BY ASANGAN T. MADALE
MARAWI CITY – Medical Experts and Practitioners Convene for Lay Forum on Mental Health and skin in celebration of the 67th National Medicine Week with a theme “Ang Dakilang Sarili ay Tuklasin, Pag-isip at Balat ay Bigyan -pansin.
The event aimed to raise awareness and promote the importance of self-care and well-being. It brought together medical professionals, experts, and students from Lanao del Sur to discuss essential topics related to mental health and skin.
The. event was organized by a consortium of medical organizations, with the Philippine Medical Association-Lanao del Sur (PMA-LDS) and Lanao del Sur Medical Society as primary proponents. It was held in collaboration with the Mindanao State University (MSU)-Main Campus, particularly the College of Medicine (COM) and the University Medical Services and Hospital (UMSH), Philippine Academy of Family Physicians, Incorporated (PAFPI), Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS), Amai Pakpak Medical Center (APMC), and the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) of the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur, Ms Nasrimah R. Sampaco-Fayez said.
In her opening remarks, Prof. Sorhaila L. Latip-Yusoph, PhD, Director of MSU-MCHC and OIPP, during her opening remarks committed support on behalf of the University administration under the dynamic leadership of President of Atty Basari D. Mapupuno. In response Dr. Alinader Minalang director of IPHO-LDS and President of the PMA-LDS ,reminded the participants to reaffirm their collective responsibility to provide quality healthcare services to the community. He also extended gratitude to the university under the leadership of President Mapupuno and to the first lady , Dr. Apasra Macaumbal-Mapupuno, MD who is also a member of PMA-LDS.
In the photo are MSU-MCHC and OIPP Director, Prof. Sorhaila L. Latip-Yusoph and PMA-LDS President, Dr. Alinader Minalang.
During the plenary session various distinguished panel of experts shared their insights on various aspects of mental health and skin care. Miara Fatima M. Mapandi, RPm, representing Dr. Aminoden B. Limpao of MSU-Panginam Healing and Wellness Center (PHWC), discussed the crucial relationship between skin health and mental well-being, emphasizing the importance of self-care for overall health. She also provided some tips for maintaining good mental well-being. Prof. Aufe G. Fallado, RPm of the Psychosocial Unit of APMC, provided practical strategies for managing stress and promoting mental resilience. Dr. Precious U. Imam, MD, DPDS of MSU-COM, explored the interplay between mental health and skin conditions, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to treatment. Lastly, Dr. Abdulnasser Macaalin, MD of APMC and PMA, provided valuable information on MPOX, also known as Monkeypox, a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus. This included prevention, symptoms, and treatment.
The event formally concluded with the closing remarks of Dr. Nasser O. Alimoda, MD, President of PAFPI. The forum served as a valuable platform for participants, who are also medical practitioners and professionals, to embody the significance of taking care of their own mental and physical health in order to provide good healthcare services to their patients. It also encouraged individuals to prioritize self-care.
Photo opportunity with the members of Philippine Academy of Family Physicians, Incorporated (PAFPI)
MSU-COM students who attended the eventMiara Fatima M. Mapandi, RPm emphasizes the connection between skincare and mental well-being.Prof. Aufe G. Fallado, RPm offers techniques to mitigate stress.Dr. Precious U. Imam, MD, DPDS discusses the relationship between mental health and skin disorders.Dr. Abdulnasser Macaalin, MD offers valuable insights into MPOX.PMA-LDS President, Dr. Alinader Minalang urges the participants to recommit themselves to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the community.In the photo (From L to R): Dr. Nasser O. Alimoda, MD, Miara Fatima M. Mapandi, RPm, and Dr. Apasra Macumbal-Mapupuno, MDIn the photo (From L to R): Dr. Nasser O. Alimoda, MD, Prof. Aufe G. Fallado, RPm, and Dr. Apasra Macumbal-Mapupuno, MDIn the photo (From L to R): Dr. Nasser O. Alimoda, MD, Dr. Precious U. Imam, MD, DPDS, and Dr. Apasra Macumbal-Mapupuno, MDIn the photo (From L to R): Dr. Nasser O. Alimoda, MD, Dr. Abdulnasser Macaalin, MD , and Dr. Apasra Macumbal-Mapupuno, MDDr. Arobe S. GolingII, one of the masters of ceremony
( With reports from Nasrimah Sampaco-Fayz Senior Editorial Staff OIPP)