Who Wants to be a Doctor-to-the-Barrio?
By Dr. Pinky Intal · Originally published October 4, 2016. Rules and rates may have changed since then.
For all those who became a Doctor-to-the-barrio before, they know the meaning of this:
“Once a Doctor is in public health like DTTB program, he will always have a heart in public health.”
That is why many of the graduates of the program stayed in public health. But also a number of them went back to private practice but in their hearts I believe they want to serve the public back.
Like me, even if I am in a different world, finance and business, I never fail to love public health. So, I made a decision that someday I will be back. Currently, I am talking a path less traveled. I am specializing in Lactation medicine and be able to go back to the community.
The challenge to be in public health is a very daring path to consider.
Now, the challenge is up to you? Will you take the challenge?
Do you want to know the Benefits of a Doctor to the Barrio?
Here they are:
FINANCE
1. You will be given Plantilla item in DOH for 2 years with Salary grade 24 which is (Php 56,610.00).
There are talks that it will be Salary grade 25 for this coming batch but still unconfirmed. The Step 1 of the SG 25, is around Php 61,971 gross. Still subject to tax and other deductions.
2. Representation and Travel Allowance for Rural Health Physician (RATA).
3. All other benefits as provided for in the Magna Carta for Public Health Workers, such as, but no limited to clothing, subsistence, laundry, hazard allowances and other bonuses.
You will be very lucky, during our time as a DTTB, hazard pay was taken out of our benefits.
DBM-DOH Joint Circular No. 1s 2016
4. Local Government Counterpart (honorarium, board and lodging). Monetary and/or non-monetary as determined by the LGUs.
This depends on how generous the LGU that you have been assigned to. So, pray, that you will be assigned to a friendly and generous LGU. If they are not too generous, make sure that at least you would be provided with your free board and lodging.
5. PhilHealth benefits/reimbursements if RHU (Rural Health Unit) assigned to is accredited.
If ever you will be assigned to an RHU that is not accredited, nobody is stopping you to have it accredited. That happened to me in my area of assignment. I was able to have our RHU accredited right before I finished my term. The doctors after me benefited from the PhilHealth reimbursements.
6. Automatic enrollment to the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), life insurance and PhilHealth.
EDUCATION
1. FREE Masters Degree Education in Public Management major in Health Systems and Development at the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), no less.
Twice a year, you will be pulled out of your area, and lets you attend the Masteral Classes especially made and customized to Doctors to the Barrios. If you finish it and passed it with your thesis, at the same time that of your graduation in DTTB program you will also earn your masters degree and get to add additional name in your MDs, like mine: PINKY DE LEON-INTAL, MD. MPM
I am proud to say that I am one of the first graduate of the said course.
2. Numerous of DOH trainings
- TB Dots Accreditation and Training, done in Coron, Palawan
- Practical Orthopedics by no less than the late “Dr. Jose Antonio Socrates”. I was glad and honored to have trained and learned under very kindhearted, self-less, and very generous doctor. (Puerto Princesa, Palawan)
- Leprosy History and Medical Evolution, (Culion, Palawan)
- Practical Psychiatry for the Community. Puerto Princesa, Palawan
- Autopsy and Medico-legal. NBI Director (Manila)
- Municipal Health Officers Summit, (Davao City)
3. Meeting, learning and immersing with some of the best and most inspiring people in the grassroots, and in the public health sector. Like the late father of DTTB, Senator Juan Flavier.
4. Unforgettable Learning Experiences
Removal of Pterygium (During our Ophtha Surgical Mission)
- Doing Successful Emergency Caesarian Section to a Mother (Note: I’m not an OB, just a recent Medical Board Passer then)
- Doing Autopsy to a 8-year-old murder victim (got to be a CSI for a moment there)
- Screening 300 patients that will undergo Cataract surgery
- Being the only doctor in a place with 14,000 population
- Doing the municipal health budget for the entire year
- Getting involve in the decision making of a local government and becoming a change agent of the community.
- Learn management skills, since I am the head of about 150 health government employees and contractual (under me are: nurses, dentists, sanitary officers, midwives, BHWs)
Those are just few experiences that I will never should have experienced if I was not a Doctor to the Barrio. Those moments even if they are nerve wracking, I will never forget and treasure in my heart.
5. #YOLO moments
- Discovering a hidden lagoon in one of my island barangays and jumping into it. That is why I always bring my snorkel gear wherever we go on barangay visit.
- Moments like: people apologizing to me because all they can offer are fresh fish, fresh shrimps, and fresh octopus for our lunch. They don’t even know how expensive those are in Manila.
- First time to ride a 2 seater unchartered plane.
- Getting interviewed for newspaper and my TV Debut.
- Beautiful sceneries anywhere.
- Lovely and beautiful people.
Many, many more than I can ever describe in one article. So, what are you waiting for? Apply now and be one of those who are called to serve our countrymen. It is a very unique, humbling experience that could change your entire life.
This article will never be enough in describing the whole experience and for all those you people who became instrumental in my journey, I would like to thank you all. I won’t mention all of you.
To all those who wanted the same experiences and more, apply now.
Department of Health is offering 50 slots until October 15, 2016. There are about 20 who already applied.
For those interested to join the Doctors-to-the-Barrio (DTTB) Program, the deadline for application is on October 15, 2016.
Go to the Health Human Resource Development Bureau (HHRDB) Office at DOH or in any Department of Health Regional Offices.
What are the application requirements for the DTTB program?
1. Application letter addressed to the Director of the Health Human Resource Development Bureau - Department of Health
Elvira SN. Dayrit, MD, MSc, MCH, CESO IV Director IV Health Human Resource Development Bureau Bldg. No. 12-a San Lazaro Compound Department of Health Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz, Manila Interested applicant shall address the application letter to the Director of the Regional Office in the concerned area if application shall be made in any of the Regional Offices (if they opt to submit it in regional offices).
2. Four (4) copies of Personal Data Sheet. Please see any of the link below:
- Guide to fill-out the Personal Data Sheet
- Personal Data Sheet (MS Excel format)
- Personal Data Sheet (PDF format)
3. Certified True Copy of Diploma
4. Certified True Copy of Transcript of Records
5. Authenticated PRC board rating and authenticated PRC license
6. Original copy of NBI Clearance
7. Certificate of Specialty Board / Fellow / Medical Specialty Exam (for positions requiring these documents)
8. Four (4) copies of duly notarized Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth (SALN), once accepted in the Program (once accepted in the program).
So, what are you all waiting for, adventures awaits you. The underserved communities are waiting for your service.
Dare to take the challenge?
Challenging you,
Read more:
- How to Build Doctor’s Retirement Fund?
- Who wants to be a Filipino doctor? FAQs on How to Apply and Be Accepted in Medical School
- Who Wants to be A Filipino Doctor? FAQs on Top 20 Philippines Medical Schools and Tuition Fees
- 6 Secrets of Becoming the RICH DOCTOR Your Friends and Family Think You Are
- Why are Most Filipino Doctors are not RICH?
Sources:
DOH-HRDDB