Far Eastern University School Of Medicine Alumni Foundation

The Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention awarded Dr. How a 5-year research grant June 1, 2005 as the principal Investigator in her study on “The Potential Use of 12-Alpha Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate to Prevent Preterm Births (DP000188-01)

Dr. How has received numerous awards and has a long list of oral and written presentations and published papers in the medical literature.

Pete had his internship at the St. Elizabeth Hospital in New Jersey and surgical residency at the Mt. Sinai Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Norwegian American and Illinois Masonic Hospitals in Chicago, completing these in 1967. He is a Diplomate in Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the International College of Surgeons.

He was Clinical Instructor at the Department of Surgery of Ohio State University from 1987 to 1998. He is one of the five founders of Columbus Community Hospital, which was built in 1991. After his private practice, he was named Surgeon Emeritus at Mt. Carmel Hospital in Columbus Ohio.

Today, Pete and his wife, Judith, who live in Sunbury, Ohio, keep a hectic schedule months after months, traveling and ministering to the healthcare needs of the underprivileged people around the world. An example of their remaining itinerary for their medical missions this year: June 10-24, 2005, Lord in Kibogora, Rwanda (with 7 team members); July 2-9, the Dominican Republic (19 members); the July 14-30, the Philippines (10 members); August 26-22, India (with 14 members); and October 22-November 6, Ecuador. Other countries they have served included: El Salvador, Mexico, Jamaica, Haiti, Honduras, China, Africa, Romania, Zimbabwe, New Guinea, Ukraine, Thailand, Nepal, Mozambique, Swaziland, Cambodia, Nicaragua, Mongolia, Madagascar, Burma, Tanzania, Ghana, and Bolivia. In the Philippines, the cities were Iloilo, Bulkidnon and S. Cotabato.
His email address is obbey@juno.com

“It's been a rewarding experience and we will continue doing this as long as the Lord give us good health and the funds to continue with His work,” says Pete. We all salute Pete and Judy, and commend them for their sacrifices and unselfish devotion in minsitering to the healthcare needs of underprivileged people around the world. With great pride in their Christian endeavors, we wish them great happiness and peace. May their tribe increase!

This is a rebuttal to the racist, xenophobic and gutless person who sent in an unsigned letter to the editor published in the November 2004 (Volume 68, No. 11) ASA Newsletter, in response to Dr. Bacon’s May 2004 editorial.

It is rather unfortunate that at this day and age of a shrinking world and globalization of mankind, there is still a person (a physician? no less) who is an embodiment of bigotry and hatred. In his letter, this anonymous writer practically charged that all International Medical Graduates in the United States are incompetent. I am sure there are incompetent physicians among IMGs as there are among the American Medical Graduates. There are countless IMGs providing excellent patient care to Americans and who are a credit to this great nation.

When America needed medical manpower in the 60s because of the military draft, the country aggressively recruited IMGs from Asia and other parts of the world. The tens of thousand IMGs admitted to the United States had to pass multiple qualifying examinations, like their own country’s medical board examination, the ECFMG and English proficiency examination, State Board examination, American Board of Certification, and Recertification Exam. Has the quality of medical care in the United States the past 45 years worse off than the period before that? Aren’t the thousands of IMGs who have excelled in the academe, those who are department chairmen in the various medical universities and training hospitals around the country, those who have been serving the medical needs of the Americans, especially in the more remote smaller cities in the United States, not enough proof that the unequalled residency training programs in the United States, which are second to none in the world, had leveled the playing field for the AMGs and IMGs? Proportionately, there are more IMGs in the United States today who are specialists and sub-specialists in the various fields of medicine and surgery, a tribute to the excellent residency training program in this great nation.

To the angry writer of the bitter attack on IMGs who is hiding behind anonymity, please stay with the facts and be fair. Bigotry will not be beneficial to our profession.

Noel D. Nequin, M.D. FEU-IM 'Class 62 on April 18, 2004 completed a 5-year term as president of the American Medical Athletic Association (AMAA), the professional division of 16,000-member American Running Association (ARA). Founded in 1969 as the American Medical Joggers Association, AMAA is an organization of physicians and other medical professionals who promote jogging, running and other forms of exercise activities, utilizing the approach to promote health and fitness among their patients and families. AMAA have held medical meetings in conjunction with marathons in Boston, Houston, London, Toronto and Honolulu. On May 13, 2004, he was honored with Professional Excellence Award from Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White and during the Asian Pacific Heritage Month.

Last November 11, 2004, he was elected Medical Fitness Association chairman of the board and president. Medical Fitness Association (MFA) is the industry leader among medical fitness centers. MFCs are hospital or medically-affiliated health and fitness centers that bridge the gap to continuing outpatient programs. MFCs usually have cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs, rehabilitation services, pain management services, and programs meeting the needs of patient with diabetes, cancer, chronic renal disease, arthritis, etc. MFA currently has over 400 active members. There are currently over 700 medical fitness centers in the United States today, with an estimated 1000 such centers by the year 2010.

On March 2005, he received IDPH appointment to the new 11-member Atherosclerosis Advisory Committee of the Illinois Department of Public Health for a 4-year term. Enacted by the State of Illinois General Assemby as HB2735, the Atherosclerosis Prevention Act establishes a program for the Prevention of atherosclerosis and the reduction of disability and death from the disease. The program shall encourage and assist in the development of research, education, and preventive services and activities under public and voluntary auspices directed toward the prevention and elimination of atherosclerosis. The inaugural meeting of this Committee is April 27, 2005.

On April 3, 2005, he was bestowed honorary degree Doctor of Humanities (HHD) honoris causa during the 2005 commencement exercises of Central Philippine University (CPU), Iloilo City, Philippines, on April 3, 2005. Noel says "I was born into and grew up at CPU where my parents, both educators there for over 45 years each were pioneers in this 100-year old institution. CPU started in 1905 as Jaro Industrial School, a trade school for boys, became Central Philippine College in the 1920s, and Central Philippine University in 1953. My father, (Mr. Urbano Nequin) was the first shop superintendent of Jaro Industrial School while my mother, (Mrs. Teofila Nequin) was the first woman graduate when Central Philippine College became co-educational in the 1920s with the missionaries of the American Baptist Mission Society. In the 2000s, CPU is rated among the best schools in the Philippines, and currently has over 13,000 enrolled students. CPU is observing a 13-month-long celebration of its Centennial Year, with the largest crowd expected on July 31 to August 7, 2005 during the Grand Reunions on the campus". Congratulations, Noel!

Dr. Josephine C. Reyes, Chairman of the FEU-NRMF Board of Trustees, has reiterated her thanks, on behalf of the Board, to the FEU-DNR School of Medicine Alumni Foundation (USA) for its invaluable and generous contributions over the years to the FEU-Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation (Institute of Medicine and the Medical Center). The acknowledgement also includes the local FEU alumni medical society.

Philip S. Chua, M.D., who is a member of the FEU-NRMF Board of Trustees, stated that the appreciation and gratitude of the Board extends to all the assistance the US alumni foundation has provided the Institute of Medicine and the FEU medical center over the years, including the donations for the purchase of the Girls High School Building on Morayta, which was used as the old medical school, to the construction of the present new campus on West Fairview, Quezon City.

The Medical Foundation Board of Trustees meeting April 14, 2005 approved the re-appointments of the following:

Dr. Joel Javate, Chairman, Department of Biochemistry; Dr. Liberato C. dele Rosa, Chairman, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology; Dr. Linda D. Tamesis, Chairman, Department of Pathology; Dr. Elinor G. Bartolome, Acting Chairman, Department of Physiology; Dr. Sylvia Carnero, Chairman, Department of OB-GYN; Dr. Constantino SAtons, Chairman, Department of Ophthlmology; Dr. Noe San Jose, Chairman, Department of Anesthesiology; Dr. Fernando Ayuyao, Head, Pulmonary Scetion; and, Dr. Ramon Mora, Head, Nephrology Section.

New appointments included: Dr. Carlomagno Micu, Acting Chairman, Department of Medicine; Dr. Nolan Pecho, Acting Head, Outpatient Department; Dr. Rene Mendoza, Acting Scetion Head, Ambulatory Servcie Center; and, Dr. Clester Bea, Acting Chairman, Department of Human and Structural Biology.

The FEU-NRMF topped the last Board Examination in Medical Technology. Its, graduate, Patrick Khu Chua, Magna Cum Laude, garnered the highest score of 89.30 . FEU=NRMF also got the 8th place with Annie D. Jacino, a Cum Laude, obtaining a grade of 85.2. The national passing was 48.85% (682 of the 1392 who took the exam). FEU-NRMF graduates: 80% (98/123).

The Institute of Nursing has just been granted re-acreditation for a period of another five years by the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities, it was announced by Elizabth Melchor, FEU Vice President of Academic Affairs and a Board Trustee of the FEU-NRM Foundation. This honor validates the schools quality education in consonance with the strict standards of the national accrediting body.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The resumption in hiring of Filipino nurses in the US hospitals is now possible with amendment of the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-first Century Act of 2000. The amendment provides for the recapture of 50,000 EB-3 visa (employment-based immigrant visa) numbers which were unused from fiscal years 2001 to 2004 and which will be used exclusively for the "Schedule A" occupations such as registered nurses and physical therapists.

The Philippine Ambassador to the United States expressed his appreciation to the US Congress for passing the EB-3 amendment. He commended the American Hospital Association, US recruitment agencies, the Philippine Nurses Association and the members of the Filipino Community for their concerted efforts in supporting the passage of this amendment. The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. worked on the issue in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

"This reopens the door for the entry into the US of our nurses who are well known for their competence and compassion as health workers," Ambassador Del Rosario said. The envoy added that this underscores a "win-win solution in addressing the critical demand for nurses in the US, which the Philippines can readily help address".

The EB-3 amendment was incorporated into the "The Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Tsunami Relief Act, 2005," which was signed by President Bush yesterday.

The employment-based immigrant visa (EB-3) is used mainly by US hospitals for hiring foreign-trained nurses, mostly from China, India and the Philippines. The EB-3 amendment is expected to considerably advance the cut-off priority dates for countries with pending EB-3 applications. At present, the cut-off date for China, India and the Philippines is April 2002.

Last December, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that China, India and Philippines had already exhausted the visa numbers allocated to them. As a consequence, the processing of applications from the Philippines for nursing jobs in the US was halted. This worsened the critical shortage for nurses in US hospitals.

The Association of Philippine Medical Colleges (APMC) has chosen the Far Eastern University-Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Center as the host of its convention on January 26-28, 2006, according to Remedios T. Habacon, M.D., dean of the FEU Institute of Medicine.

The organizing committee is working on the theme, which could be “Humanizing Medicine in Philippine Medical Education.” Dean Habacon stated that the school is focusing on the moral issues involved in the practice of medicine and strengthening the role the academe plays in shaping the professional and ethical values of the medical students, the future physicians of the country.

The tentative topics are as follows: (1) Hippocratic Oath Revisited; (2) Perspectives in Health Care Delivery: The Role of the Bioethics Committee in Undergraduate Medical Curriculum; (3) Practices of Medical Schools that Address Current and Relevant Bioethical Issues Confronting Health Care Professionals; (4) Attitudes and Practices of Medical Students Towards Academic Excellence; (5) Developing the Emotional and Ethical Quotient (E2Q) of Medical Students: What can Medical Schools do about It? (6) Aligning the Medical Curriculum to the Philippine Medical Association's Code of Ethics: Educating future Doctors in Values and Virtues; and (7) Developing Role Models of Humane and Compassionate Physicians Among
Faculty and Consultants in Medical Colleges.

About 400 participants coming from Medical Schools all over the country. The organizing group is presently preparing for the venue, food, and other functions, and also providing assistance in hotel accommodation
for all participants.

The Medical Board review at FEU for the August 2005 board exam has started last May 3, 2005, with 80 participants, and more expected, reports Dean Habacon.

“I am very happy for the review materials that the FEU-DNR School of Medicine Alumni Foundation has very graciously given us; rest assured it will be put into good use,” stated the Dean.

The PAASCU visit and evaluation for the re-accreditation of the Institute of Medicine is tentatively scheduled on September 2005, and the school is in the process of preparing all the necessary requirements.

In the meantime, FEU-NRMF is having a continuing Medical Education Seminar for faculty members, with 4 participants per department, on May 19 - 21, 2005 at Nasugbu, Batangas.

The hospital is celebrating its 50th Anniversary on October 21-22, 2005. Dr. Rey de Vega, Hospital Director, is in-charge of the festivities, which will be a 2-day celebration starting with a motorcade early morning of the 21st from Quezon City circle to the FEU Campus in West Fairview. This will be followed by free clinics, laboratory examinations, social activities, etc., culminating in a fellowship party.

The details of the golf tournament during the medical alumni reunion July 13-17, 2005 has been released. Interested golfers are encouraged to register early. The instructions for registration are as stipulated below.

1. July 14, 2005, Thursday
Tee Time: 7:00 A.M.
Golf Course: SIENA GOLF CLUB
Fee: $ 100.00 - Include Green Fee, Cart and Lunch

Experience Siena Golf Club, Schmidt/Curley Design, with Majestic Mountain views of the Las Vegas Strip, Artful Bunkering and Undulating Greens, located 12 miles West of Las Vegas Strip in Summerlin.

2. July 15, 2005, Friday
Tee Time: 7:00 A.M.
Golf Course: Arroyo Golf Club at Red Rock
Fee: $ 100.00 include Green Fee, Cart and Lunch

Experience the Challenge, beauty and attentive service only found at a fine Country Club. AN Arnold Palmer Design, located 12 miles West of Las Vegas Strip in Summerlin.

*Golfers limited to 24 to 32 players only.
*Directions:
A. Monte Carlo Hotel - right on Las Vegas Blvd. South, to 215 West; Exit at Town Center and make a left turn, drive 1½ miles, left on Siena Drive to the Golf Course. B. From Monte Carlo Hotel - right on Las Vegas Blvd South, to 215 West, Exit at Sahara, turn Left and drive one mile, left on Red Rock Drive to the Arroyo Golf Course.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Thursday, June 30, 2005
FEE PAYABLE TO: FEUDNRSM ALUMNI FOUNDATION
CHAIRPERSONS: Tony Zantua - Home: 702-869-3771
Cell Phone: 702-281-3934

Book Early to Get Discounted
Rate At Monte Carlo - Vegas

Alumni Foundation Executive Director, Jane P. Legaspi, M.D., posted a reminder for alumni to register early for our 26th Annual Reunion & Convention, to be held on July 13-17, 2005 at the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, to take advantage of the discounted room rate.

A large turn out is expected and the discounted rooms may no longer be available for late registrants. The toll-free number is: 1- 800-311-8999. Use the code name: XFEU05 when making reservation.

The honorees are Classes '80, '60, '65, '70,'75,'85, '90, and 95. The CME is jointly sponsored by the FEU-DNRSMAF and the PMA in Chicago.

If you have not already received your flyers, please call the Executive Office at (757) 482-4568 for detailed information, or email Dr. Legaspi at thelegaspis@yahoo.com

At the February 10, 2005 Board Meeting of the FEUNR- Medical Foundation, Institute of Medicine Dean Remedios T. Habacon, reported that the registration of as that date include the following: 1136 for the School of Nursing; 133 for the School of Medical Technology, 276 (local) for the Institute of Medicine (five foreigners: 4 Fil-Ams and one from India).

At the last meeting of the Association of Philippine Medical Colleges, CHED Commissioner Rolando dela Rosa presented the 5-year summary of board passing rank of medical schools. The three top schools with the highest passing averages were UP, UST and FEU, in that order.

The August 7, 2004 Medical Licensure Board Examination had a 51.43% passing. There were 2300 examinees and 1183 of them passed.

	FEU Passing	National Average
August 2004	50.96	51.4
February 2004	64.46	51.94
August 2003	61.28	55.69
February 2003	71.97	57.23
August 2002	60.15	59.11
February 2002	92.77	66.19
August 2001	69.54	64.9
February 2001	83.16	55.81