(reprinted from the MIND Blog of Dr. Willie Ong. MIND is short for Movement of Idealistic and Nationalistic Doctors.)

     Some of our doctor-friends have already watched us on Cable TV so I guess we have to tell you what we’ve been doing with our advocacy for doctors and for patients too.

     Yes, after 2 years of working behind the scenes, countless TV workshops, meetings, frustrations and turn downs, we’ve finally got the TV show we wanted. We took several months of hosting classes from Kuya Boy Abunda (Korina’s close friend), and Media Guru Ms Chi-Chi Fajardo-Robles, and Director Ron Bertubin, for which we all thank them for their help.

     Penetrating TV has been the dream of our medical leaders, societies and many doctors I’ve talked to. But there are sooo many obstacles… Again, I can only thank God for the miracles He gives us. Thank God for Mr. Ramon Jacinto and Jojo Alejar, unlikely angels who trusted us at the first minute.

     The health show is at RJTV every Fridays 5-6 PM (live) and Saturdays 7-8 AM (replays) on Sky (19), Home (19), Destiny (79). The Format we chose:

• Fast-paced health advice on prevention of sickness.
• Broad topics that cover several diseases and issues, affecting young and old (ex. All about women’s health).
• Segment on Hot Topics
• Health Updates (latest health news in layman’s terms gathered from reliable medical sources worldwide)
• Tipid Tips (practical ways to save on medical expenses)
• Bible verse.
• Questions from viewers.

     Topics are 75% pro-patient and I inserted 25% pro-doctor too (like charity medical missions and brain drain, etc.).

     What’s the goal?

     I have one simple goal: to help 1-2 person per show. And from the many callers we’ve been getting, I think we can grow bigger. That alone is worth all the efforts and preparations from the show.

     I have an underlying secondary goal: to improve the public perception of doctors by getting the best guests and showing the human and personal side of doctors.

     We’re not good on TV guys. We’re not even TV material. But I don’t see anyone else doing this and God has opened up this path. For us, this is just public service, an extension of our charity health center in Pasay City for 14 years already. Helping and reaching the most number of people. All the other TV stations are quite impregnable (2,4,5,7,9,11,13). I tried them. We’ll start small at cable TV. Happy na kami dito sa konting audience.

     We are producing, writing and hosting the show. We’re also doing the layout, designs and everything else because of lack of funds. Airtime funds are from my family and some of my ipon. We set is aside already and we hope to have a “Wish ko lang” portion if we can find the time and additional funds for it. I have funds for probably 6 months worth of show. After that, I don’t know. Maybe if you build it, people will come too…

     Aside from doctors and medical societies, I’m planning to guest Sec Duque, other politicians concerned in health, charitable people to see what is doable and what we can do. But young doctors, even students are welcome to join and co-host. It’s a learning experience and I may just be paving the way for some other doctors to go down this path in the future.

     Note: Anything you want to plug in guys, babati or whatever, just post it here and I’ll mention your name (real name) on the show. You might even be our guest someday, who knows?

     God bless everyone and see you.

     Willie and Liza