Training next gen skin and hair care experts
For 46 years, DIFP has been true to its founder’s vision of “molding future dermatologists in the country.” The training institution, to date, has produced 300 dermatologists.
With the growing number of skin clinics comes many who claim to be dermatology experts. This phenomenon is alarming, noted Dr. Vinson Pineda, Dermatology Institute Foundation of the Philippines (DIFP) president.
Until the 1960s, the practice of dermatology has transformed -- from being clinical to being a specialty that includes pathology, surgery and aesthetic dermatology.
This shift has then led not only an increasing demand for advanced dermatological procedures but also the emergence of some who claim to be dermatology experts without proper training. This leaves a very thin line on what is ethical from the over-the-counter practice.
“No wonder there are botch procedures and medical malpractices because most of those running skin clinics do not have the proper medical training,” Pineda said.
Pineda explained that Dermatology is a field of specialization in medicine through which licensed physicians diagnose and treat conditions affecting the skin, hair and nails.
In his strong desire to professionalize the practice of Dermatology in the Philippines, Pineda established DIFP in 1976 with the ambitious goal of training “the next generation of experts in skin and hair care.”
DIFP offers a three-year training program in Dermatology as accredited by the Philippine Academy of Clinical and Cosmetic Dermatology and the Philippine Medical Association. Training includes a combination of excellent on-site training and on-demand (online) learning; founded on pathological dermatology and intensive medical research.
The DIFP program provides a comprehensive three-year training curriculum in Medical Dermatology for licensed Physicians. It has incorporated advanced modules in Dermatopathology, Aesthetic Dermatology, Dermatologic Surgery and Cosmetic Dermatology. Besides this, leadership and entrepreneurship courses ensure that they will be ready to serve their patients with competence, compassion and excellence.
DIFP also holds regular training programs, clinico-pathological conferences and monthly hands-on training for its students.
For 46 years, DIFP has been true to its founder’s vision of “molding future dermatologists in the country.” The training institution, to date, has produced 300 dermatologists.
The 85-year-old Pineda, founder of DIFP and the father of Philippine Dermatology, is already passing the baton to his daughter and team of dermatologists committed to provide the best training program to continue his legacy. Pineda is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, the International Society for Dermatologic Surgery and International Society of Dermatopathology. He was able to pursue his fellowship in the United States specializing in Dermatopathology, Dermatologic Surgery and Cosmetic Dermatology.
He was mentored and trained by three acclaimed Dermatologists Dr. Norman Orentreich, the father of modern hair transplantation, Dr. Bernard Ackerman, a founding figure in the field of Dermatopathology and Dr. Perry Robins, a world-renowned surgeon and medical pioneer.
DIFP is now accepting applicants for the three-year training program in Dermatology. For inquiries, may email difpresidencyprogram@gmail.com or text/call 09985506234.