30/05/2026
Standing Against the Illegal Practice of Medicine
As a board-certified dermatologist, I, Dr. Yohann Kae Panis-Luzano, fully support the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) in its strong stand against the illegal practice of medicine, particularly in the aesthetic field. Recently, the PMA has addressed a formal memo to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and TESDA regarding the alarming practice of granting certifications to non-doctors and aestheticians, allowing them to perform procedures that legally and ethically fall under the scope of licensed physicians.
This issue is not only about professional boundaries—it is about patient safety and public protection. The practice of medicine, including dermatology and aesthetic procedures, is governed by strict standards, years of education, clinical training, and board examinations. These requirements are in place not to create exclusivity, but to ensure that patients receive safe, effective, and evidence-based care.
When non-doctors or unlicensed individuals are certified and permitted to perform medical procedures, patients are placed at significant risk. Aesthetic interventions such as injectables, laser treatments, chemical peels, and other minimally or non-invasive techniques are not merely cosmetic “services.” They are medical procedures that require deep knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and possible complications. A mishandled injection, for instance, can result in vascular occlusion, blindness, scarring, or disfigurement. A poorly executed laser or energy-based procedure can cause burns, infections, and long-term damage.
By certifying non-physicians to carry out such procedures, TESDA and other entities inadvertently blur the line between healthcare practice and cosmetic service provision. This creates a dangerous precedent where unqualified individuals may appear “legitimate” in the eyes of the public simply because they hold a certificate. The truth remains: no certificate from a non-medical institution can replace a medical license issued by the PRC after years of rigorous training.
It is also important to note that illegal practice of medicine is punishable by law. The Medical Act of 1959 (RA 2382) explicitly states that only duly licensed physicians can engage in the practice of medicine. Violations can lead to criminal liability, fines, and imprisonment. This is not just a professional concern—it is a legal one. Patients deserve to know that their safety is protected by both medical ethics and the law.
As medical doctors, we carry a responsibility not only to treat but also to educate and safeguard our patients. This means speaking up against practices that endanger public health, no matter how popular or profitable they may seem. While aestheticians and beauty practitioners may play valuable roles in wellness and skincare, they must recognize the clear boundary between beauty services and medical practice.
The PMA’s action is a necessary step to uphold professional integrity and public trust. I stand with my colleagues in calling for stricter enforcement of the law, greater public awareness, and continuous vigilance against the proliferation of unlicensed medical practice in aesthetics.
Ultimately, medicine must remain in the hands of those who are trained, licensed, and accountable. Patient safety must never be compromised.
Dr. Yohann Kae Panis-Luzano
Board-Certified Dermatologist
