The skinny on Skin Deep Skincare

As the human body’s largest organ, your skin plays powerful roles. It’s your stain-resistant, waterproof shield, your temperature sensor and your health communicator.

It also requires proper care and nourishment.

When you have a skin problem that has perpetually plagued you, you consider consulting a dermatologist. Sounds obvious enough, but if you seriously consider consulting a bona fide dermatologist, then you’ll have to do a bit of research first. In our day and age, when the skincare and beauty industry is booming, the business of fake dermatologists is booming, as well. Yes, a number of pseudo-dermatologists are practicing in hospitals, clinics and centers and their inept training could cost you your money, your health and your well-being. Because of inadequate study and training, pseudo-dermatologists are prone to misdiagnosis of simple skin diseases and instead of curing a skin problem, he/she could make it worse.

To enlighten us on this matter, a certified dermatologist gives us the skinny on genuine skincare. Dr. Marilou Jimenez-Ong of Cebu Doctors’ Hospital is a fellow of the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS), which is the only recognized sub-specialty society in dermatology of the Philippine College of Physicians, a specialty division of the Philippine Medical Association. Dr. Jimenez-Ong was among the roster of leading dermatologists in the country, as featured in the Philippine Tatler June 2007 issue. She refers us to the PDS definition of a dermatologist: a licensed Filipino physician (a graduate of pre-medicine with additional four years to get a doctorate in Medicine), who undergoes specialty training in any of the accredited institutions recognized by the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS), after which he/she takes the specialty board examination given by the Society.

But not all of the skincare “doctors” you see around town fit that definition. It takes years of careful study and training to become a dermatologist but many fake practitioners have eased into the role without the required 3-year residency training in dermatology.

Dr. Jimenez-Ong shares, “There are two kinds of pseudo-dermatologists: the inadequately trained doctors and the non-doctors.”

Dr. Jimenez-Ong further advises, “Filipinos should check the credentials of their doctors and they should check the website of PDS before consulting a dermatologist.”

Take note of the PDS Seal of Excellence, which is a glass and steel displayable emblem conferred to members of the Society who remain in good standing. The purposes of the Seal of Excellence are: to enable the general public to distinguish duly-trained dermatologists from pseudo-dermatologists; to facilitate monitoring of PDS members as to the ethical practice of the specialty; to encourage members to participate in the various activities of the Society; and to encourage members to practice their craft with utmost ability and dedication. It serves as a display of assurance for the doctor’s patients and as an inspiration for the holder of the seal.

Since 2002, with the Task Force for the Safe and Competent Practice of Dermatology, the PDS has undertaken action to combat fake dermatologists. The Society has written to big hospitals, has called its members for support and it continues to lobby for the Nograles Bill (House Bill No. 5037), which is a Bill pending in Congress. The Bill’s essence is to regulate the practice of surgical and cosmetic dermatology to licensed and qualified physicians with appropriate and approved residency training. 

The fifteen (15) Cebu members of the Philippine Dermatological Society-Southern Philippines Chapter are as follows: Dr. Rosario Cañete: Dr. Roland Vestil Cellona; Dr. Tranquilino Fajardo Jr.; Dr. Divina Prieto-Go; Dr. Mario Mabalay; Dr. Cynthia Morales; Dr. Marilou Jimenez-Ong; Dr. Maria Teresa Cinco-Pangan; Dr. Eve Therese Alinsonorin-Ramos; Dr. Cynthia Marissa Maliwat-Urgel; Dr. Vicente Verallo; Dr. Ma. Antoinette Feliciano-Cabahug; Dr. Delfin Ordoñez III; Dr. Julieta Alquisalas; and Dr. Pedro Mangubat.

In this crusade for the competent and safe practice of dermatology, let us be vigilant and resourceful. When it comes to good health and a body part as visible as our face, it’s imperative that we trust only bona fide dermatologists.

As a conclusion to the interview, Dr. Jimenez-Ong was asked to give practical, everyday skincare tips. She imparts these tidbits: “Use hypo-allergenic, unscented products; drink a lot of water and always wear sunscreen.”

That’s sound skincare advice you can definitely trust!

(For more information, visit the Philippine Dermatological Society website at www.pds.org.ph)