The Story of the Filipino: Empowering PWDs

Summary

Dr. Josephine Roberto Boondock, head of the Prosthetics and Orthotics Clinic, shares her journey from a childhood with blind siblings to becoming a pioneer in Rehabilitation Medicine. She emphasizes the importance of proper support and motivation for people with disabilities to integrate into the community and pursue their dreams. The 'Walking Free' program, supported by Physicians for Peace, aims to provide affordable prosthetics, leading to a paradigm shift in involving government support for assistive devices. Dr. Boondock's work in establishing the Philippine School of Prosthetics and Orthotics ensures sustainability and professional training, ultimately empowering individuals with disabilities.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Dr. Josephine Roberto Boondock is the head of the Prosthetics and Orthotics Clinic at the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at the Philippine General Hospital and Memorial Medical Center.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 She comes from a family where her father and siblings had visual impairments, which influenced her path towards helping people with disabilities.
• 🏥 Dr. Boondock's initial career focus was on family medicine, but she shifted to Rehabilitation medicine, specifically assistive technology, due to its life-changing impact on individuals.
• 🌐 She highlights the challenges of providing assistive technology in the Philippines, such as cost, topography, and lack of local manufacturing.
• 🤝 Physicians for Peace, a non-governmental organization, played a crucial role in supporting Dr. Boondock's work and emphasized the importance of training to create a sustainable impact.
• 🚶‍♂️ The 'Walking Free' program was developed to provide affordable prosthetics to low-income Filipinos, aiming to make mobility devices accessible and sustainable.
• 🏆 Dr. Boondock received the prestigious Apolinario Mabini Presidential Award, which was a significant recognition for her work, nominated by a group of people with disabilities.
• 🔄 The 'Walking Free Lahat' program was designed in three phases: assessing existing capacity, innovation, and sustainability, to improve the reach and efficiency of prosthetic services.
• 🏫 The Philippine School of Prosthetics and Orthotics was established to professionally train prosthetists and orthotists, ensuring the quality and accessibility of prosthetic services across the country.
• 💪 Dr. Boondock's work has not only provided prosthetics to those in need but also empowered individuals, like soldiers injured in conflict, to become prosthetists themselves, continuing the cycle of empowerment.

Q & A

Who is Dr. Josephine Roberto Boondock?

Dr. Josephine Roberto Boondock is the head of the Prosthetics and Orthotics Clinic of the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at the Philippine General Hospital and Memorial Medical Center.

What was Dr. Boondock's childhood like?

Dr. Boondock's childhood was very happy. She grew up in a rational and independent family, with a brother and a sister who were blind. Her father, who was also blind, played a significant role in her life, taking care of her and her siblings.

What educational path did Dr. Boondock take?

Dr. Boondock initially took a pre-med course, earning a BS in Psychology, with the intention of becoming a family physician. However, she was introduced to Rehabilitation Medicine during her residency training at PGH, which led her to specialize in that field.

What is the significance of assistive technology in Dr. Boondock's work?

Assistive technology is significant in Dr. Boondock's work because it allows for dramatic and life-changing improvements, enabling people with disabilities to be integrated into the community.

What challenges did Dr. Boondock face in accessing assistive technology?

Dr. Boondock faced challenges such as high costs, lack of local manufacturing, and the need for local materials to make assistive technology accessible and affordable.

How does Physicians for Peace contribute to Dr. Boondock's mission?

Physicians for Peace, a non-governmental organization, supported Dr. Boondock's mission by providing training and resources, with the motto 'teach one, help many,' emphasizing the importance of training to enable sustainability.

What is the 'Walking Free' program mentioned in the script?

The 'Walking Free' program is an initiative that aims to provide prostheses to individuals with disabilities, allowing them to walk free from their limitations and participate fully in all aspects of life.

Why was government involvement necessary for the 'Walking Free' program?

Government involvement became necessary for the 'Walking Free' program to ensure its sustainability. A research audit revealed that the program would not survive without government funding for the devices.

What is the significance of the Philippine School of Prosthetics and Orthotics?

The Philippine School of Prosthetics and Orthotics is significant because it is the first of its kind in the country, providing professional training for prosthetists and orthotists, which is essential for the sustainability of the 'Walking Free' program.

How does Dr. Boondock's work impact the lives of people with disabilities?

Dr. Boondock's work empowers and enables people with disabilities by providing them with access to prostheses and orthotics, training, and support, allowing them to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.

What recognition did Dr. Boondock receive for her work?

Dr. Boondock was awarded the Presidential Award of Apolinario Mabini, primarily nominated by a person with disability group, which was an affirmation of her work and advocacy for people with disabilities.