Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) welcomes its 71st Year with Introduction to I.M. Week and Relaunching of H.E.R.O. Project Conference

The Philippine College of Physicians celebrates its 71st Founding Anniversary through the introduction of its first-ever weeklong celebration dedicated to raising the public's consciousness on the importance of Internal Medicine and its practitioners to society, in conjunction with the relaunching of the organization's social responsibility on spreading inclusive health awareness in response to universal healthcare implementation.

Slated for annual celebration every December 01 to 07, the National Internal Medicine Week, dubbed as the "I.M. WEEK," is a tribute to all the internists for their relentless dedication to strengthening the medical system and health care in the country through their exceptional contribution to prevention and cure of illnesses and diseases while demonstrating unconditional care to the patients and raising awareness on health and wellness. In addition, internists are vital to the frontline in the wake of challenges to public health as witnessed during the recent pandemic. Apart from that, internists are one of the great contributors to the thriving research and development in science through endless discoveries of possibilities and cures to people's health dilemmas. With the recognition and support of the Department of Health, the PCP's celebration of the I.M. WEEK amplifies its longtime support for the community of Filipino internists here and abroad in their commitment to lifelong learning and helping people to live better than ever.

This 13,000-stronghold  organization  is looking forward to the eventual recognition of the government's Executive Branch in ratifying the first week of December each year as the "I.M. WEEK."

In line with the PCP's commitment to inclusive health awareness, the organization relaunches its project called H.E.R.O., which stands for Health Education Reform Order. Grassroots communities will benefit from this project, particularly schools, barangays, and other neighbourhoods encountering challenges in healthcare access and management. The said project is also in line with Executive Order 595, signed in 2006 by then-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in efforts to include comprehensive health education in the school curriculum across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. Moreover, the project also aims to foster a collaborative effort from various members of society like physicians, legislators, teachers, educators, businesspeople, and those working in non-government organizations. Through the aforementioned coalition of members in society, broader support for programs aiming to further help Filipinos make informed choices and become educated about their health will be possible and in sight.

The "I.M. WEEK" and "H.E.R.O." reflect the desire of the Philippine College of Physicians towards an inclusive and wider healthcare education and access for Filipinos from all walks of life and pushing boundaries for endless possibilities for physicians and the rest of professionals working in the medical industry for a healthier tomorrow.

Established in 1953, the Philippine College of Physicians is a dynamic community of ethical and compassionate internists committed to excellence, integrity, and service above gains. It is a specialty division of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), a member of the International Society of Internal Medicine (ISIM), the founding member of the ASEAN Federation of Internal Medicine (AFIM) and the Academy of Medicine of the Philippines (AMP).