Welcome to the Philippine Dermatological Society

Exciting times are ahead for the PDS as we look forward to integrating the affiliate societies and leading the way forward as the specialty society in dermatology for the Philippine Medical Association and the PRC. Although it may seem daunting, I am confident that as a ONE PDS, we will prevail and become the only choice for dermatology for our colleagues and patients alike. PDS will be the go-to source and authority as specialists in dermatology, improving the standards for dermatology practice in the Philippines, including equipping and empowering our colleagues and allied medical professionals appropriately as mandated by the Universal Health Care law.

We must always remember our PDS  mission: that we are an organization of humane and service-oriented dermatologists observing the highest ethical professional standards and promoting knowledge through information, dissemination, training and research. This mission is embodied in the 5 pillars that will continue to guide our current board as we seek new breakthroughs in each of them.

For EDUCATION

We will continue to promote excellence in dermatology education as we strengthen our subspecialties and interest groups. We will seek to create more subspecialty societies under the PDS, with a particular focus on strengthening cosmetic and procedural dermatology in the residency training curriculum, ensuring that PDS graduates are adept in all aspects of dermatology practice. The 2025 PDS annual convention promises to be memorable as we host the Regional Society Meeting in collaboration with the  Asian Society of Pediatric Dermatology. We will continue to accredit new dermatology residency training programs in the provinces,  and the Board of Accreditation will update the PDS residency training curriculum. The successful In-service training exam will continue as we seek to standardize training across the growing number of PDS accredited programs.

For RESEARCH

The PDS will continue to prioritize research as we push the boundaries of evidence based studies. This is demonstrated by PDS offering more grants and scholarships to both young and established dermatologists. PDS members and residents can now utilize the newly automated health information system (HIS). The Journal of the PDS will continue to work with Wolters Kluwers with the goal to be catalogued in Pubmed. I highly encourage both PDS members and residents to submit their articles to our excellent open access journal.

For COMMUNITY OUTREACH

The PDS will continue to provide access to dermatological care for all Filipinos, particularly to people deprived of liberty and other groups that we will identify as having the greatest needs. The Skinweek missions will continue to grow and expand, and the PDS Skin Fairs will be a great way for PDS to engage our public and surrounding communities. I look forward to more derm surgical missions to encourage younger PDS members who want to hone their surgical skills and also minister to underserved areas at the same time.

For internal ENGAGEMENT

To nurture the PDS and its stakeholders, your PDS will be a source of support and growth for your dermatology practice and career goals, especially if you are a young diplomate starting out in your career. We will offer workshops in media training, leadership and address practice management concerns. We will create career mentoring programs to partner young mentees with experienced mentors who can share their love and passion for dermatology. We will find new ways of encouraging volunteerism and strengthening camaraderie in the PDS. Social media is here to stay, and our worldview and values are shaped by this medium. PDS will offer ethical guidance and equipping for our members who want to harness social media ethically for higher purposes of public education, advocacy and inspiration. I hope we will all continue to abide by the PDS Code of Ethics and the PDS Social Media Guidelines to become impactful in the social media space while maintaining ethics and professionalism.

The PDS Administrative Manual  will soon be completed thanks to the efforts of the previous board, and like the amended PDS Constitution and Bylaws and the PDS Code of Ethics, this document will serve as a strong foundation to guide our society. We will also be mindful of the budgeting of PDS and continue to grow and invest our funds and prepare balanced and a carefully examined budget.

The ADVOCACY

Pillar is to promote the PDS as the Dermauthority to the public. The PDS has always had a deep concern for public safety. The rise of the illegal practice of aesthetic procedures, and the sale of medicines online endangers our patient’s well-being and the reputation of dermatology. Your PDS board launched a public safety campaign in January 2025 advocating for prevention of complications arising from the improper use of intravenous glutathione, usually by non-physicians. We launched a collaboration between PDS and Bombo Radyo, featuring a regular nationwide campaign educating the public on a broad range of public safety topics, including IV drips, monkeypox, dengue and other important skin safety concerns. The PDS will continue to work with PMA and other regulatory bodies to lobby for what is best for medical practitioners and to protect the status of board certified, trained medical specialists. We will continue to strengthen relationships with the PMA, PCP, PRC, Philhealth, HMOs and the DOH, as well as seek ways to partner with the FDA to increase public safety measures.

To “forge” means to move forward gradually and steadily, to create good relationships in new conditions, and like shaping metal, we shape our future into what we envision it to be despite compressive forces that surround the PDS. To forge the future together as ONE PDS, let us keep our vision at the forefront of our hearts and minds as we work together, and as we aim to be THE highly recognized society in dermatology, locally and globally, striving towards excellence in the attainment of healthy skin for all. I would like give thanks and honor to all the PDS presidents and previous boards who have served sacrificially in the past, a lineup of great men and women, pillars of the PDS who shaped this society into the great one it is today. I hope to likewise impart to our next generation dermatologists, a deep love for PDS, manifested as continuous service to PDS and love, respect and camaraderie for our fellow PDS colleagues.  As our board starts this new term of service,  I cherish your prayers for us for God’s wisdom, strength and perseverance as we seek to achieve new heights in the coming 2 years for the good and glory of our beloved society. Mabuhay ang PDS!