Joselito F. Villaruz, MD, Ph.D., FPPS (President, West Visayas State University)
Short CV
Current Assignments: Chairman, Technical Panel for Medical Education, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) 2021-present Member, Hospital Accreditation Board (HAB), Philippine Pediatric Society, 2017-present Former Assignments: Dean, WVSU College of Medicine, 2010-2017 Associate Dean, WVSU College of Medicine, 2008-2009 Chair, Department of Pediatrics, WVSUMC, 2006-2009 Training Officer, Department of Pediatrics, WVSUMC, 2003-2005 President, Association of Philippine Medical Colleges, 2015-2016 Member, Continuing Professional Development Council for Medicine, Professional Regulations Commission, 2015-2017 Member, Technical Committee on Medical Education, Commission on Higher Education (CHED), 2012 - 2021 Professor WVSU College of Medicine Fellow, Philippine Pediatric Society
Abstract
Over the last three decades, there has been a decline in the number of physician-scientists.  Studies have i  demonstrated this phenomenon including the reasons for the decreasing trend and if this is not addressed  fo accordingly, these physician-scientists are on the brink of being threatened for extinction.  Medical schools as well as national governments across the world have probed and provided a clear understanding of this problem.  In the Western world, strategies have been formulated and implemented since the 1990's and although favorable results have been observed, the numbers appear negligible and there remains to be a dearth of Physician-Scientists who are tasked to generate new knowledge that will respond to the demands  j of a very rapidly developing medical discipline.  Strategies implemented ranged from curricular reforms, in introduction of research early in medical school, enriching students' research experiences in the academe through research programs and projects, providing support for student loan debt, among others.  In developing countries such as the Philippines, the government is likewise cognizant of the dwindling number of Physician-Scientists responsible for conducting medical researches that will bring about medical breakthroughs.  It has embarked on the MD-PhD Programs (UP-Manila), the Balik-Scientist program as well as provision of research grant funds to include student researchers (DOST).  There has been no concrete studies, however, documenting the success of these interventions. There are a number of reasons why clinical research should be introduced early in the Medical School.  In fact, it would be practical and wise to catch them while they're young so that the aptitude and competence to conduct research can be stimulated early in medical school which can be pursued through post-graduate training in preparation for a career in academic medicine.  Barriers can be addressed so that structural and institutional reforms can be put into place. There is a compelling justification why physician-scientists should be developed steadily and sustaining the numbers in the coming years.  As these physician-scientists continue to bridge the gap between science  j and practice by translating research outcomes into the clinical settings, the knowledge generated through is research can assist non-academic physicians to make informed decisions through evidence-based practice regarding patient care.  This will redound to better understanding of health and disease, determine prognosis, assess management options and develop treatment modalities.