I accept the position as chairman of the PBO with humility. I am sure that despite my best efforts, I will disappoint some of you at times. But I am confident that with our very able and reliable executive council and support of all the PBO diplomates, the task will not be so daunting. To the PBO, I thank you for your trust and confidence.
I asked a few of our colleagues what was the first word or words that came to mind when you hear the word “PBO”. Most answered, “exams!” with an exclamation point. Another response was “high standard”, “police”, “scary”! One said, “Pinoy Box Office”? My favorite was “Darth Vader”! Darth Vader in Wikipedia reads, “an ominous evil and the Supreme Commander of the Imperial Fleet”. (I promise not to reveal who said this.)
In the present, there are only 24 diplomates. We would like to see the numbers increase.
I encourage you all to take that step in pursuing the diplomate status. As for me, it took a lot of convincing. In fact, it took them 17 years to convince me from the time I came back from graduate school. However, I do not hold the record. For those of you who are not familiar with Dr. Corazon Atienza, she pursued her diplomate status in her 70’s or 80’s. But please, do not wait that long! This applies to the accreditation of the various university-based programs too. Again, do not wait this long. To the Chairmen of these programs, be optimistic. Have that “can do” approach.
As we are all eager to proceed to our Christmas celebration, I leave you with these words…aspire to inspire before we expire. Aspire to inspire before we expire. May we all be like Luke Skywalker in the specialty that we love and may the force be with you! Thank you.
