Truly, for physicians patients are the best teachers and for me I’ve experienced that last Friday in our Patient Partner workshop on Rheumatoid Arthritis.

It was not the first time for me to experience this patient partner workshop in Medicine II – Module 4 (Infectious Diseases – Rheumatology). We had this kind of workshop before in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, but this was the first time that I really had a connection with our patient partners. They may have not have noticed it but for me, it really opened my eyes not only to the reality of the diseases that we are studying, but gave me a new perspective as a future physician.

This program has been initiated by Pfizer and it has been a widespread phenomenon ever since, not only helping patients to be aware of their disease but for them to be a source of information, wisdom and inspiration not only to those who have RA but also those who are in the medical profession that everyday encounter patients who have RA. And it inspired me to create a separate reflection on our patient partner “Eloisa”.

Eloisa was among the youngest of the patient partners that were present during the workshop, and just by observing them, it is evident, that she among one of the patients that needed assisted device just for ambulation. Yet you could not see any expression of sadness nor depression on her face, rather pride and determination.

She was only 20 years old when she had experienced signs and symptoms of RA which manifested as pain and stiffness of the joint. She was diagnosed to have to RA and was prescribed with medication for it. Unfortunately, she wasn’t able to follow up with her physician and decided to self medicate with steroids for 5 years for the pain that she experienced. Eventually, chronic use of high dose of steroids plus the progression of RA resulted to side effects of the medication and different complications of the disease respectively.

The first focus-group workshop on lupus patients and caregivers, held last November 2009 at University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila was a big success. The activity was brilliantly planned and facilitated by the core group headed by Dr. Sandra Navarra (renowned rheumatologist and head of LUISA project), Dr. Marthony Basco (paediatrician and facilitator in group dynamics and training program sessions), Dr. Lyndon John Llamado, and Robelle Tanangunan (lupus patient and research assistant).

Keeping the advocacy of enlightening lupus patients and their caregivers as well as to improve their quality of life, LUpus InSpired Advocacy (LUISA) project, in coordination with the Lupus Group of Panay, had started to spread the patient enlightenment program outside Manila. The first regional workshop was held last 16 January 2010 at Iloilo Medical Society, La Paz, Iloilo City. Despite a stormy weather, 35 patients and 8 caregivers registered and actively participated, shared their thoughts and insights in the workshop. Spearheading the activity, Dr. Sandra V. Navarra encouragingly introduced the primary goals of spreading awareness and improving long term management on lupus. Four rheumatologists, namely Dr. Roger Dulos, Dr. Carol Arroyo (President of the Philippine Rheumatology Association [PRA]), Dr. Ma. Nida Ferrer, and Dr. Ma. Jovie Gerona unselfishly shared their time to facilitate the workshop. 

• Join the roster of muskoskeletal physicians who render competent care to millions of Filipinos with rheumatic disease.
   
  
• There are only less than 80 practicing rheumatologists in the entire Philippines who provide specialized care to patients with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
   
• LUPUS is becoming more common among Filipinos, and it is often the rheumatologist who is tasked to diagnose and oversee the management of this challenging illness.
   
• Rheumatology offers a broad range of interesting clinical interactions – from uncomplicated gout, to systemic vasculitides, to the specialized use of biologic agents which can dramatically and positively impact patients’ lives. The University of Santo Tomas Section of Rheumatology, Clinical immunology and Osteoporosis is now accepting interns (Philippine College of Physicians [PCP] board certified or board-eligible) for a 2-year clinical fellowship training, with the option to continue to 3rd year research fellowship.

The University of Santo Tomas Section of Rheumatology, Clinical immunology and Osteoporosis is now accepting interns (Philippine College of Physicians [PCP] board certified or board-eligible) for a 2-year clinical fellowship training, with the option to continue to 3rd year research fellowship.

• The faculty consists of 7 dedicated consultants including 1 geriatric and 1 pediatric rheumatologist – with subspecialty expertise in osteoporosis, SLE, crystal arthropathies and vasculitides, as well as certification/ degrees in the related sciences of bone densitometry, biostatistics, clinical epidemiology and medical informatics.
   
• The program provides continuing mentoring and support for chosen career paths in the clinics, academe, and/or research – for the entire duration of, and extending beyond completion of fellowship training.
   
• With established links for international collaboration, there are countless opportunities to meet and actively interact (or undergo further training) with world experts in Rheumatology.

Interested applicants may submit a letter of intent addressed to: “The Section Chief, Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology & Osteoporosis, UST Hospital, Manila, Philippines [Telfax: (02) 7499746]”, and or apply directly to the UST Hospital Graduate Medical Education (GME) office at 731-3001 [local 2246].