Pharmaceutical company Glenmark Philippines Inc. teamed up with the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP) to launch the “Peer Exchange” project meant to enhance family physicians’ skills in managing common dermatologic conditions in primary care.
Glenmark head of marketing Lizette Pellazar, Glenmark country manager Adeel Hasan, PAFP president Josefina Lapeña, and PAFP board trustee Anna Guia Limpoco signed a memorandum of agreement on Aug. 9, 2024 at the PAFP building in Manila.
The “Peer Exchange” project aligns with the organizations’ shared mission of ensuring equitable access to quality diagnosis, treatment and referrals for Filipinos’ health conditions. It also supports universal health care initiatives and promotes continuing professional development (CPD) among health care providers.
Dermatological issues can signal more serious problems. Dermatology encompasses skin, hair, nails and membrane conditions. As the body’s largest organ, the skin is a primary barrier against the environment, regulates body temperature, and fights germs.
Skin conditions also impact patients’ physical, social and mental well-being. Psychological factors often accompany skin diseases, and vice versa. The Journal of the German Society of Dermatology reports that about 25 percent of skin disease patients experience depression, anxiety or somatoform reactions.
Prominent Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) board-certified experts lead the “Peer Exchange” project. By sharing medical information and clinical experience, family physicians will be better equipped to address dermatologic conditions in primary care.
The project’s first phase involves surveying 157 PAFP training institutions to identify key dermatologic conditions in primary care. Lecture modules will then be rolled out through a caravan among target PAFP chapters.
Limpoco underscored PAFP’s commitment to providing seamless CPD opportunities for its members. A “Dermatology Atlas” is also planned as an in-clinic reference guide.
