Philippine orthopedic manpower survey: A study on geographical distribution of POA fellows and prospects for viable practice.

Geographical areas in the Philippines from regions to the smallest towns were listed down together with the tabulation of: 1) geographical distribution of POA fellows and related subspecialty practioners; 2) the number of primary, secondary and tertiary hospitals in the area; 3) number of universities in the given area; 4) the income classification of the given area, to give a clear picture of the distribution of Orthopedic Manpower and practice opportunities all over the country. A scoring system was formulated to rank geographical areas into excellent, very favorable, favorable, and less favorable areas for practice. There were no areas classified as excellent, areas classified as very favorable areas are the following (in order of most points gained): (32) Cagayan, (31) Batangas, Laguna, Quezon Province, Manila, Quezon City. Areas classified as poor areas to practice are as follows (in order of least points gained): (10) Basilan, Biliran, (11) Romblon, (13) Siquijor, Guimaras. The local POA fellow to population ratio was compared to those of well developed and developing countries in an attempt to come up with the ideal Orthopedic surgeon to population ratio. In comparison to other developing countries around us, the Orthopedic Surgeon to population ratio of the Philippines is still comparatively low (enough number of orthopedic surgeons). If compared to the ratio in more developed countries, we have a high Orthopedic Surgeon to population ratio (need for more orthopedic Surgeons). (Author)