Text by: Charmaine A. Lingdas
In a landmark achievement for Filipino medicine, the editorial board, authors, and contributors of the PCP Textbook of Internal Medicine has been honored with the 2024 Outstanding Book and/or Monograph Award by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST). Their groundbreaking work stands as the first comprehensive medical resource created by Filipinos, meticulously designed to address the unique needs of Filipino patients and their healthcare providers. This two-volume masterpiece is enriched with insights from over 200 experts, making it an indispensable guide for physicians committed to delivering the highest standard of care.
The project, spearheaded and supported by the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP), aims to be an essential resource for healthcare professionals and students. This groundbreaking work aligns with the PCP’s mission to be “the leading resource of education and information to all internists” in the Philippines.
“This textbook is unique and a milestone in the field, not only of internal medicine but medicine in general. It contains Philippine data in various fields. We touched on LGBTQ, global health,TB, and, of course, the COVID experience in the Philippines. The most important of all is the compilation of Philippine data and nuances in the practice of IM in our country,” said Dr. Agnes Mejia, Editor-In-Chief.
She expressed her delight at the recognition from NAST, stating, “Humbly, I was looking forward to this award. I felt confident that the two volumes would pass the scrutiny of the committee, being the first-ever Philippine textbook of internal medicine.”
One of the standout features of this textbook is its incorporation of Philippine data and the unique nuances in the practice of internal medicine in the country. It also addresses disease epidemiology, pathophysiology, and genetic characteristics based on local and regional data, providing a contextualized approach to disease management. Dr. Mejia explained that Volume I of the textbook includes 12 chapters on general topics and those specific to the Philippines, while Volume II has 13 chapters focused on diseases related to various internal medicine specialties.
The Volumes
Volume I: General Internal Medicine distinguishes the roles of internists from family medicine physicians and general practitioners. It covers important topics like mental health, patient safety, and primary care models. The Global Health section discusses current and future threats, such as disasters, climate change, emerging infections, and the combined impact of infectious diseases and non-communicable conditions. It also includes a special section on Tuberculosis, as the Philippines ranks 4th in tuberculosis (TB) incidence worldwide, focusing on screening, diagnostics, and treatment.
As LGBTQIA+ rights gain attention in the country, the textbook also emphasizes understanding gender theory and its application in clinical practice, ensuring that all patients feel safe and respected.
Volume II provides disease-specific information from 13 internal medicine specialties, covering clinical symptoms, epidemiology, diagnostics, and management of common medical conditions, using local and international guidelines. It includes insights into the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing local experiences.
Dr. Mejia noted that the textbook is designed for modern medical students and professionals, with chapters on Medical Informatics and Clinical Ethics, leveraging technology and addressing ethical issues. It also explores Nuclear Medicine, Clinical Nutrition, Critical Care, Toxicology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, offering comprehensive guidance across various fields.
“The writers are all Filipino physicians from different institutions working together to come up with an understanding of their field. They were written as though the writer is talking to the reader. The chapter on LGBTQ, Medical Informatics, and Ethics are much talked about but never in a textbook,” Dr. Mejia noted.
Challenges and Feedbacks
The development of the textbook was not without its challenges. “The significant challenge was meeting deadlines,” Dr. Mejia shared. “The book was supposed to be launched during the 70th anniversary of PCP in May 2023. We were able to launch only Volume I then. There are more than 120 writers and getting them in line with the theme required frequent Zoom meetings and phone calls. Volume II was launched in January 2024.”
The medical community has received the textbook with enthusiasm and pride. “Feedback? They are all excited and proud to finally have a textbook we can call ‘our own.’ Also, for the introductory price of PHP 6,000.00, it’s really reasonable. Thanks to PCP, who put in a lot of funds for this project,” Dr. Mejia added.
The PCP Textbook of Internal Medicine will serve as a vital resource for the 2025 Philippine Specialty Board for Internal Medicine, alongside the renowned Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine. This local textbook is set to redefine medical education in the Philippines, offering a comprehensive and culturally relevant reference for healthcare professionals and students alike.
The University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) extends its congratulations to the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) and PCP Textbook of Internal Medicine Editorial Board who are esteemed faculty from the Department of Medicine of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), UPM.
The textbook’s editorial board includes Dr. Agnes Mejia, Editor-In-Chief, Professor Emeritus and former Dean of the UP College of Medicine, and former Dean. Dr. Lenora Fernandez, a UP College of Medicine Professor and Coordinator for the Office of Extension and Continuing Education, brought her extensive experience to the project. Dr. Rogelio Tangco from the UP PGH Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, and Dr. Ester Penserga from the Division of Rheumatology contribute their specialized knowledge. Dr. Bernadette Heizel Reyes, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at UP Manila, and Dr. Edgardo Faustino round out the team, each playing a crucial role in the textbook’s success.
The textbook is available for purchase through the PCP website: https://pay.pcp.org.ph/pcp-textbook-pay.
