Hi! Really a lot of missing in action for the past months, I've just started a youtube channel: Artsy Med Youtube and it's taking a lot of my time, and I'm just in the process of adjusting and deciding if I can do both youtube and blogging.
So anyways enough of the excuses, we'll start with what this post is all about. So you've graduated, either from Med school or from residency. The next step is to apply for membership in PMA (Philippine Medical Association). This is for NEW membership by the way.
The first thing that you need to do is:
1. Call the PMA main office: (632) 929-7361; 926-2447; 929-6366 and inquire that you would like to apply for new membership. The secretary will tell you where to apply and submit your requirements.
Side comment: Don't be like me hahaha, I went to the PMA building main office at North Avenue and I ended up wasting my time, traffic as well since they won't accept. I have to apply to the satellite office, meaning to the pma office near where you would practice or near where you live.
2. After you've known where to submit your requirements, you ask for the contact number and contact person of the "satellite" pma.
3. Call that number.... and ask for the requirements and also ask when is the oath-taking time and day and if you could do that also on the same day.
If graduating from residency: Also ask them, that you're not sure if you're a member during graduation ceremony. (I have a colleague, whom he didn't know that he was already a member since graduation, and ended up paying for a fine.)
Side comment: Why? because some ask for 2x2 picture, some passport size pictures, now you would not want your precious money and picture go to waste... because now you're basically "unemployed"!
As for the oath-taking, para di ka na babalik, hassle kasi.
4. Prepare your requirements:
- 2 copies of either 2x2 or passport size or 1x1 pictures, whatever the satellite office said
- Money: I paid for Php 2,768 membership fee
- Original PRC id
- Take note also for the following dates:
- year graduated in medicine
- residency or fellowship inclusive dates
5. Go to your "satellite" PMA office and fill out the forms and pay for the necessary fees.
If you want to apply for Philhealth as healthcare provider, also tell the satellite office that you want certificate of good standing from PMA.
Side comment: Don't fill out the downloadable form from PMA website, they didn't accept my filled out printed form either. So just fill out there nalang.
6. Oath-taking in the satellite office on the scheduled date and time.
7. You will receive your PMA id and pins and other papers and stuff. Keep the receipts because you will be needing this if you are to apply certificate of good standing.
