the FAPWA PULSE | connect.engage.belong
The Filipino doctor: a catalyst in the changing landscape of healthcare in the Puget Sound & beyond.
f.a.p.w.a. is A non for profit organization with a purpose to impact our world by enriching the lives of our colleagues and to connect our individual endeavors for the good of all. Our vision is to represent the Fil-Am Physician as a participant in providing care to population of State of Washington and to serve as a catalyst of change in whatever capacity we can as we serve in our respective area of influence.
WHAT ‘S GOING ON?
MEDICAL MISSION 2020 : WE ARE HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE THAT VOLUNTEER DOCTORS AND NURSES WILL BE SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF :
LAUR , NUEVA ECIJA(IN COLLABORATION WITH MOSCATI MEADOWS ), and
BALER, AURORA PROVINCE - serving the Dumagat Tribes.
Dates: 2/23-28 , 2020
The Origin
In the beginning, it started with a heartfelt need for a solid connection within a small number Filipino doctors in the Puget Sound. They took the first step to form what was known as the Philippine Medical Association of the Pacific Northwest { PMSPNW) in Tacoma, Washington. “We strive to connect with each other in order to preserve our influence to the many communities that we serve” says Col. Joel Sims, MD, a retired US Army, PMSPNW’s founding father. He collaborated with Dr. Manuel Roco, a surgeon; Dr. Vallarta , a pediatric neurologist and Dr. Origines , a pediatric hematologist . A few other Filipino doctors came in succession. Dr. Joseph Sueno , Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine; Dr. Jessy Ang, a psychiatrist; Dr. Dan Elizaga ,general surgery and his wife Dr. Leticia Elizaga , also a Family Practice doctor and Dr. Anita Paves, Dr. Lim and Dr. Perena, Dr. Ramos and Dr. AliceBuyco. This group of visionary doctors drafted the first constitution and by laws which was guided by its vision. True to its purpose, the originators hoped to promote camaraderie, collaboration and to protect each other from discrimination. A decade went by and PMSPNW was was eventually dissolved. Dr. Manuel Roco who along with Dr.Joseph Sueno , both past members of PMSPNW carried the torch and worked tirelessly on the groundwork for a new organization of doctors practicing in the State of Washington. Dr. Joseph Sueno served as the interim president during the transition.
“We strive to connect with each other in order to preserve our influence to the many communities that we serve.”
— col. Joel c. sims, md, us army,retired, FEU graduate 1964
On November,1992, FAPWA ( Fil-Am Physicians of Washington) was officially formed and received its current name and logo, when its own constitution and bylaws was approved and adopted at a general meeting held in Bremerton, Washington which was presided by Dr. Jessy Ang.
Our Impact
Today, FAPWA continues to thrive. Its impact to the health care industry in the State of Washington is felt as more and more FIL-AM doctors are serving in areas outside of the Seattle-Tacoma -Olympia corridor such as the Kitsap Peninsula, Chehalis, Vancouver, Yakima, the TriCities area , Walla Walla and Spokane. We are also representing different specialties such as Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, OB Gyn, Gastroenterology, Ophthalmology, Cardiology, Nephrology, Pulmonary , Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. Many of our relations extends our reach to Ancillary Services such as Physical Therapy , Nursing and Social Services.
It is now estimated that approximately 200 +Filipino doctors are residing in Washington State [ Source: State of Washington Department of Health ]. The highest number of Filipino doctors are concentrated in areas around King, Pierce and Thurston Counties. The rest are serving the many underserved rural areas.
42%
King
53%
Pierce
15%
Eastern Washington & Others
FAPWA seeks to collaborate with other like minded organizations and individuals in order to have a much bigger impact not only locally but also globally.
photo credits @bash_carlos