Without the White Coat
Practicing within one's specialty
Some doctors think that their Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) license will give them the right to practice any medical specialty.
Graduates from residency training programs in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, OB-GYNE or Surgery may have the notion that because they are armed with training in their field of specialties, they can practice Occupational (Industrial) Medicine. But, after scrutiny of the training programs offered to them, there was no subject on Occupational Safety and Health, which is necessary for this practice.
The fact is, jobs are rare for our graduates unless they undergo further training or fellowship in sub-specialty fields. Otherwise, they are left with a table and chair for their daily consultations. All they could do is pray that they become popular so that patients line up at their clinic.
For the resident physician who finished training in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, OB-GYNE or Surgery, there is an opportunity in the field of Occupational and Industrial Medicine by becoming a company physician. This could be lucrative for the new graduate, but then, they have to realize that there exists Chapter I, Article #160,Qualifications of Health Personnel in the Labor Code of the Philippines, which regulates one's practice outside the boundaries of one's specialty. This is being regulated by two government agencies --- the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Department of Health (DOH).
The graduates should be guided by their conscience by practicing within the borders of their specialties.
In the end, the patients will benefit if we follow the law.