PCR training radiologists

We would like to call your attention to a few factual errors in the article entitled “Shortage of radiologists threatens delivery of health care services” by Mayen Jaymalin published Feb. 23, 2015.

The board/certifying examination of radiologists is not administered by the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) but rather is administered yearly by the Philippine Board of Radiology (PBR), an eight-person board composed of licensed radiologists who are either medical school professors, radiology department chairs or training officers.

Our board passing rates have ranged from 65-85 percent. In his talk given during our last convention (Feb. 26, 2015), PRC Commissioner Dr. Jose Cueto stated that the Philippine College of Radiology has the highest passing rate of 85 percent compared to other specialty board examinations which posted roughly only 50 percent passing rate.

Licensed radiologists are not “becoming fewer” or “diminishing” as the article claims. The membership is, in fact, growing.

Every year, we induct 50-80 new radiologists into the Philippine College of Radiology, the specialty society governing the practice of radiology in the country. In February of 2015, we inducted 72 new members. In 2014, we inducted 78.

While we cannot deny that there is a lack of radiologists in the country, it is generally acknowledged that there is a lack of doctors in the country to begin with.

The Philippine College of Radiology, through its nationwide network of 52 training institutions, is doing all it can to fill that gap.

At the present time, there are more than 300 residents undergoing varied levels of training…300 doctors that we hope to mould into the finest radiologists ready to serve our country. —  JOHANNA PATRICIA A. CAÑAL, MD, MHA, FPCR, President, Philippine College of Radiology, Unit 809 Future Point Condominium, Panay Ave, QC