The Road Less Traveled By

Cebu City, Cebu -- The Cebu Institute of Medicine (CIM) hosted a forum on public health entitled, "The Road Less Traveled By," on October 8, 2014. Four alumni of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine (Ermita, Manila) were the principal speakers. The two-hour event was divided into three parts: a chronological narrative of the speakers' journey leading to a career in public health, including the qualifications and skills essential in the field; and the health situation in the Philippines and its current challenges.

Dr. Katherine Ann V. Reyes (Batch 2005), founding member, Executive Director of the Alliance for Improving Health Outcomes, Inc. (AIHO), independent consultant and adjunct faculty member in the UP Open University, represented the private sector involved in providing health services. Essentially, her talk emphasized the role of doctors as managers of human health resources.

Dr. Michael S. Caampued (Batch 2010), Municipal Health Officer of Polillo, Quezon, squared on idealism, voluntarism, initiative. Since obtaining his physician's license and his subsequent installment in the local government unit, he had authored numerous ordinances, policies, and other papers. His deep understanding of health systems, governance and financing enabled him to effect important changes in Polillo.

Dr. Katerina N. Abiertas (Batch 2008), first doctor in and Municipal Health Officer in Zumarraga, Western Samar, was formerly part of the Doctors to the Barrio program. Through her efforts, a total transformation of the health situation of her hometown was realized. She became an active proponent of One Island, One Sea Ambulance, among other projects. Of all aspects in public health, her talk stressed the value of understanding health financing and governance.

Dr. Lester Sam A. Geroy (Batch 2005), founding member of AIHO and team leader of the World Health Organization Cebu Field Office, facilitated the forum.

For the first time in many years, the CIM-SSC organized such activity intended to increase awareness and participation of the students and faculty members in societal issues.

Written by Elizabeth Hernani of Batch Asterion