Phil Rheuma Jr is a board-certified rheumatologist practicing in a government medical center in the Philippines. He attends to patients referred to their service. He engages in the training and supervision of fellows and residents.
He continues to supervise research in the field. And participates in evidence-based reviews of his Section and the Philippine Rheumatology Association.
What is a RHEUMATOLOGIST?
A RHEUMATOLOGIST is an internist or a pediatrician who received further training in the diagnosis (detection) and treatment of musculoskeletal diseases and systemic autoimmune conditions commonly referred to as RHEUMATIC DISEASES. These diseases can affect the joints, muscles, and bones causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and deformity
Source: The American College of Rheumatology
What are some of the conditions rheumatologists treat?
Osteoarthritis. Gout. Rheumatoid Arthritis. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Ankylosing Spondylitis. Psoriatic Arthritis. Reactive Arthritis. Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. Enteropathic Arthritis. Spondyloarthritis. Scleroderma. Polymyositis/ Dermatomyositis. Anti-Phospholipid Syndrome. Mixed Connective Tissue Diseases. Overlap Syndromes. Takayasu’s Arteritis. Cogan’s Syndrome. Giant Cell Arteritis. Polyarteritis Nodosa. Granulomatosis with Polyangitis. Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangitis. IgA Vasculitis. Behcet’s Syndrome. Vasculitis Syndromes. Pseudogout. Osteoporosis. Infection-associated arthritis. Rheumatic Fever. Adult Onset Still’s Disease. Soft Tissue Rheumatisms.
How do we MANAGE patients?
After obtaining a medical history and performing a directed physical exam, the rheumatologist will provide you an assessment of your condition. Additional diagnostic tests and imaging modalities may be requested to ascertain details about your concerns. Initial therapy may be prescribed but more definitive treatment may follow after completing your work-up. Treatment primarily consists of medication (pharmacologic), education, lifestyle and activity modification, use of orthoses and assistive devices (non-pharmacologic), and/or referral to other specialists (rehabilitation medicine, orthopedics, PT/OTs).
Medications may come in the form of tablets/ capsules, gels/ ointments/ patches, infusions, injections, or direct administration of medication into the joint.
I am a member of larger organization, the PHILIPPINE RHEUMATOLOGY ASSOCIATION
The recognized leader in arthritis care and research in the country and a major contributor to the Asia-Pacific Region.
THE PHILIPPINE RHEUMATOLOGY ASSOCIATION (PRA) WEBSITE
It is a collegial organization composed of competent, compassionate, socially responsive, and ethical rheumatologists who are committed to:
- Promotion of rheumatology as a subspecialty
- Provision of high-quality patient care
- Advancement of education and research in the field
- Personal and professional development of its members
Learn more about the Association here.
Our organization is also part of the Philippine College of Physicians, the Philippine Medical Association, and the Asia-Pacific League of Associations in Rheumatology. We recently became an affiliate member of the International Osteoporosis Foundation.
If you’re a Filipino patient hoping to learn more about arthritis, please check out the PATIENTS section of this blog.
If you’re a physician or health care worker curious about what’s happening in rheumatology, please proceed to the DOCTORS section of this blog.
If you’re wondering what I’ve been up to, read the BLOG of my activities.
I’ve re-started this site several times since I went into practice. My attempts to put stuff here are often drowned out by work and other commitments. I’m still finding the balance between work, life, and being a bloggero. Please check back for updates.
Phil Rheuma Jr 