PDS and J&J Renew Skin Care Agreement

SKINHelp Named Best Project by PMA

The Philippine Dermatological Society's Skin, Hair, and Nail Health Education Program (SKINHelp) has been named best project of an affiliate society by the Philippine Medical Association.

    The award was given during the PMA's 95th annual convention May 25. PDS president Dr. Elizabeth Amelia V. Tianco, concurrent chair of the SKINHelp Ad Hoc Committee, accepted the award.

    The award came as SKINHelp entered its third year following the renewal of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the PDS and Johnson & Johnson (Philippines) last May 2.

    The two organizations renewed their commitment to educate Filipinos and promote proper attitudes on the basic care of the skin, hair, and nails for a healthier quality of life. The educational program also focuses on providing general information on common skin diseases and how to prevent them.

    In line with this objective, PDS and J&J publish and disseminate educational materials such as leaflets and posters. In the last two years, the SKINHelp has already come out with seven leaflets in English and Filipino versions, and a poster on Basic Care for Healthy Skin, Hair and Nails.

    The leaflet titles in English include: A Closer Look at Your Skin, Basic Care for Healthy Skin, Basic Care for Healthy Hair, Basic Care for Healthy Nails, Common Bacterial Skin Infections, Common Fungal Skin Infections, and Common Viral Skin Infections.

    Two new leaflets are in the works.

    These educational materials go to the clinics of PDs members and to participants in SKINHelp lectures and public forums.

    Representatives from PDS and J & J call upon health centers and secondary schools to conduct lectures and distribute leaflets and posters.

    In addition to the patient information program, research relevant to Filipino skin is undertaken. A grant has already sponsored 13 research projects on dermatology.

    The recipients came from different training institutions of the PDS like the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital, University of Santo Tomas, University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, Makati Medical Center, Skin and Cancer Foundation, and Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center.

    SKINHelp also provides continuing medical education (CME) to PDS members and residents in training through special workshops.

    For three years now, the educational grant from J&J has made the entire SKINHelp project possible. Dr. Tianco acknowledged the value of this partnership for all the good works it has accomplished, and counts on its continuation.

    She said about the society's project partner: "We look forward not just to a continuing support, but, in the long run and in the many years [to come], an increase in the support."