Since 1979 until 1989 the Department of Health (DOH) has been giving the Medical Specialist qualifying examinations to all graduates of residency training programs in all government hospitals throughout the country.
Dr. Nestor P. Pasamba, a general surgeon and former consultant of the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRRMMC) conceived of an organization initially to bring together all of these Medical Specialist diploma holders. He then called for a dinner-meeting at his residence in Sta. Mesa Heights, Quezon City on November 14, 1994.
Those who generously gave their time and effort to attend this momentous meeting were doctors Mario R. Adraneda, an Internal Medicine Specialist, Hernando S. Amisola, a General Surgeon, Danilo S. Mariano, a Urologist, Gilda David-Rebaldo and Rhodora I. Cruz, both Obstetrics-Gynecologist, Armando N. Lorenzo, an Anesthesiologist from Cavite and Cecilio G. Viola, an EENT Specialist.
In this meeting, Dr. Pasamba laid out his plans and the rationale in the formation of the Philippine Academy of Medical Specialists. He presented its goals and objectives, to wit:
1. To unify, develop and assign medical specialists throughout the Philippines.
2. To provide a forum for Medical Specialists of the Department of Health in its quest for continuing medical educatio
3. To maintain the highest possible level of medical and scientific knowledge and specialty skills so we can better serve the people especially the less fortunate.
4. To maintain camaraderie so that ethical practice of medicine shall always be observed.
5. To promote the ideals and objectives of the Philippine Medical Association.
6. To be of better help to the Department of Health in its programs and objectives.
Listening to Dr. Pasamba, the attendees realized the importance and significance of the organization-in-the-making. They decided right there and then that each attendee contributes a thousand pesos to “start-the-ball-rolling” primarily to have PAMS duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Likewise, there was a consensus to have an election that eventually defined their duties and responsibilities.
The eight founders were elected to the following positions: President – Dr. Mario R. Adraneda, Vice-President – Dr. Nestor P. Pasamba, Secretary – Dr. Hernando S. Amisola, Treasurer – Dr. Rhodora I. Cruz, Auditor – Dr. Armando N. Lorenzo, Board of Trustees were, Dr. Gilda David-Rebaldo, Dr. Danilo S. Mariano and Dr. Cecilio G. Viola.
A sumptuous dinner, “picture-taking for posterity’s sake, a “rain shower” – believes to bring “good luck,” hence, before the meeting adjourned they all agreed to spread the “good news” and recruit new members. After a series of meetings and organizational planning, finally, the Philippine Academy of Medical Specialists, Inc. was duly registered on December 8, 1994 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Registration # ANO94- 00004670.