This is a mixed quantitative-qualitative study which determined the perceived proficiency level of public health competencies of MD-MPH graduates of Ateneo de Zamboanga University-School of Medicine by measuring perceived proficiency levels, identifying a significant difference among job positions, and describing competencies of a competent public health physician. One hundred two (102) graduates with a response rate of 52% were included who were contacted personally and through social media. It utilized a modified questionnaire with an online version via Google forms. Also, a case study was conducted to seven selected graduates who consented and were experienced in practice. Of the 102 alumni, majority were females (56.8%), 30 years old (13.7%), and from batch 2015 (70.7%). Mostly were urban physicians (57.8%); second were rural physicians (38.2%); and only few remote physicians (3.9%). There were more government hospital physicians (67.6%), followed by MHOs and CHO physicians (14.7%), private practitioners (8.8%), DOH physicians (6.9%) and last, others (2.0%). Results showed perceived proficiency level of the 102 alumni revealed a positive proficiency level with a mean of 3.17 interpreted as “proficient”. This means most of them perceived they have detailed knowledge, understanding, and application of the core competencies, and generally applies them independently and successfully. Based on job positions, the highest proficiency level was reported by both Municipal Health Officers and City Health Officers (3.61) as “advanced”, followed by DOH Office Physicians (3.54) as “advanced”, others (3.10) as “proficient”, Government Hospital Physicians (2.99) as “proficient”, and last, Private Practitioners (2.81) as “proficient”. There was no significant difference found among five different positions (p-value=0.088) which means that a graduate equally perceived his or her proficiency level as proficient regardless of position. The seven graduates were able to operationalize the competent Doctor X describing the needed attributes of a competent public health physician that resulted in improved health outcomes of their chosen communities. With the survey results (3.17) interpreted as “proficient”, equal perceived proficiency level regardless of position, and the operationalization of the competent physician, this study concluded that MD-MPH graduates of ADZU-SOM perceived their proficiency level of public health competencies as proficient in their community practice.

Keyword: Proficiency level of public health competencies