By: Georgina Paloma, MD
Last May 14-17, 2019, the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital celebrated its 79th foundation week with the Department of Dermatology serving as this year’s host. This year’s theme was Evolution: From Sanitaria to Medical Center. The week long celebration started with the opening of the hospital exhibit. The ribbon cutting ceremony was led by Dr. Dave Elvin Sanchez, Chief of Medical Professional Services and Engr. Nilo C. Marayag, Chief Administrative Officer.
The exhibit highlighted the many services offered by the various departments of the hospital. This was followed by a lecture given by Frederica Veronica Marquez-Protacio, MD, DPDS, Chair of the Department of Dermatology on the Challenges of Leprosy which was well attended by the medical clerks.
On the second day, the Department of Dermatology sponsored the daily mass at the hospital chapel. Simultaneously, an interdepartmental interesting case poster presentation for residents was held at the auditorium. This event was judged by Dr. Dave Elvin Sanchez, Dr. Mirian Viterbo of the Department of Pathology, Dr. Maria Victoria Naui of the Department of Ophthalmology and Mr. Samuel Sumilang, Chief Nurse of the Nursing Service. The winners were Internal Medicine for third place, Obstetrics and Gynecology for second place and Dermatology for first place.
Day 3 started with a lecture facilitated by the dermatology residents, Dr. Marianne Panlilio and Dr. Georgina Paloma, on the Basic Facts of Leprosy to medical clerks as well as student interns. In the afternoon, a complimentary film showing of Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story took place at the auditorium.
Finally, on day 4 was the much anticipated Talent Show entitled Magpasikat. Present were consultants from the Department of Dermatology namely Maria Tricia Manlongat-Malahito, MD, FPDS, Vilma C. Ramilo, MD, FPDS and Andrea Marie Bernales-Mendoza, MD, DPDS who served as judges as well as Director Noel V. Salumbides, Director II of the Civil Service Commission, as the guest of honor. Participants were from the Department of Pediatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Pathology, Nursing Service, Accounting office, Engineering office, Administrative office and Operating Room staff. Numbers included belting of both classical and modern songs, OPM, band performances, K-pop and even fire dancing. Though all of the participants showed exemplary talent, the Department of Pathology, Engineering Office and Mr. Choknut Vargas of the Administrative Office stood out and won third place, second place and first place respectively. There was indeed no better way to cap off foundation week than to showcase the many talented employees of our hospital. Not only did the talent show provide great entertainment but it also fostered a sense of camaraderie among the hospital staff.
