The 2nd Globe Cebu Media Excellence Awards

September 22, 2013, 5:38 pm

≫ Next: Mendero Medical Center: Finally, a tertiary hospital to serve Cebu's northern towns

≪ Previous: Two from a Cebu medical school top the boards, 100 percent passing for said medical school

$

0

0

It was an honor to be one of the finalists for Blogger of the Year in the 2nd Globe Cebu Media Excellence Awards. It was for me a recognition of my efforts for public health advocacy through blogging.

Attending the event, one could notice that the awards night has turned really big. It was well attended by various media practitioners from print, radio, TV and new media. Yes, they have included bloggers and social media advocates in their awards. Kudos to Globe for that. And it was nice to see that in Cebu, the media is united and bloggers and traditional media happily co-exist.

In line with the Cebu Press Freedom Week, the awards will inspire media personnel to write more about social advocacies, a welcome change from news of snatching, accidents and other bad news.

Blogger of the Year and Social Media Advocate of the Year

I congratulate fellow blogger, Nancy Cudis who won for the second time in a row, the Blogger of the Year Award whose advocacy is reading. And for the first time the award was given, Bjorn Bernales who won Social Media Advocate of the Year. They are both officers of the Cebu Bloggers Society and both are very passionate about their advocacies. They really deserve the award given them.

Below are the other winners:

• Reporter of the Year: Ador Vincent Mayol, Cebu Daily News
• Feature of the Year: Cherry Ann Lim and Mayette Q. Tabada, Sunstar Cebu
• Best columnist: Michael Acebedo Lopez, Freeman
• Photojournalist of the Year: "He's my brother", Amper Campana, Sunstar Cebu
• Reporter of the Year, TV: Alan Domingo, GMA Network
• TV Feature Story of the Year: Alan Domingo, GMA network
• Reporter of the Year, Radio: Astra Zina Logarta, DYHP

Globe's head for External Affairs Antonio Jocel de Guzman was present along with other Globe executives to lead the giving of the awards.

---

Mendero Medical Center: Finally, a tertiary hospital to serve Cebu's northern towns

October 6, 2013, 12:56 am

≫ Next: THE REAL SITUATION REGARDING RELIEF GOODS DISTRIBUTION IN LEYTE

≪ Previous: The 2nd Globe Cebu Media Excellence Awards

$

0

0

I heard from friends living in Liloan and the north that a big and modern general hospital is being constructed in Pitogo, Consolacion, Cebu. It is said to be intended as a tertiary hospital complete with all the equipment and facilities expected from such a hospital. That is really good news for those living in Consolacion and the community in other northern towns of Cebu because to my knowledge, there is no such general hospital in the north serving them yet. For cases, like surgeries for example, presently, they would have to travel to Cebu City to have a major operation.

I was very lucky to be allowed to have a glimpse of what the soon-to-be Consolacion, Cebu hospital - the Mendero Medical Center looks like. The location is not that hard to find. If you're coming from Cebu City, it is just walking distance from SM City Consolacion across SeaOil gasoline station.

The Mendero Medical Center's location with respect to SM Consolacion and SeaOil

This is the street view leading to the medical center while construction is going on.

The building with blue and white colors - Mender Medical Center

Then below are the different views of the hospital.

About 5 stories so far

The hospital appears to be five stories high. The front lobby is spacious.

The main entrance/lobby

Looking at the direction of the Emergency Room

 Below is a photo of the soon-to-be Emergency Room.

The soon-to-be Emergency Room

 From the looks of it, the hospital also has a laboratory with different sections.

The laboratory

Imaging area

Diagnostic imaging appears to be taken cared of. There will be X-ray, CT-scan and perhaps even MRI. Some of the equipments were already in their respective areas.

I was surprised to see not just one but four Operating Rooms with state-of-the-art equipment and tools. I learned from the workers in the hospital, that there will be an ICU and doctors' clinics.

One of four Operating Rooms

An Operating room up close

I think this will be the ICU or Intensive Care Unit.

The hallway

Stairways with fresh air

My wife's relatives in Liloan  along with Cebuanos in the north will surely be happy with this development. With these facilities, I am sure many competent physicians will be available in Mendero Medical Center to serve patients better. This is really good news with regards to accessibility of quality healthcare among Cebuanos far from the city and should help decongest Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center.

Share this good news by sharing this post. "Plus one" it if you welcome this addition to our hospitals in Cebu.

THE REAL SITUATION REGARDING RELIEF GOODS DISTRIBUTION IN LEYTE

November 12, 2013, 3:28 pm

≫ Next: Summary of Relief Operations Post Yolanda all over the Country by Affected Town

≪ Previous: Mendero Medical Center: Finally, a tertiary hospital to serve Cebu's northern towns

$

0

0

I just talked to a classmate from Baybay, Leyte. Like other accounts of Yolanda survivors from various parts in Leyte, she confirmed there are relief goods alright BUT due to the absence of LGUs or baranggay officials to lead in the equitable distribution of relief goods, the relief goods are received by just a few (usually the strong able bodied ones) as they grab as many as they can without regard for others. It's a battle for survival...survival of the fittest. Even if initially Baybay and other Leyte towns not as severely affected had some food supplies and other commodities left, they are consumed not just by their own townmates but from outside their own towns as well migrating to buy supplies from them resulting in shortage. Southern towns may try to help other towns from the north but before they can reach their intended destination, the goods are being stopped midway by others. It's a dangerous recipe for even more disaster unless LGUs make some sacrifice and regroup to restore some semblance of organization and security forces are augmented. In short, the many relief goods don't reach far especially outside Tacloban. 

To those organizing relief operations, it's not enough that you have many relief goods to bring. Perhaps in the planning of where you intend to distribute your goods, let this list by Rappler guide you as indicates also the places where relief goods will be or have been distributed.https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AoXlsk7HPzafdE9nME04dW5aenAyekpKZHJrUDFaamc&usp=drive_web#gid=0

 and also found here http://www.rappler.com/rich-media/43307-yolandaph-map-relief-needs-operation-centers

(I just made a summarized list per town affected reflecting where relief is lacking. It is at http://www.cebumd.com/2013/11/summary-of-relief-operations-post.html

However even if you planned well, the actual distribution is another story. it will be advisable to coordinate with quite a big police, Army or security force to ensure nobody get's bullied and nobody strong arms another in receiving the goods and that each person lining up receive their share of relief goods equitably especially if the LGU is inexistent. 

Surviving Baranggay captains and LGU officials including local police forces. We understand you also have families affected. But unless, you make some sacrifice in getting your act together again and organize to ensure the equitable distribution of relief goods, your family will all the more be endangered when chaos sets in without food and water entering people's stomachs. 

Many are willing to help. There are relief goods. there is an abundance of foreign aid. The private sector has done its part. But the PROBLEM IS ENSURING EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION. To the Philippine government (national and local), Mr. president, you have done your job in securing aid and securing many relief goods. Turn now your attention to ensuring these relief reaches those in need equitably by ensuring security and order. The private sector cannot do that. It's you, the government which have the capability to do that. Please DO IT FAST, or all those efforts securing relief goods go to waste and worst, more lives may be lost.

Please SHARE to reach as many people as possible especially those who can do something about this.

Summary of Relief Operations Post Yolanda all over the Country by Affected Town

November 12, 2013, 5:56 pm

≫ Next: Diabeticare Center, the first diabetic care center in Cebu

≪ Previous: THE REAL SITUATION REGARDING RELIEF GOODS DISTRIBUTION IN LEYTE

$

0

0

Equitable distribution is important when giving relief goods to typhoon affected areas. there are now increasing accounts of people complaining that relief goods are not reaching their place. let this spreadsheet/list guide you when you plan your relief operations. it is compiled from the internet including Rappler. If you want to add your group to the list or you want to add your town, just contact me thru the contact page in this blog so we can add you.

Diabeticare Center, the first diabetic care center in Cebu

November 17, 2013, 7:12 am

≫ Next: Google Teachers' Workshop in Cebu last November 2013

≪ Previous: Summary of Relief Operations Post Yolanda all over the Country by Affected Town

$

0

0

According to the International Diabetes Foundation, 4.3 million Filipinos have type 2 Diabetes and 6.2 million have Impaired Glucose Tolerance (Prediabetics). A good number are undiagnosed. With these figures in mind, not only diabetes management is important. Empowerment through education is likewise necessary.

A diabetes care center in Cebu, it's first, is having education has education has it's advocacy realizing its importance. The diabetic care center is named Diabeticare Center headed by Dr. Marissa Bravo-Garcia, a diabetologist who is very passionate about diabetes awareness making it her personal advocacy.

Doc Marissa is an active staff member practicing as a Diabetologist at the Perpetual Succour Hospital who had her Clinical Fellowship in Diabetes at the Capitol Medical center under the guidance of two renowned Diabetologist in the person of Drs. Ricardo Fernando and Rima Tan.

Talking to Doc Marissa, you can tell how dedicated she is in her mission of diabetes prevention. This dedication translates to how her Diabeticare Center works.

Dr. Marissa Bravo-Garcia talking to some bloggers about diabetes

Diabeticare Center offers not just Diabetes Consultation services but also Diet Counseling with an in-house registered nutritionist dietitian. The center also has screening and monitoring services with Capillary blood sugar testing and Point-of-care HbA1c testing. The center also can also make it easy for you to secure nutritional formulas, insulins and glucometers among others for your use. Doc Marissa is very willing and has in fact, done family risk assessment and education to some of her patients' families. She is going beyond the call of duty in extending her hand to call center companies by offering to conduct diabetic lectures or caravans recognizing the high risk for diabetes among the said group due to potential risky lifestyle practices and diet.

Point-pf-care HbA1c tesing

Doctor's desk

Dietitian's desk

The center itself has a very cool, cozy atmosphere which provides a relaxing, nonthreatening environment for patients seeking consult. It has a comfortable sofa set with television set showing cable TV programs, a computer and wifi connection.

Check them online in facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DiabeticareCenter .

Visit them at the 2nd floor, The Premiere Business Loft, D. Jakosalem nearly across Indiana Condotel (which lies at the corner of Ranudo and Jakosalem Streets.) with telephone number 032-2541378 and these clinic hours:

• Monday to Friday  from 1 PM to 6PM
• Saturdays from 9 AM to 2 PM.

Google Teachers' Workshop in Cebu last November 2013

December 18, 2013, 11:24 pm

≫ Next: How social media helped me during 2013

≪ Previous: Diabeticare Center, the first diabetic care center in Cebu

$

0

0

Finally, the Google Workshop for teachers pushed through in Cebu last November 29 and 30 at the USJR Basak Campus. the said workshop, if not for the recent strong earthquake and typhoon was supposed to have it's first run in Cebu. I have waited a long time for it because it could hopefully signal the start of a new Google community in Cebu -- the Google Educators' Group.

I am a witness as to how vibrant the Google communities in Cebu are, namely, the Google Business Group Cebu and the Google Developers' Group ably led by my blogger colleagues like +Fleire Castro, +Ruben Licera, Jr., +Johnn Mendoza, +Bjornson Bernales and +Herbert Kikoy, among many other active volunteers. Google apps and other tools are very much underutilized by some teachers and even my medical students, some of which have no clue about what Google apps can do for helping them teach or study beyond email and search. Sadly, some school administrators are even concerned that Google might take away the students' attention from their lessons.

I attended the November 30 session and it was nice to see teachers who do not belong to the Millenial generation who are interested in learning more about Google's use for education. You can feel the enthusiasm of the teachers who were around this time as learners.

Some of Google Workshop participants

The Pixsell team of facilitators with Google SEA Outreach Manager Aileen Apolo

The choice of lecturers/facilitators from Pixsell were perfect as they were very animated, lively, engaging and very knowledgeable. There was never a dull moment. Google provided snacks and a sumptous lunch. The participants were also hands-on with what was taught. There were times we simulated an online collaboration effort via Google Docs as well as a Google Hangout. It was time well spent even if I am already a Google power user to start with. Our group (the Mandaue group) won the collaboration challenge creating Google Presentation slides promoting the Visayas with the theme "It's More Fun in the Visayas".

Thanks to +Aileen Apolo and Google for bringing the workshop here in Cebu. I'm sure the +GEG Philippines will likewise be an active and enthusiastic community. Cebu Champion teachers, let's volt in!

So, when will GEG Cebu start? Can't wait.

How social media helped me during 2013

December 31, 2013, 12:52 am

≫ Next: Is there value in using social media for healthcare in the Philippines?

≪ Previous: Google Teachers' Workshop in Cebu last November 2013

$

0

0

Inspired by my #HealthXPh core collaborators colleagues' blog posts on life with cancer or life of a patient with prolactinoma, I am going to share how social media helped me as a patient during 2013.

You see, year 2013 was the most difficult for me. I thought I would not even reach December of this year.

I was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Failure secondary to my Polycystic Kidney Disease and things were looking bleak. I was losing weight fast and I was advised for kidney transplant. I do not have enough money for the kidney transplant and dialysis is too costly for someone like me who is not into clinical practice. Typical problems of patients, right? And as a doctor, I am now experiencing these very real problems.

But it turns out I have nothing to fear......Social media to the rescue! With the help of Facebook via my Transplant Fund page, donations and from friends, family and even anonymous and unknown persons poured in. If I had a matched donor, I would have been able to afford the Philhealth Z-package for kidney transplant with the donations. Unfortunately, I am a CMV IgG antibody negative recipient-to-be and I am not covered under the Philhealth Z-package if my kidney donor is the opposite. The donations were still useful for my dialysis sessions though along with the very expensive antibiotics I was on during my days of frequent bouts of fever due to an infection in my initial temporary dialysis access.

I did not lose hope, thanks to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. My spirits were always high and on the positive end due to continuous messages of support and even likes from social media. Believe it or not, it helped keep away depression for me along with writing for my blogs.

Even as I studied the signs and symptoms of my condition in medical school, nothing prepares you better of things to come than participating actively in online patient support groups where you "meet" persons in the same situation as you are. From pains here and there, questions on what to expect, previous experiences and a whole lot more. Links from Twitter, Facebook and social media aggregators taught me so many new things related or unrelated to my condition.

Unexpectedly, my network of friends not just online but offline increased now more than when I was physically at the peak of my health. More opportunities came now when I am relatively "sick" than when I was healthier and it came at the same time when I decided to tap social media's potential.

Slowly but surely, with hemodialysis and with the constant support obtained by way of social media, including moral support, I was able to regain my strength, my weight and my "healthy" appearance. I did not look sickly anymore. I was regaining my form.

Heck, I was actually on a roll towards the second half of 2013. From having frequent bouts of fever and chills, I was back to doing things. I even won a research grant this year! Also, thanks to the Lord, I won Personal Blogger of the Year in Best Cebu Blogs for 2013, got nominated for Blogger of the Year in the Globe Cebu Media Excellence Awards and was able to participate in the Google Educator Group's first Workshop for Teachers in Cebu. In the dialysis center, I was able to participate in the protest against Pork Barrel via selfie protest.

During the aftermath of Supertyphoonn Haiyan (Yolanda), in my own little way, I was able to help disseminate information for relief, help find missing persons and update loved ones of a certain town with the use of social media tools like Facebook Page, Google Drive and Google Crisis Map.

To pay it forward, I founded a kidney patients' support group, the Smiling Kidneys Club last November to help kidney patients cope with their condition positively again with the assistance of a social media component (Facebook page and group). We are planning many things for next year and we are lobbying for increased number of free Philhealth dialysis sessions, non-discrimination of dialysis patients who are also considered PWDs, equitable PCSO assistance across regions among many others. (Below is the video summary of my year).


2013: The Year That Was for CebuMD

With social media, I can still accomplish things from my dialysis chair or at home. It wouldn't require me to physically exhaust my energies. And it is helping me as well as helping others. All it took was having the positive mindset despite my difficult condition and the openness to use social media.

Why am I talking about this? It is to convince doctors and patients alike to be not afraid of social media. Definitely, social media along with other emerging technologies can have a positive impact in the healthcare of our country. And the potential of social media as a positive force gets even better with collaboration.

Come join us every Saturday starting January 4 at 10 AM via Google Hangouts on Air for #HealthXPh where we discuss emerging technologies in healthcare and social media with the improvement of Philippine healthcare in mind. Know more about HealthXPh here.

Join the conversation in Twitter via hashtag #HealthXPh. The same hashtags can be used across other social media platforms. Join the #HealthXPh Community in Google Plus or the HealthXPh Community in Facebook or our Facebook group. Updates and links on the Google hangouts will also be posted there.

Is there value in using social media for healthcare in the Philippines?

January 17, 2014, 6:28 am

≫ Next: Thanks to Smiling Kidneys Club Supporters

≪ Previous: How social media helped me during 2013

$

0

0

During last week's #HealthXPh Hangout on Air (HOA), network connection difficulties prevented me from participating for the entire duration of the HOA. So I decided to put here my answers to the questions posted last week regarding social media's value in healthcare in the Philippine context.

T1: Is there value in using social media for healthcare in the Philippines?

It's a big YES for me especially that we Filipinos are supposedly one of the top users of social media in the entire globe. A lot of people can be reached via social media especially when telecommunications companies are beginning to offer free use of social networking sites.

Social media offers an avenue for

• communication
• collaboration
• information gathering and sharing

It also has a multiplying effect as posts get shared via social bookmarks and other social media tools reaching more and more people. In my observation though, not many local doctors are tapping social media for healthcare purposes.

T2: What social media tools do I use for healthcare and how do I use them?

I use blogs first and foremost. My PKD blog documents my experiences not as a healthcare professional but as a patient in the hopes that my readers who have PKD may learn something out of it as they cope with PKD. As a public health advocate and healthcare professional, I blog also about public health topics as well as inform health professionals of coming medical events in my other blogs.

I use Facebook in various ways both as a patient and healthcare professional.

I have a Facebook support group for hemodialysis patients. I read and share health articles. I engage my students (future physicians) by posting points to ponder or points to reflect upon. As a patient, believe it or not, Facebook is where I get a lot of moral support as well as financial support thru crowdfunding. I connect also with others using Facebook.

Googleplus is where I also share my health blog articles to reach more people.

Instagram is where I post pics that would help inspire other hemodialysis patients to remain having a positive outlook despite their illness. It is where I post also pictures with messages.

Twitter is also where I connect to people with similar  interests, people I look up to, model health professionals and persons of influence. Twitter is also where I get the fresh medical and social media updates, health news, health researches and many more. Of course, it is also an avenue to share opinions as well as have meaningful conversations like in #HealthXPh tweetchat.

T3: Do you think there should be guidelines for social media use in healthcare institutions?

With the importance of patient privacy, yes there should be guidelines. With location easily tracked or determined in social media plus the date given, even without mentioning names, a patient can easily be identified with just a few details or a revealing photograph needed when patients and their cases are discussed online.

Now that we know the value of social media in healthcare, I am inviting healthcare professionals including doctors to use social media not only for personal use but also for improving healthcare.

---

Thanks to Smiling Kidneys Club Supporters

February 2, 2014, 2:12 am

≫ Next: A glimpse of University of Cebu Medical Center and School of Medicine

≪ Previous: Is there value in using social media for healthcare in the Philippines?

$

0

0

As promised, the Smiling Kidneys Club, a hemodialysis patients support group would like to thank their generous supporters in this page who have helped the group in one way or the other.

Dr. Monteclar, Dr. Mata, Stephen thru Mr. Talaba, the Talaba Family, Rose Ann, Mrs. Rodrigo, Drs. Francisco and Carmela Remotigue, Engr. James Topaz, Dr. F. Berdin, Dr. Pia Quinones.

Thank you and may God bless you a hundredfold.

As of now, we are planning activities primarily to educate patients and their families regarding how to deal with their condition positively.

On February 23 11 AM (Sunday), hemodialysis patients of Asia Renal Care 1 Cebu will be listening to a short lecture on Calcium/Phosphorus to be delivered by nephrologist Dr. John Li. This activity is organized by the Smiling Kidneys Club with the help of the Asia Renal Care 1 family.

A glimpse of University of Cebu Medical Center and School of Medicine

May 3, 2015, 6:50 am

≫ Next: #UCSMclass15 Tweetchat: Increasing Health Research Output among Medical Professionals in Cebu

≪ Previous: Thanks to Smiling Kidneys Club Supporters

$

0

0

As I took my first good look at the University of Cebu Medical Center, fondly called UCMed, I can't help but smile. Somehow I have a good feeling about this hospital-to-be and the medical school that comes with it.

First the hospital.

Going inside the feel is that of a hotel. There are escalators going to the second floor. The place just looks modern.So relaxing. So fresh.

The Main Lobby

View from the outside

Take a glimpse of the admitting section below...

And the smiles of the people and welcoming committee from UC....it's a good sign that this hospital, though modern with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, will really cater and be welcoming also to the masses as its owners are known for. Look at their legacy and it shows -- Elizabeth Mall, Cebu Coliseum, University of Cebu and now, UCMed and University of Cebu (UC) School of Medicine.

 On the 6th floor, the view is breathtaking...

There's Cebu Doctors' University from the view above UCMED

And the majestic building with a logo that I truly like ... with good name recall, branding...very medical...simple but modern.

Here are some of the wards with no beds yet...

President Benigno S. Aquino III inspected the hospital May 1, 2015 and the pictures where you can see some high tech equipment are in the Official Facebook page of the Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. You can check it out here.

I think the hospital will soon have its soft opening within this year. What is really definite though is UC's medical school is going to start this coming schoolyear. The glimpse I will give you of the school is more on the faculty and not of the building. Let me show you some of them in this next photograph.

Some of the future Faculty of the University of Cebu School of Medicine

The person 2nd to the left of the photo (the one next to me in the pic) is the dean, Dr. Melfer Montoya. And with her UC School of Medicine is definitely in good hands.

She is a Biochemistry mentor and classmate of mine in our Masters Degree in Health Professions Education (MHPEd) which we took in the University of the Philippines Manila. MHPEd is like a degree in education for teachers but in our case, specifically for health professions teachers (like that in a medical school). In MHPEd, we take these subjects which will definitely help Dr. Montoya in her stint as dean. In some instances already, those with MHPEd are nominated as deans or chancellors in colleges like that in UP Manila. And with Dr. Montoya's degree, her many many years as a medical educator plus experience in being part of the administration of a PAREF school in Cebu, University of Cebu School of Medicine is in capable hands with the help of the administration and rest of the faculty.

Check some of the basic faculty:

Photo of Freeman newspaper page showing some of the members of the UC School of Medicine Faculty

As you can see in the newspaper, you have the "veterans" perhaps considered the Mothers or Father in Cebu of the particular subject they are teaching. Dr. Virginia Mesola is the authority in Medical Microbiology in Cebu both in classroom, laboratory and in practice. Ask a graduate who was under Dra. Llenes in Anatomy and definitely she will be pointed as one of the best Anatomy teachers in Cebu medical schools. Dr. Francisco Tan knows histology and anatomy even with his eyes closed being in the department for more than a decade. The rest of the teachers is a good mix of vast experience, passion and youth ensuring continued quality medical education in the future.

As I sit watching guests coming in wishing UCMed well last May 1, I could not help but smile.  I realized that this development is really good for healthcare in Cebu. Furthermore, the city hospitals will be decongested. And another promising medical school will be added to the other quality medical schools in Cebu. By the way, the school of medicine campus is in Banilad in their building across Gaisano Countrymall. Information about application for first year medical student is in this page. Deadline for application is May 15, 2015.

#UCSMclass15 Tweetchat: Increasing Health Research Output among Medical Professionals in Cebu

August 30, 2015, 6:43 am

≫ Next: University of Cebu Medical Students' Views on Health Research

≪ Previous: A glimpse of University of Cebu Medical Center and School of Medicine

$

0

0

Interest in research among medical professionals in Cebu is not that high based on observation as a medical teacher for more than 10 years. Researchers are mostly done by individuals with training or graduate school requirements. Seldom are researches done outside training.

But there is hope. More attention has been given to health research and funds are available to support research according to the Philippine Council for Health research and Development in the recent PNHRS week. Especially with the thrust towards Universal Healthcare, health research has been put forward.

With the age of social media available to this generation of researchers, information is just right in the fingertips. Perhaps what is just needed is a realization of why health research is important...a wake-up call.

And so the Research Class of the University of Cebu School of Medicine's Pioneer Batch will have a tweetchat tomorrow August 31 3 PM using the hashtag #UCSMclass15

It will be centered on the following:

T1. Why is research important for healthcare?
T2. What can be done to encourage more from Cebu to do researches beyond training requirements?
T3. What is the role of social media in health research?

For those joining, here are the instructions:
Go to twitter. Search ‪#‎UCSMclass15‬
Then choose all tweets (not top tweets). You will see all tweets using that hashtag.
When tweeting during the chat, always add the hash tag #UCSMclass15 so your tweet will count in the discussion.

You may use Hootsuite or Tweetdeck for easier monitoring of tweets.
Batch Primoris of UCSM, See you there.

University of Cebu Medical Students' Views on Health Research

August 31, 2015, 3:13 am

≫ Next: Keynote Speech during Opening of 26th National Statistics Day hosted by DOH Region 7

≪ Previous: #UCSMclass15 Tweetchat: Increasing Health Research Output among Medical Professionals in Cebu

$

0

0

A very interesting read.  There's hope for health research in the country.

Keynote Speech during Opening of 26th National Statistics Day hosted by DOH Region 7

October 1, 2015, 12:07 am

≫ Next: Chronic dialysis patients are PWDs too

≪ Previous: University of Cebu Medical Students' Views on Health Research

$

0

0

Director Florendo of the Philippine Statistics Authority;  Dr. Eddie Llamedo, Chief Public Affairs Office; Dr. Jonathan Neil Erasmo; Friends from the Philippine Statistics Authority; Colleagues in the DOH; Friends from various Government officies;

Ladies and gentlemen.

Isang Pabebe Wave sa Inyong Lahat.

It’s National Statistics Day so let us talk of Aldub to illustrate how important statistics is. Do you know that statistics plays a role in the TV network wars betwwn Aldub and Pastillas? The statistics we are gtalking about is the no. of tweets for hashtags such #Aldub or #Pastillas.

So you see statistics is indeed very important. Even TV networks recognize its importance. Data in the internet such as no. of tweets on Twitter with certain hashtags are now being analyzed.

Statistics is important much more so with us in government.  Decisions are made on policies to benefit the public based on statistics -the policy on the use of seatbelts in vehicles for example.

Success of programs are evaluated using statistics.

A number of statistics - results of various surveys are published online in the Philippine Statistics Authority website covering various fields of interest - Education and Mass Media, Labor and Employment, Income and Poverty, Agriculture and Fisheries, Energy Consumption, to name some. We should take advantage of these as we make decisions and policies.

In Healthcare, statistics played an important role throughout history. Vaccination to protect against certain infectious diseases have been justified with the help of statistics. Smoking came to be known as associated to many diseases including cancer because of it. Risk factors of heart disease were identified with its help. And so we encounter terms used in textbooks, journals and other scientific literature such as odds ratios and risk ratios.

Statistics is now made easy for us these times because of technology. We have statistical softwares to help us. Very big chunks of data can be collected, processed and analyzed. There is no denying, data is within reach in the same way that we can say Universal Health Care is within arms reach.

The theme for this 26^th National Statistics Month celebration is “Pagyamanin at Gamitin ang Estadistika, Kalusugan para sa Lahat ay Abot Kamay na.”

I am sure you have heard of the DOH’s Goal of Kalusugang Pangkalahatan under President Aquino’s administration. Healthcare now more than ever is being made more accessible. Indigents now need not fear going to hospitals when the need arises because of their own financial constraints with Philhealth’s programs such as Tsekap and No Balanced Billing. More and more patients are enrolled in Philhealth to avail of benefits and with each enrolment, loads of data is being supplied and stored, waiting to be analyzed, potentially helpful data.

Technology as mentioned earlier has introduced new data sets such as Big Data.  The term “Big Data” came about with the rise of social media. It is characterized by 4 V’s -  Volume, Velocity, Veracity and Variety. The best example to illustrate Big Data is data obtained from social media (Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, etc.) Each day, how many people  log in their social media accounts and post statuses on Facebook, 120 character words in Twitter known as tweets at the same time? Millions. They post what they see, how they feel, if they are sick. Each second, imagine how many such posts are made. That’s Volume and Velocity. Just about anyone can post in various forms – video, audio, photos, short messages, comments, blog posts, etc. VERACITY and VARIETY. This is BIG DATA and it is a gold mine of data even for health. We need to add a fifth V to it – VALUE and that’s where statistics can also come in. By analyzing the content and themes for example of these posts and applying statistics, we may be able to predict upcoming outbreaks.

But actually BIG DATA is not just limited to social media or the internet.  In fact, data collected by Philhealth is considered potentially as BIG DATA. It also possesses the 4 V’s with many patients hospitalized, undergoing hemodialysis or procedures each day. Philhealth data is rich with data that may be beneficial in establishing disease associations with information such as demographic data, diagnosis, length of stay, cost of treatment and many more. Imagine the valuable statistics that can be generated by these data of course without disregarding ethical, privacy and security issues that need to be addressed. In fact, in the recent Global Forum for Research and Innovation I just attended, I just learned that South Korea has been analyzing their BIG DATA from Philhealth’s counterpart there for generating useful statistics for health providing information such as distribution of medicine, prescribing tendencies, medical equipment distribution, supply and demand of medical service, among others. To make this possible, establishment of a fully functional health information system is key along with a solid IT infrastructure.

Let me go back to this celebration’s theme.

Pagyamanin at Gamitin ang estadistika. 

We have the potential of Big Data from Philhealth which may be combined with other data collected from other hospitals, agencies, communities or baranggays. The first challenge perhaps is moving from paper-based records to making everything digital or electronic. That’s one way para pagyamanin ang Estadistika but a very challenging one.

Big Data will figure prominently in the future of statistics - A treasure chest of data that will go hand in hand with our goal of Universal health Care. We need more data scientists for this. We also need to be prepared and equipped in processing these complicated data, and walking the pathway of Health Information Technology is the way to go. But there’s reason to celebrate….exciting days are ahead as we are on the right track. Philhealth has the Philhealth Information Management System and the DOH is for a Unified Health Information System that works on interoperability of systems among authorized parties and caregivers so that sharing or exchanging of data is made possible to eventually improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of healthcare delivery. That way, statistics will also have its contribution to the goal of Universal Health Care. Sa Tamang Panahon. Thank you and Happy National Statistics Month to all.

Chronic dialysis patients are PWDs too

November 9, 2015, 1:03 am

≫ Next: The Filipino Heart

≪ Previous: Keynote Speech during Opening of 26th National Statistics Day hosted by DOH Region 7

$

0

0

Chronic dialysis patients are PWDs too based on RA 7277.

Republic Act No. 7277 or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons defines Disability as "a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more psychological, physiological or anatomical function of an individual or activities of such individual." While impairment in the same document, is defined as "any loss, diminution or aberration of psychological, physiological, or anatomical structure of function."

In patients undergoing chronic dialysis, the kidneys fail to operate resulting in failure or loss (even more than just impairment or substantial limitation) of a physiological/anatomic function that is needed to support life. These patients are even called Chronic Renal FAILURE patients. Likewise there is an impairment of the activities of the said individual as he or she is restricted from any work such as lifting heavy objects and the low hemoglobin common in these patients will bar them from some of their usual activities especially strenuous ones. Dialysis patients may experience in various points of their life, difficulty breathing, difficulty sleeping, movement difficulties and pain. These patients will have to set aside time (4 hours per session at least)  for their dialysis schedule sacrificing some of their usual activities. (Heck, these patients have more than impairment as they may die without a functioning kidney in a few days that even the blind and those without an arm have better survival chances.)

Given this information and considering the fulfillment of the criteria in the definition, undoubtedly, chronic dialysis patients can be considered Persons with Disabilities (PWD) even if they appear to be physically okay with complete limbs and with no blindness. SSS even gives disability benefits to these patients.

Many dialysis patients currently are denied of PWD IDs

Unfortunately, many chronic hemodialysis patients when applying for PWD ID are not granted PWD status despite presentation of a medical abstract/certificate from the doctor or nephrologist. These includes patients with expired PWD IDs which were considered PWD before. How can those considered PWD in the past, be not considered PWD in the present time? Some of the reasons given are "you still appear OK. You can still walk...and the like. When does outward appearance become the main basis of giving PWD cards? Unfortunately, even those dialysis patients with "pamamanhid" or edema are not given PWD IDs.

Perhaps due to lack of proper information dissemination, some people appear to be puzzled also as to why dialysis patients are found in lines for PWDs in pharmacies and supermarkets.

Even if with PWD cards, some pharmacies do not grant discounts to dialysis patients

For some pharmacies,  PWD classified as with chronic diseases are not included in those entitled for discounts. And dialysis patients have the label "chronic disease" as PWDs. But again looking at the definition of the magna carta, it is clear that dialysis patients are also PWDs.

Dialysis patients may appear "normal" but without dialysis, chances of survival is much lower compared to those without eyesight or without an arm since the absence of functioning kidneys is incompatible with life. The absence of functioning kidneys is like having NO kidneys at all. Like other PWDs, they need assistance, assistance which a PWD ID can help provide due to the benefits that come with it, like medicine discounts and dialysis discounts among others. All these benefits are of big value to dialysis patients who spend a lot for medications, erythropoietin injections, vaccinations and possible blood transfusions and hospitalizations.

We appreciate your support

And so dialysis patients, humbly ask the Mayors, Baranggay Captains, other concerned personnel and our DSWD secretary Corazon "Dinky" Soliman who is also the Chair of the National Council for Disability Affairs  to ensure the consistent and objective application by their personnel of RA No. 7277 to chronic dialysis patients, who based on the said Republic Art are actually PWDs. So that they too (like other deserving PWDs) may be able to avail of the entitled benefits given by virtue of the possession of a PWD ID card.

To the public, we are asking for your valuable support in this petition so that this issue will be brought to the attention of the concerned agencies and authorities. Your support will actually help save lives as the PWD benefits can help sustain the needed intervention and medications of these patients. Thank you and God bless.
This petition is found in this link. Feel free to sign there and share.

The Filipino Heart

April 12, 2016, 6:18 am

≫ Next: To the patient I never forgot

≪ Previous: Chronic dialysis patients are PWDs too

$

0

0

By: Keith Andrew Chan, MD

The national elections are fast approaching, and a quick glance at my newsfeed tells me that the in this age of freely available, albeit sometimes dubious information, the average netizen has been transformed from being a personality buried in the masses subject to the receiving end of engineered political propaganda into a well informed, grounded and highly vocal individual not afraid to seek out and defend the truth. Knowledge, therefore, is power – and in the words of Spidey’s late uncle Ben: “With great power comes great responsibility”.

As a doctor, I’ve seen my share of both triumphs and failures in the country’s national health system.  Now, without wanting to sound like a political ad, I’d just like to point out that, yes, our country’s health care has benefitted from several extremely well placed and promulgated policies: the expanded program on immunization (EPI) established in 1976 has curbed numerous childhood illnesses and diseases and continues to do so with ever increasing coverage from urbanized areas to rural health centers,  vitamin supplementation to basic foodstuff and commodities have likewise decreased numerous micronutrient deficiencies in the country, neonatal care in the form of “Unang Yakap” has also significantly lowered childhood mortality and aims to place us in line with the World Health Organization’s standards for proper maternal and child care. All of these and so much more triumphs have – at the heart of each initiative and strategy – one common denominator. That is the grace, strength and resilience that is the Filipino Heart.

What is the Filipino Heart? What keeps us going? What makes us pursue the virtues of charity, unity and nationalism in the face of overwhelming adversity? After spending close to 10 years in the pursuit of knowledge in the field of medicine, one can’t help but notice that we have an innate want and genuine desire to help not just our countrymen, but the desire to help our fellow man. But unfortunately, even a genuine desire to help – in the face of ignorance or the lack of knowledge – equates to nothing more than a bag of good intentions. The Filipino Heart, therefore, needs to be coupled with the spirit to lead, learn and empower.

For the uninitiated, Avelino “Samboy” Lim Jr. was a highly prolific PBA superstar and the recipient of numerous athletic accolades, consistently being chosen to represent in the country in numerous sporting events held globally in the 1980s. One fateful day in November of 2014 – he collapsed after an exhibition game and went into cardiac arrest. Unfortunately, no one present was equipped with the knowledge on the basics of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and, despite being rushed to the hospital in under 25 minutes, Samboy still remains in a semi-comatose state until today. Doctors and health experts all agree that, had CPR been initiated early, the devastating effects of Samboy’s current state may have been minimized or circumvented altogether. Readers, lawmakers, citizens – it is about time that we empower the Filipino Heart.

In an effort to empower and impart us with knowledge, a new law has been proposed to members of congress in the form of House Bill No. 5891 known as “The CPR Training in Schools Act” or “The Samboy Lim Act” in memory of the PBA superstar. This law will mandate the training of students in both private and public schools in an effort to equip them with skills and knowledge necessary to perform life saving CPR. The Philippine heart association’s statements further add to the utility of this bill – stating that properly performed by-stander CPR has been linked to a greater likelihood for survival and better patient outcome. Passing this law will enable us to empower the Filipino people in their genuine desire to care for their fellow man. But with such knowledge comes great responsibility. Although I hardly believe that such implementation will be carried out smoothly and without hitches – I can only hope that such a great initiative will go down in history as one of this nation’s triumphs in the health care sector.  Maybe. Just maybe. That fateful day in November will be nothing more than a distant memory that sparked desire to empower the Filipino Heart.

---

To the patient I never forgot

July 31, 2016, 4:39 am

≪ Previous: The Filipino Heart

$

0

0

by: Keith Andrew Chan, MD

Do you remember that patient? No. Not just any patient. THAT patient. The one you got close to. Spent time with. Got obsessed about over their case. He or she wasn't particularly interesting. They weren't some actor or some famous person you met. No. They were the patient you studied medicine for. The one you thought to yourself "This a a life worth fighting for". The patient whose life you thought was under control. After all. The meds were in place. Numbers were on their side. They'd be going home. They'd see their kids. They'd go back to their farm, have a beer with their sons, chat with their daughters. You that patient? Yes. The one that you slowly watched defy all sound medical evidence and deteriorate beyond all means. The one whose relatives looked at you with eyes that screamed "You said she was ok". The patient that coded at 3 in the morning, but with you already in the room, probably too dumbfounded to realize the code team was screaming orders for the next epi around you. That patient. The one you'd give anything to bring back, not because of pride, ego, shame or guilt, but because you simply didn't understand "why" - the one word that drove you through school that you thought you had all figured out. DO you remember her? Her face? Her two grandchildren? Do you remember him? The veteran who fought for his country. The teacher who taught in the same classroom until she couldn't walk from her rheumatoid arthritis? Yes. I do. And I carry their memory in my heart as a remember of why I became a doctor.