ROJoson's Contributions to the Promotion of Breast Wellness among Filipino Females

ROJoson’s Contributions to the Promotion of Breast Wellness among Filipino Females

I consider myself as a breast specialist on continuous learning as I have been devoting most of my professional time (for more than 30 years) in the study and care of patients with breast concerns.

I have an established private clinic (ROJoson Medical Clinic) in Manila Doctors Hospital which is convertible to ROJoson Breast Wellness Clinic.

In my personal capacity as a medical practitioner, educator and researcher, I have been contributing to the promotion of breast wellness among Filipino females since 1981 when I started private practice.

My contributions consist of the following:

1. Public health education using a comprehensive concept of breast wellness (lectures to personnel of Philippine Tourism Authority, Manila City Hall, and other organizations; online postings in Facebook, Wordpress.com blogs; Google sites, and other Internet sites)

2. Judicious use of breast imaging screening and diagnostic procedures, such as mammography and ultrasound

3. Spending time and exerting best effort to allay fear and anxiety in patients with imaginary and real breast problems in my clinic (dispelling myths; correcting misconceptions; quantifying probability of breast cancer rather than using possibility and 50/50 chances which usually have negative effect on the patients; giving realistic hope in patients with breast cancer; promoting acceptance and giving advices on how to live life after a diagnosis of breast cancer; etc.)

4. Breast health education for patients consulting in my clinic

5. Establishment of a psychosocial support group with the name of Cancer Crusaders Club in 1988 where majority of the members are patients with breast cancer (This group is still in existent and has been adopted by Manila Doctors Hospital as its cancer support group in 2001)

6. Teaching of breast wellness concept to medical students of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine since 2005 with an established module entitled “Breast Health Problem”

7. Teaching of breast wellness concept to surgical trainees since 1981 when I became a surgical consultant in various hospitals

8. Researches on breast wellness promotion among Filipino females (quality study on operations performed for fibrocystic breast changes; a look at utilization and cancer detection yield of mammography; presenting chief complaints of patients with breast concerns; others)

9. Development of Online Collaborative Interactive Learning on Breast Wellness Centers starting August 2010 with the formal establishment of a Breast Wellness Center in Ciudad Medical Zamboanga in Zamboanga City in 2012

Starting June 2012, I will be launching another project which I will tentatively dubbed as ROJoson’s Breast Wellness Program for Organizations and Companies (BWPFOC).

The program consists of projects and activities designed for female employees of companies and female members of organizations whose goal is to promote breast wellness.

BWPFOC is my realistic way of giving service to the community. My clinic and I do not have the capacity to service the entire Philippines, Metro Manila and even the entire City of Manila where my clinic is located. With BWPFOC, it will be easier to implement a group program with focus on companies and organizations. It will also be easier, I hope, to track and measure the outcomes of the activities of my breast wellness program.

ROJoson’s 2012 Resolution on Promotion of Breast Wellness among Filipino Females

As I develop the Breast Wellness Program for Organizations and Companies as my 10th project contribution to the promotion of breast wellness among Filipino females, I will intensify and refine the other 9 projects mentioned above that I have started before 2012. I will align and integrate all the 10 projects.

ROJ@12jun3