky hip hop dance moves in the background. We could have gone on and on with the impromptu concert but all the day’s action perked up our appetite. A sumptuous lunch symposium was sponsored by MSD, which featured Dr. Lavadia’s talk on the psychological aspect of patients’ skin diseases and the important role we play as their doctors. We were happy assertive doctors with big hearts and full stomachs as we wound up the morning session.

The afternoon session began with Ms. Jean’s sharing on how God touched her life. She related how happy and proud she is of her former wards (directors Raymond Red and Brillante Mendoza) and their achievements. With her narrative taking a sentimental turn, our speaker shifted focus to the task at hand.

And then, show time! Each table was to plan, direct and present a skit using all the techniques learned on being assertive. The group of Dr. Aenelle Bautista, Dr. Nikki Panganiban and Dr. Lei Baluyut was selected to present. We were treated to a spectacular skit showcasing all that we learned in the morning session. As we settled down, Dr. Lavadia presented the standards of the PDS Code of Ethics to which we all should measure up; she encouraged us to let it be our guiding principle in our relationships with our patients, colleagues and the public. Later in the afternoon, Dr. Juliet Macarayo presented a quick review on the telltale signs of skin diseases with clinical pictures, to hone and freshen up our clinical eyes. The last lecture was delivered by Dr. Tess Gabriel – still jet-lagged coming straight from the USA – who presented excerpts on the new developments in the treatment of Connective Tissue Diseases presented at the recent AAD convention

The afternoon ended with Dr. Nilo Rivera, CLC president and Dr. Menchu Liwanag, CLC vice president, discussing the forthcoming First Postgraduate Course in August which we are all enthusiastically looking forward to.
Lastly, our thanks to the PDS president, Dr. Gina Pastorfide, who motored all the way from Manila despite her busy schedule, to be with us on our First CME. The presence of our President sealed a very fulfilling day with her love and support.

Last year, the PDS Board of Examiners was racked with the aH1N1 virus scare, forcing the venue to be changed after all
these years from UST to Ateneo School of Medicine. This year, the board exam was held without the frantic excitement but thankfully this time with the clearly mapped out plan it always has been. We opted to hold the Part I written exam still in the Ateneo School of Medicine in Ortigas on June 27, 2010. Part II, the oral exams, took place in good reliable UERMMMC. Again, in behalf of the rest of the Board of Examiners, I would like to thank the guest examiners who gave up their Sunday morning to help us administer the oral exams to the thirty-seven examinees.

Listed below are the ten examinees who topped the 2010 PDS Diplomate Board examinations.

1 RAMIREZ, MAE N. UP-PGH
2 LIPANA, MA. KAREN R. UP-PGH
3 CAGAYAN, MARY ANY FATIMA B. UP-PGH
4 USI, CELESTE V. UERMMMC
5 HUANG, PAMELA JOANNE M. SCF
6 JAMISOLA, LIAN C. UERMMMC
7 GO, PAMELA CHRISTINE CUE UST
8 DELA CERNA, ELIEZA MARIE A. MMC
9 JOCO, EUNICE LINGAD OMMC
10 ESCUADRO, MARIECON C. UP-PGH

Complete List of Successful Examinees of the PDS Boards 2010.
ALABAN, KRISTINE GRACE QUE
CAGAYAN, MARY AMY FATIMA B.
CEBALLOS, MARIA CRISTINA B.
CO, CRISTINA C.
CUDEL, HOMER V.
DE GUZMAN, CHARO FIONNA F.
DELA CERNA, ELIEZA MARIE A.
ESCALADA, MICHELLE DE GUZMAN
ESCUADRO, MARIECON O.
FAJARDO, RAFAELA MARGARITA F.
GAVINO, JENNIFER ANNE M.
GO, PAMELA CHRISTINE CUE
GODINEZ, MARIA AZIRREL B. DE LEON
GUIANG, PAMELA C.
HUANG, PAMELA JOANNE M.
JAMISOLA, LIAN C.
JOCO, EUNICE L.
LACUESTA, MARICARR PAMELA M.
LIMCANGCO, AILZA BELLAMY R.
LIPANA, MA. KAREN R.
LIZARDO, RIA de los Santos
LORICO, MARIA JANINA PAJARO
MARCELINO, FRANCIS MICHAEL M.
MEDINA, CECILIA S.
MENDOZA, CATHERINE C.
MENDOZA, CLARISSE G.
MINDARO, CATHERINE N.
ORTIZ, PORTIA CHARISMA RUTH A.
RAMIREZ, MAE N.
SIAPNO, INGRID P.
MARY ANN JARABA- SINGSON
SOLIDUM, CANDY A.
CHRISTINE JOAN J. VILLAROMAN
USI, CELESTE V.
VASQUEZ-DUMANA, MALINDA
VELASCO, PIA VICTORIA V.
VICTA, JACQUELINE JUDITH A.

The Skin & Cancer Foundation Inc. (SCFI), in cooperation with the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) and the PDS Immunodermatology Subspecialty Group, presented “Stem Cells Symposium: From Bench to the Clinics,” a one day lecture-symposium held at the Wack-Wack Country Club last July 7, 2010.

The event started with opening remarks from SCFI chairperson Dr. Vermen Verallo-Rowell who presented an overview of the lectures and who stressed the necessity of keeping “up-to-date” with the recent advances in stem cell technology. This was followed by a lecture of Dr. Benjamin Bince from the PDS Immunodermatology Interest Group, entitled “Nanotechnology in Dermatology.” According to Dr. Bince, nanotechology has numerous applications in dermatology and other fields of medicine and is currently being researched and explored by many scientists today. For example, tiny carbon nanotubules may be incorporated into creams to deliver drugs that can be easily assimilated by cells. Nanotechnology can also be applied in the field of medical diagnostics such as in the nano-punch technique, where tissue is biopsied by a heat-sensitive nanoparticle and drawn out by magnets.

The first lecture on stem cells was given by Dr. Arvin Faundo, from the National Kidney and Transplant Institute. He explained the basic terminologies and principles on stem cells technology and gave local experiences on Stem Cell Cryopreservation. He said stem cells can be derived from three sources in adults: bone marrow harvested at the iliac crest; peripheral blood and cord blood or placenta. Preserving the stem cells in liquid nitrogen cooled units may preserve the cells for decades. Dr. Christopher Rex Gloria, from the Asian Institute of Longevity Medicine, discussed on the other hand the current medical applications of adult pluripotent mesenchymal stem cells. This type of adult stem cells may be harvested from skin excised from the back of the ear and grown in the laboratory for future use.
Dr. Marina Chua-Tan, from the Department of Regenerative Medicine of The Medical City, gave her local experience on Dendritic Cell Therapy on the treatment of Melanoma and other skin cancers. She said dendritic stem cells sensitized to a patient cancer antigens may be infused back to experimentally treat patients with exfoliative cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (mycosis fungoides) and metastatic melanoma. The last lecture was given by Dr. Jonathan Yu, consultant of the Skin and Cancer Foundation, Inc, on the “Current Research, Knowledge and Future Application of Stem Cells in Dermatology,” He provided information on how stem cells are currently being used in dermatology and the truth behind stem cell products. Dr. Yu emphasized that creams claiming to have “stem cells” are unlikely to be authentic and usually just contain peptides and growth hormones. There are currently two procedures that really use stem cells: stem cell-assisted lipotransfer and platelet rich plasma injections. Lipotransfer uses stem cells which are derived from adipose tissue, isolated and then injected back into the skin as skin fillers. This leads to longer lasting clinical effects. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) derives stem cells from the centrifuged peripheral blood (buffy coat). When added to hyaluronic acid fillers, it can lead to increased durability of the fillers and better clinical outcome due to fibroblast and collagen enhancement.

It was indeed a very informative, up-to-date and memorable symposium on stem cells and one of the most well-attended CME activities so far.

The JRRMMC Department of Dermatology held its continuing medical activity last May. To start the presentation, a case on histoplasmosis in an immunocompromised patient was presented by Dr. Ethel Ma. Theresa Sanchez. This was reacted upon by Dr. Arnelfa Paliza. With her turning point that showed the presence of parasitized histiocytes on histopathology, she presented her differential diagnoses which included Penicillum marneffei, histoplasmosis, granuloma inguinale, leishmaniasis and cryptococcosis.

This was followed by a lecture by Dr. Johannes Dayrit entitled “Plaque on the knee, pustules on the face.” His presentation was divided into two parts. The first part focused on a series of four cases, all of which presented with verrucous plaques on the knee. Histologically, they all presented with epidermal hyperplasia, neutrophilic abscess and non-caseating granulomas along the dermal-epidermal junction consisting of lymphocytes and histiocytes. On the second part, two cases with a chief complaint on pustules on the face were presented. Histopathologically, these cases presented with subcorneal pustules with eosinophils. Perifollicularly, there were diffuse infiltrates of lymphocytes and neutrophils. Within the hair follicle were neutrophils and eosinophils with red cells that seemed to attach to the outer sheath. Eosinophils within the hair follicles were also seen, as well as eosinophils and neutrophils around seboglandular units. At the end, he revealed his diagnoses which were tuberculosis verrucosa cutis (first part) and eosinophilic folliculitis of Ofugi (second part).

The third lecture was given by Dr. Jasmin Jamora, who also had a series of four cases with the following diagnosis: (1) erythema multiforme, (2) granuloma annulare, (3) subacute lupus erythematosus and (4) squamous cell carcinoma in situ. She gave a detailed description of each diagnosis and their differentials.

The fourth lecture was by Dr. Daisy King-Ismael, entitled “Clues in Dermatopathology” and she focused on what histopathological features to look for, as hints to help us in our diagnosis.

The last lecture was presented by Dr. Ma. Flordeliz Abad-Casintahan. She gave the answers to the short quiz given to the residents. She also discussed on mycetoma, pigmented basal cell carcinoma, discoid lupus erythematosus, seborrheic keratosis and linear IgA dermatosis.

Prizes were given to two residents from Ospital ng Maynila and one resident from the University of the East for obtaining the highest scores for the quiz. Certificates of appreciation were awarded to our speakers.

The first portion of the program was conducted by the PDS Ethics Committee during which its Chair, Angela Lavadia, MD, FPDS, spoke on “Ethics and the PDS.” She initially defined the concept of ethics, and explained how rules of conduct define our actions. She explained how the doctor-patient relationship should revolve around the Code of Ethics, emphasizing that this is a Sacred Trust, with the patient’s best interest at heart. Sylvia Jacinto, MD, FPDS, lectured on “Beyond Ethics” during which she discussed tangible, practicable ways on how ethics could or should be applied in our profession. Integrity defines our character, and we must stay away from practices that commercialize our respective fields in Medicine. Our dedication to our fields of interest should be driven by our desire to be compassionate and respectful of humanity.

The second portion of the CME program was the ECHO conference of the 68th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatologists held last March 5-9, 2010 at Miami Beach, Florida, USA.

In “Fulfilling Great Expectations: Caring for New Mothers and Mothers-to-Be,” Noemi Ramos, MD, FPDS, discussed dermatologic therapeutics in pregnancy and lactation. She explained the indications, contraindications and precautions of both topical and systemic medications commonly used in dermatology in obstetrics, including corticosteroids, antihistamines, immunosuppressive drugs, and antibiotics.

In “Acne and Rosacea Update,” Eileen Abesamis-Cubillan, MD, FPDS, gave a review on acne in the pediatric group followed by a discussion on the pathogenesis of acne and rosacea. She also explained how established and new modes of treatment relate to this.

The role of filaggrin in the defective skin barrier of atopic dermatitis was clarified by Ma. Angela T. Cumagun, MD, FPDS when she spoke on “Atopic Dermatitis: AAD Echo.” Management should be individualized to each patient, and includes skin barrier restoration, immunologic therapy, patient education, and if necessary, ultraviolet therapy. The role of avoidance of triggers, skin hydration, corticosteroids and updates on standard of care were likewise discussed.
In “New Therapies for Cutaneous Connective Tissue Diseases,” Ma. Teresita G. Gabriel, MD FPDS, discussed the strength of evidence associated with the available therapeutic options. She then presented a therapeutic ladder for each disease. Briefly discussed were new and upcoming treatment options.

In “What’s New in Contact Dermatitis 2010,” Arnelfa C. Paliza, MD, FPDS, said that for optimum treatment, we should identify and remove irritants and allergens as determined by history and patch testing, prescribe barrier protection when appropriate, rebuild the skin barrier by the use of therapeutic moisturizers, and treat inflammation with corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and/or various systemic agents. She also shared information on the new allergens reported in the literature.

Natalie Casuela, MD

The Philippine Dermatological Society is a continuously growing organization that can be proud of many accomplishments. In particular, our young PDS Chapters have overcome their birthing pains and established themselves as viable and flourishing chapters. For instance, the PDS Southern Luzon and PDS Central Luzon chapters can boast of successfully organizing their First Postgraduate Courses. The Southern Luzon Chapter held its First Postgraduate Course last May 23, 2010 at the Marriott Resort World Hotel in Paranaque while the Central Luzon Chapter hosted theirs on August 1, 2010 (insert comma pls.) at the Oasis Hotel in Angeles City, Pampanga. Meanwhile, the Northern Luzon Chapter will still be hosting their First Postgraduate Course on Oct. 16-17, 2010 at the Banaue Hotel in Ifugao. To top it off, the PDS Southern Philippines Chapter has had a series of postgraduate courses, with the most recent being their 10th Postgraduate Course held last April 29-30, 2010 in Dumaguete. So in behalf of the PDS Board of Directors and the Mother Society, we would like to congratulate our PDS Chapters for their capabilities to successfully organize postgraduate courses. Your achievements are milestones for the PDS Mother Society!

Postgraduate courses in Dermatology are indeed beneficial for a dermatologist’s profession since they enhance one’s competency. But the IDEAL dermatologist is not just simply measured by competency. From a holistic point of view, the IDEAL dermatologist is also obliged “to be a model of the highest moral and ethical values” as stated in our PDS Code of Ethics. To this end, the PDS Code of Ethics has always been included in one of our monthly CME activities during the first quarter of the year for the past three years. Despite this initiative, violations of the Code of Ethics are still being repeated, and offenders have been increasing in number. We are truly grateful for the vigilant efforts of the Ethics Committee headed by Dr. Angela Lavadia because they have been conscientiously reminding the offenders of the specific violation/s they have committed pursuant to our Code of Ethics. This unacceptable behavior must stop if we are to maintain our standing as the foremost and only dermatologic society duly recognized by the Philippine Medical Association (PMA).

Upon the recommendation of the Ethics Committee, the PDS Board has recently approved several ways to further increase our members’ awareness of the PDS Code of Ethics. They are as follows:

1. Ethics Reminder box in the PDS newsletter
2. Inclusion of the Code of Ethics and ethical issues in the residency training program
3. Inclusion of questions on the Code of Ethics in the Specialty Board Examinations
4. Repeat offenses may be grounds for disqualification from higher office

It is an honor and privilege to be a member of the PDS. The PDS dermatologist should not only provide competent dermatological service but he/she is also obliged to uphold the professional and ethical standards set forth in our PDS Constitution and Code of Ethics. Let us not be a society whose members excel through lip service. Let us all be the IDEAL PDS dermatologist whose competency, morals and ethical values are practiced in their daily lives. As St. Anthony de Padua aptly states it, “Actions speak louder than words; let your words teach and your actions speak.”