Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chairperson Karlo Nograles congratulated the 1,573 new doctors who officially took their oath as Licensed Physicians on 19 April 2023 at the Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City.
“Today’s oath-taking is not merely a ceremony to practice medicine; it is a solemn act and eternal promise to adhere closely to the ethical and professional values of the medical profession. As you begin your work as licensed physicians and realize your aspirations and your goals, may you always remember the reason for choosing this path, to safeguard the health of others,” said Chairperson Nograles.
Chairperson Nograles also acknowledged that being a doctor goes beyond the practice as a means of livelihood, as it is a vocation and a humanitarian calling to take the road less traveled to make a difference in the lives of the Filipino people.
In his keynote speech, Chairperson Nograles gave three (3) reminders to guide the newly-minted doctors in their new journey as healthcare professionals: first, that public service is a public trust; second, is to strive to pay it forward by being a mentor to others; and lastly, to not compromise integrity as they live their dreams.
He cited Dr. Jose Jonas D. Del Rosario from the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) and Dr. Annie Claire Pekas from Luis Hora Memorial Regional Hospital (LHMRH), two (2) doctors who were recognized and awarded by the CSC through its Honor Awards Program. Doctors Del Rosario and Pekas were honored for their commitment to stay in public service despite the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chairperson Nograles also acknowledged that being a doctor goes beyond the practice as a means of livelihood, as it is a vocation and a humanitarian calling to take the road less traveled to make a difference in the lives of the Filipino people.
“Whether you choose to enter government or practice in private hospitals and institutions, as doctors, you are foremost, public servants, and you MUST at all times, be accountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency; act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives,” he added.
The Oath-Taking and Induction Ceremony for New Physicians was attended by Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Chairperson Charito A. Zamora; PRC Commissioners Jose Y. Cueto Jr. and Erwin M. Enad; Professional Regulatory Board of Medicine Chairperson Godofreda V. Dalmacion and members; Philippine Medical Association (PMA) President Maria Minerva Patawaran-Calimag; and deans of medical schools and colleges.
