Madina physician meets with IMAN members

Naheeda M Dimacisil MD
9-14-2009

Before Ramadhan started last August 22 2009, an informal gathering on Islamic Principles in Medicine was held at UP Manila with Dermatopathologist, Dr Alauddin Qadri, as guest speaker. Dr Qadri, an Indian national who joined more than 10 professionals from different countries to visit the Philippines for tabligh and dawah, expressed his appreciation of IMAN’s establishment.

Dr Qadri who has been based in Madinah for more than 10 years already, graduated from Taibah University and is a member of both the Saudi Dermatological Society and the Indian Association of Pathology. He has trained in skin pathology in Germany and has lectured on several religious dialogues for physicians.

Sharing thoughts on physician-patient relationship, he quoted a famous hadith on visiting the sick and attending to patients. Emphasizing on the role of physicians, he believes that “patients become the avenue for doctors to gain more blessings from Allah” and that as Muslim physicians, we should constantly renew our intentions of directing our services towards pleasing the Almighty alone.

When asked by an IMAN member on pharmaceutical company sponsorships, he noted that a taqwa or ruling has been made in Madina that any excessive or luxurious offer by some companies for doctors who are being requested to speak on a novel but unproven drug should be avoided. On the other hand, Dr Qadri agrees with sponsorships for conventions and other events related to advancement in medical education such as research and clinical guidelines. The Philippine Medical Association, under Dr Melchor Santos’ current leadership, is gradually implementing regulations to avoid any bias in medical management through regulation of pharmaceutical sponsorships as well.

The visiting Muslim professionals also held a forum on Islamic principles among students at the Ateneo de Manila University during the same month through Atty Rasol Mitmug Jr.

Among those who attended the forum were Dr Sherjan Kalim, Dr Mohammad Al-Moqtader Abedin, Dr Naheeda Dimacisil, Dr Nadhira Mangondato, Intern Norbaida Dipantar and former UP AMS President Angelie Dugasan.

August 2009 Board Passers

ABBAS,TASLEAH MAPUPUNO
ABDUL,AILEEN KABAGANI
ABO,BAI ARCELA MACAUMBANG
AMINULLA,ZAIDA KALIM
AMMAD,ISMAEL CABARO
BAHJIN,DELMARII SHIA
CAMID,FATIMAH HONEYBEE MULOK
DADIA,DIANA MASTURA
DATU-HARON,MINAH KASIM
DATUKON,SAYYID RONRON DILANGALEN
DATUMANONG,SHAYNEMABAI DATUKON
DUMARPA,ISNIEHAYAH MANIRI
GUINOMLA,SUHER TADSMIA ABPI
HARUN,MICHELLE VICENTE
HASHIM,SHARIFA AINI AJIJUL
IBRAHIM,FATIMA AMINA HUSSIN
MABANG,MOCTAR MOPAC
MACABANDING,JAMINAH BAUTIL
MACADATO,FAHAD YUSOPH
MACAUROG,BAINARY ABBAS
MACAUYAG,SITTIE JANE SAMINADO
MAGLANGIT,SITTIE ANEZA CAMILLE AMAD
MANGONDATO,ZAINAB BAGUL
MANIBPEL,SHARIFF AMILOARI SALAMAT
MAPANDI,JUHARA ALI
MAROHOMSALIC,ABDULLAH MAROHOM
MASTURA,JULAIDAH TALIB
NAKAN,SITTIE SANDRA AMBOLODTO
PANGANDAMAN,TASNEMAH ACAMPONG
SOLAIMAN,SERHAN YUSOPH
TAMANO,NORHAYNEE DIMAKUTA
TAWASIL,JOHN TIMOJIN REYES
USMAN,MINZAIDE DICKA
YUSOPH,JOMYLAH OLAMA
ZAINAL,BAIJOHANNA TULA
ZAPANTA-DISOMIMBA,ZORAH MACAPUNDAG

(List from Dr Sherjan Kalim)

Cotabato flashfloods displace thousands

Naheeda M Dimacisil MD

August 5 2009

Over 80 thousand families were displaced upon the arrival of supertyphoon Jolina in Cotabato City and nearby provinces last July. Evacuation centers are still filled with residents coming from over 30 barangays. According to IMAN Board of Director, Dr Guiaria Camarudin, 35 out of 37 Barangays in Cotabato City have been affected by the flashfloods. Relief operations have started since last week and Mayor Muslimen Sema with family had to join banca rides to distribute relief goods to residents.

Long postponement of classes in public schools add to the
burden of thousands due to flashfloods

(In above Photo: Dr Guiaria Camarudin (extreme Right) with other physicians
assess and distribute goods to flood victims)

Among the physicians who continually assist evacuees and flood victims are Drs. Ibrahim Pangato, Zul Qarneyn Abas, Shiela Farisha Mangelen and others from ARMM and Region 12.
Dr. Camarudin has called the attention of both IMAN and the Young Moro Professionals Network in conducting donation drives for the affected residents. It is hoped that Muslim residents will be able to recover the soonest possible time in preparation for the upcoming Ramadhan this August. As of now, there are over 4000 families still staying at evacuation centers.

IMAN is currently accepting donations for the flood victims. Donations may be in the form of goods or in kind and may be forwarded to Dr Abdel Jeffri Abdulla, Professor in Anatomy, UP College of Medicine in Manila or through emailing us at imanphil@yahoo.com

DOH approves use of hijab among Muslim women

Naheeda M Dimacisil MD

Manila- Due to the increasing number of nursing students being asked to remove their veils or hijab during duties in certain hospitals in the country, IMAN-Islamic Medical Association of the Philippines (IMAN) appealed to the Department of Health (DOH) through Sec. Francisco Duque III to allow its use in institutions. In April 29, 2009, DOH released a memo on "Strengthening the Protection of Religious Rights of Muslim workers, including but not limited to Students and Trainees in health facilities."

Dr Sherjan Kalim, Vice President of IMAN, initiated the drafting of the request since last year. Although some Muslim students in the country do not wear the hijab strictly, it has become a growing concern for those who practice the modest attire in their workplaces.

The DOH Memo 2009-0107 specifically states that "muslim female workers should be allowed to use their veil (hijab) and wear their prescribed mode of dressing inside the premises of all healthcare institutions, especially, in areas such as the wards, operating room, intensive care units and burn units, among others."

Recently, a student leader in Zamboanga City has reported three institutions did not acknowledge the DOH Memo. A continuous need to enlighten leaders among these centers is needed.

It is but important to note that this is not the first time an approval on this religious right has been recognized. In 2001, the late Sen. Raul Roco who was then Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DepEd) Secretary released an order allowing all Muslim women to wear the hijab in schools even in Physical Education classes; and that "muslim students shall not be required to participate in non-muslim religious rites."

Another memorandum from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) approved by Dr Nona Ricafort in 2008 was given to all nursing training schools stating that "due respect and utmost consideration on the wearing of veils by Muslim female nursing students" be given.

IMAN, led by UP Professor Dr Abdel Jeffri Abdulla, encourages all female muslims not to fear practicing their right to religion especially while in the field of pursuing educational advancement. The hijab, which is a recommended garment for muslim ladies as stated in the Holy Qur'an, only intends to uphold modesty, protection, and respect for all women.

Bangsamoro Medical Society holds Tuli Mission in Cotabato

As part of Islamic traditions and health advocacy projects, Summer Tuli missions are regularly being held in most Muslim communities nationwide. The Bangsamoro Medical Society, which started
in Cotabato almost at the same time IMAN was established, spearheaded a
free circumcision in Markadz Sulaytiyn in Brgy. Kakar Poblacion 8, Cotabato City last May 23 2009.

IMAN Board of Directors Dr Sherjan Kalim, a Pathologist;Pediatrician Dr Mohammad Amil and wife OB-Gyne specialist Dr Sweet Almira Amil were able to serve almost 20 yatims and kids with the help of nursing graduates and students led by Mrs. Carol Piang, an OR nurse and wife to ENT Specialist Dr. Piang. Dr Guiaria Camarudin, one of the most active medical students during her time in Fatima University and also an IMAN Board Member, also supported the event through medical supplies.

Last year, IMAN was able to help around 100 kids in Maharlika Taguig receive free surgical
services through the assistance of its local barangay and volunteer nursing students from
Univ. of Perpetual Help Laguna and members of the Young Moro Professionals Network (YMPN).

Dr. Abdel Jeffri Abdulla (2nd from left) with Mrs. Abdulla and Dr Sherjan Kalim
in last year's Surgical Mission in Taguig together with IMAN officers & members,
UP-Association of Muslim Students representatives
& other volunteers

The Bangsamoro Medical Society (BMS) aims to become one of IMAN's component societies soon.

To learn more about BMS, please contact Dr Sherjan Kalim at the Department of Laboratories in Cotabato Regional Hospital or send SMS - 09176035443. nmdimacisil@gmail.com

IMAN Acquaintance Party & Oath Taking Photo Gallery

As of today, there are around 100 Muslim Physicians in the membership directory of the
Secretariat wherein 45 are members of the egroup already. The 1st Acquaintance Party and Oath Taking of Members which was held last April 26, 2009 was attended by around 30 members only but accomplishment of Committee functions and election of each of its Officers already took place.

Please check out the Photo Gallery for details of the successful event! We hope that more Filipino Muslim Physicians and medical students will attend in the upcoming activities inshaAllah.

Dr Abdel Jeffri A. Abdulla, President, reminds attendees of the need to
strengthen IMAN in his welcome speech

Dr. Naheeda M Dimacisil, Secretary, presenting updates, challenges in networking and how IMAN was conceptualized in 2007

Dr. Al-Radjid Jamiri, Treasurer, facilitating
Committee Officers' Elections

BOD Dr Maaliddin Biruar (2nd from Left), was elected as Chair of
Committee on Outreach

BOD Dr. Sukarno Gani, an Anesthesiologist at Asian Hospital
presented planned Calendar of Activities for 2009

Ms. Norina Usman of Eternal Publications shares insights
in the creation of IMAN

BOD Dr Khasmin Ismael (2nd from right) with Dr Ayeshalinda Alonto (extreme right),
and PGI Anisah Samporna. Emcee Dr Nadhira Mangondato looks over

Intern Thazmahal Escio with cousin

Oath-Taking

Dr Ummi Alonto and Dr Mohaynisah Madali

Mr. Emre Serbetci, Eternal Publications Marketing Manager, launched
a book on "Message for the Sick"
(www.philnur.com)

-Ismaels-
PGI Ismael Ammad (left), PGI Ismael Pandapatan (2nd from right)

Dr Ranyah Sacar (left), OB Resident, with sister
Princess Elham Sacar (4th yr Med)

Dr Saud Basman (left) was elected as Co-Chair for Outreach

PGI Ismael Pandapatan, also the President of Fatima University's
Assoc. of Muslim Students rendered the Opening and Closing prayer.


(more photos to come)

IMAN Acquaintance Party & Organizational Meeting

ACQUAINTANCE PARTY & ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
APRIL 26, 2009
1pm-5pm
Alvior Hall, UP Manila

FREE REGISTRATION!


IMAN will be organizing its
Summer Acquaintance Party and Organizational Meeting
to acknowledge new minds, pioneers, and encourage the
many medical students to strengthen goals for
both Muslim and non-Muslim communities from North to
South.


We invite you to become part of this most-awaited
event!
-Get to expand your network among Muslim MDs locally
and abroad
-Learn updates through Continuing Medical Education
activities
-Be part of an organization which aims to foster
Islamic brotherhood; assist Muslim communities; and
partake in International medical societies






(Dr Abdel Jeffri Abdulla with Florida-based Nephrologist Dr Samerah Razuman
during the August 2008 Meeting at Robinson's Manila)

FREE REGISTRATION

All MDs, Medical Students, Interns/Graduates are Invited!

Payment of Membership Fees (P1000 for Regular Members -Licensed MDs;
P500 for Associate Members- Med students/PGI/Graduates) may
be given to Dr Al-Radjid Jamiri on the event proper.

Congratulations!

Congratulations!
January 28, 2009

Dr Khasmin Ismael:

recently got approved as Medecins Sans Frontiers or Doctors without
Borders volunteer for Cotabato war-torn areas
which will last for 6 months starting February 2009
while on leave from her Residency Training in
Family Medicine at Fatima Hospital.

Also Heads the NGO Al-Nisa (Women of Islam Organization)
in the country.

You may email her at alnisa_habibbi@yahoo.com
if you wish to send your salam or inquire on
how to apply as
volunteer too!


IMAN Vice President
Dr Sherjan Kalim:

Completed his Residency Training
in Pathology at UP-PGH;Passed the Diplomate Exams this January and
is Currently Head of the Blood Bank section
of the Cotabato Regional Hospital


Dr. Sweet Almira Ali-Amil
as new Diplomate in OB-Gynecology (POGS) in the recent
2009 Examinations. Dr Sweet Amil is Cotabato City-based
and is currently helping out in the establishment
of the Bangsamoro Medical Society together with
husband Pediatrician Dr Mohammad Ali Amil.


Dr Alzacar Jadjuli:

Completed the Ophthalmology Residency
training in Jose Reyes Memorial Med Center this
December 2008;
to establish practice in Zamboanga

Dr. Mohammad Abedin

An IMAN Regular Member,
Passed the Diplomate Exam in Internal Medicine
this 2009; Residency Training in
Internal Medicine completed at Makati Medical Center

IMAN now SEC Registered

UP Manila, October 26, 2008 IMAN Meeting L-R: (Standing)-Dr, Abdel Jeffri Abdulla, Dr Sherjan Kalim, Dr Angelie Dugasan, Dr Norbaida Dipantar, Dr Zhamir Umag; (Sitting) Dr Mahar Bogabong, Dr Guiaria Camarudin, Dr Nadhira Mangatong, Dr Naheeda Dimacisil, Dr Khasmin Ismael, Dr Bainary Macaurog

Not in Photo: Dr Al-Radjid Jamiri, Dr Muhammad Abedin, Dr Dreiza Hakim

--------
As of September 29, 2008 IMAN-Islamic Medical Association of the Philippines, Inc. was finally declared a legal entity to conduct membership expansion and work as
a national organization of Muslim Filipino Physicians in the Philippines.

As the membership grows, the IMAN will soon affiliate with international
organizations and establish a community for Muslim physicians to gain advancement
in career development, health education drive for their constituents, and possibly
establish a medical center in Manila.

IMAN in Friendster!

July 2008
Just recently, Dr. Khasmin Ismael decided to create an account for IMAN at Friendster to make easier connections with Filipino Muslim MDs and aspiring ones. Here, medical students may also get in touch with other fellow Muslim MDs from various institutions in the Philippines such as UP, MSU, Fatima University, Univ. of Perpetual Help, UST, FEU and many other major medical institutions in the country.

Specialist MDs such as Dr. Maaliddin Biruar, a Nephrologist who practices in St' Luke's and at the National Kidney Institute has joined the IMAN Friendster account too.

Get in touch with your fellow MDs and share views and tips for Medical Board Exams.
You may request membership through this email - iman.phil@gmail.com

IMAN is also planning to distribute Prayer fliers for examinees in the upcoming boards this August with the hope to share the many wonders and miracles of Islamic prayers. nmd

WAMY to put up nursing school in the country

March 19, 2008

The World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY) arrived in Manila this month
for plans of putting up a Medical and Nursing school in the country.
Together with the UP Institute of Islamic Studies (UP-IIS) and its Alumni Association, IMAN-Islamic Medical Association of the Philippines (IMAN), and UP Manila Association of Muslim Students, a forum with the theme "Medical Practices: An Islamic Perspective", was held at Bulwagang Salaam on March 2, 2008.


Dr. Abdurahman Mohd. Al Quraishi, Director of WAMY Medical Committee,
who admires much the service of many Filipino nurses, expressed their plans of establishing a Nursing school in General Santos City where Sheikh Salih Musa, WAMY-Philippines Country Director, will be heading. He introduced their Medicine-oriented Curriculum in Nursing in one of the prestigious institutions in Saudi Arabia, making most of their graduates successfully pass the US Licensure Examination without having to retake several times compared with other students abroad.

WAMY's Medical Committee Assistant Director Dr. Jamal Al-Hamed presented the current scenario on the continuing need to import nurses, especially from our country, and the need to train nationals as well. On the other hand, IMAN Vice-President Dr. Sherjan P. Kalim, presented the current exodus in the Philippines of physicians becoming nurses. He also mentioned in frustration that the growing number of non-accredited institutions since the high demand for nurses abroad started appear to be business-oriented rather than academic, resulting in a lower board passing rate.


Dr. Abdel Jeffri A. Abdulla, IMAN President, served as Panel Reactor and extended great appreciation of WAMY's contribution and efforts but at the same time emphasized the need to find ways to convince our fellow Filipino medical practitioners to stay in the country.


On the other hand, Prof. Mashur Bin Ghalib Jundam, Dean of the UP Institute of Islamic Studies, presented a creative interpretation of the forum's theme through
acronyms of faith and Islamic virtues.

Others present were Dr. Muhammad Matli, College Secretary of UP-IIS; UP-IIS Alumni Association President Mr. Abdulhadi Daguit; Professor Macrina A. Morados; Master of ceremonies and Moderator UP AMS President Zhamir Umag; and various support groups including the Young Moro Professionals Network, Inc. -NMDimacisil, MD

IMAN applies for SEC Registration

March 2008

Acting President Dr. Abdel Jeffri A. Abdulla, Professor in Surgery and a UP-PGH Scholar, presides over monthly meetings of the newly established IMAN-Islamic Medical Association of the Philippines, Inc.

Dr. Al-Radjid Jamiri, Surgery Resident, has been appointed as Treasurer; Dr. Sherjan P. Kalim, Resident in Pathology also at UP-PGH has been voted as Vice President while Dr. Naheeda M. Dimacisil, an Internal Medicine Resident became IMAN's Acting Secretary.

Dr Khasmin M. Ismael, a graduate of OLFU and an OB Resident at present, was among the five incorporators of the association while PGI Guiaria S. Camarudin,UP Manila 3rd year medical students Angelie P. Dugasan and Zhamir Umag served as witnesses in the recently signed Articles of Incorporation last February 3, 2008 at UP Manila.

The Constitution and By-Laws formulation has become a tedious task for the incorporators including other core members, Dr. Alzacar Jadjuli and Dr. Sweet Almira Ali. Thus, Atty. Rasol Mitmug, Jr. and law students like Former UP USC Chair Rommel Romato and AMAL Bar Ops 2007 Chair Abdulhamid Alawi, Jr. have volunteered to assist IMAN in its registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Many Filipino Muslim Physicians and medical students will finally receive formal invitations to become Regular or Associate members, respectively, once the finalization of the CBL has been accomplished. -NMDimacisil,MD

February 2009 Board Passers

1. Abbas, Hania Macmac
2. Alauya, Sitty Jiamerah Macatuman
3. Alibasa, Madyusuf Jr Perlas
4. Alim, Khaled Paguital
5. Camarudin, Guiaria Sali
6. Camlian, Kaier Jumahadi
7. Casalin, Sitti Nurussamsi Abdulla
8. Decampong, Alfatah
9. Hadjail, Nurhaya Aming
10. Hadjirul, Yahiya Baddong
11. Ibrahim, Muhaser Napii
12. Macapeges, Harmila Dalud
13. Macumbal, Aleah Macarampat
14. Madzaman, Almairah Zamanira
15. Misuari, Jehada-Inn
16. Pendatun, Jihan Lumambas
17. Puting, Muhammad Motio
18. Salialam, Abdugafar Jr Paraji
19. Warid, Fatma Warram
20. Ynawat, Farahnaz Abubakar