Manila: The Philippine Heart Association (PHA) calls on internists nationwide to specialize in cardiology, offering cash incentives and training support to counter a critical shortage of heart specialists in rural areas.
According to Philippines News Agency, the PHA announced its "Balik Puso Scholarship Program," which aims to convince local physicians to undergo a three-year fellowship and bring specialized care to underserved communities. PHA president Dr. Walid Amil highlighted the opportunity for established internists who may be hesitant to return to school due to personal or financial pressures, offering them assistance to ease their transition.
"Let's face it, medyo mahirap po, lalo na pag may mga pamilya na tayo. Mag-training ulit kung internist tayo. So, added motivation po ito na mag-provide ang PHA ng (it is quite hard, especially when we're supporting our own families as well. To the internists, let's be trained again. So, as added motivation, the PHA will provide) additional funding support on top of your monthly compensation as fellow trainees," Amil stated.
The initiative targets 14 to 15 underserved provinces in the country that currently lack a resident cardiologist. The PHA has already recruited its first four internists from Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and Zamboanga Sibugay for the fellowship training, set to commence next year.
"We are identifying 'yung mga internist na gustong mag-cardio fellowship training. Tutulungan namin sila to be accepted sa 27 cardio fellowship training institutions all over the country para matanggap sila," Amil added, emphasizing the program's comprehensive support.
In addition to training, the PHA is providing a signing bonus ranging from PHP100,000 to PHP150,000, designed as a funding support package to further incentivize participation. This bonus will supplement the regular compensation trainees earn through government hospitals or lateral entry positions.
Amil explained that the bonus will be released in staggered payments, as a cardiology fellowship requires a three-year commitment. "Just to make sure na hindi sila mag-quit. Kasi may potential kasi baka lang mag-quit sila. So, 50-50 siguro every year (This is just to make sure that they will not quit because there is a possibility that they will quit. So, maybe PHP50,000 will be given annually)," he explained.
Furthermore, the PHA mandates that new specialists return to their designated provinces upon completing their training, a move that Amil stressed is vital for ensuring comprehensive heart health care coverage across the country.
