Cloak of Mimicry Doctors Perceptions On Quackery

Republic of the Philippines
Region 1
Candon National High School
Senior High School
Candon City, Ilocos Sur
CLOAK OF MIMICRY: DOCTORS’ PERCEPTIONS ON QUACKERY
A Research
Presented to
The Candon National High School
Senior High School Department
City of Candon, Ilocos Sur
In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the subject
Research 1
(Qualitative Research)
By:
ABDURAHIM, Cheyenne D.
CALUB, John Vincent J.
DE CASTRO, Kathlene Mae A.
GRAY, Jovell T.
LIQUIGAN, Naomi Anne G.
PAGADUAN, Christa May C.
SARZABA, Oliver S.
Feljone G. Ragma, Ed.D.

(Adviser/Co-Author)
2017
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Immeasurable appreciations and deepest gratitude for the help and
support given to this research study entitled: CLOAK OF MIMICRY:
Doctor’s Perceptions on Quackery, are extended to the following persons
who have contributed in making this study possible.
Dr. Feljone G. Ragma, Practical Research I adviser and the co-author
of this study for every knowledge he has shared, for the endless support and
help, advices and valuable comments, for the encouraging speeches and
patience for the accomplishment of the study.
Mr. Froilan Alusen and Mr. Jay Ganacias, the members of the panel,
for their generous appreciation, their criticisms and judgements, and
evaluation of the study.
Ms. Connie Rose Ramos, SHS English Teacher, for validating the
questions and giving suggestions for to the improvement of the whole
research.
The researchers would also like to offer their appreciations to the
respondents of the study for their time and who agreed, without second-
thoughts, to be part of this research. Finally, the researchers would like to
acknowledge with gratitude, the support of family and friends, for without
them, the achievement of this research would not be possible.
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DEDICATION
This qualitative research is dedicated to our Almighty God for all of
the strengths and wisdom He gave us to overcome the pressures of this
research.
This study is also wholeheartedly dedicated to Dr. Feljone G. Ragma,
our teacher in Practical Research I, for the researchers could never have
done this without his faith, guidance, support and constant
encouragements. Even though there are countless complaints and slacking,
he maintained his patience and continued to be our guide to develop in every
phase of the research process. He made us believe in ourselves and taught
us not only the main learnings for this study but life lessons and experiences
that will remain etched in our minds. Our study would have not been
completed without his presence.
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ABSTRACT
Title: CLOAK OF MIMICRY: DOCTOR’S PERCEPTIONS

ON QUACKERY
Researchers: OLIVER SARZABA
NAOMI ANNE LIQUIGAN
CHRISTA MAY PAGADUAN
KATHLENE MAE DE CASTRO
JOVELL GRAY
CHEYENNE ABDURAHIM
JOHN VINCENT CALUB
Adviser: FELJONE G. RAGMA, ED.D.
Abstract: Cloak of Mimicry: Doctor’s Perceptions on Quackery is a study that

focuses on how medical professionals view the practice of quackery. This
study has been conducted because of the researchers’ curiosity to explore the
views of doctors on quackery.
The phenomenological design and qualitative research approach was
utilized in this study. Furthermore, the researchers determined the
interviewees through purposive sampling and Snowball sampling technique
then made use of the interview method to collect data relevant to the study
from medical doctors all throughout Candon City. From the analysis of data,
the researchers found out that the perceptions to quackery are culturally-
integrated which means based on beliefs and indestructible, risky which
means detrimental and illegitimate, health alternative which means a second
choice, and neutral which means doctors do not consider this practice good
and bad.
The researchers recommend that the authorities must perform health
awareness programs for the people, especially in rural areas, to be
knowledgeable or enlightened regarding the practices of quackery.
Keywords: Perception, Quackery, Culturally-Integrated, Risky, Healthcare

Alternative, Neutral
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Number
TITLE PAGE………………………………………………………….………… i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT……………………………………………………… ii
DEDICATION………………………………………………………………….. iii
ABSTRACT……………………………………………………………………... iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS …………………………….……………………….. v
CHAPTER
I Introduction…………………………………….……………. 1
Background of the Study………………………….…… 1
Statement of the Problem………………………………. 4
Assumption……...………………………………………… 4
Importance of the Study...……………………………… 4
Scope and Delimitation…………………………………. 5
Definition of Terms………………………………………. 5
Review of Related Literature and Studies…………... 6
II Method and Procedures….……………………………….. 12
Research Design…….……………………………………. 12
Sources of Data….…………………………………….…. 13
Locale and Population of the Study………….………. 13
Instrumentation and Data Collection……………….. 13
Validity of Interview Questions…………….…………. 14
v
Tools for Data Analysis……………………….………… 14
Ethical Considerations………………………………….. 14
III Findings and Discussion………………………………….. 16
Perceptions of Doctors on Quackery….……………... 16
Culturally-Integrated……………………………………. 16
Risky…………………………………………………..……. 17
Healthcare Alternative……….…………………………. 18
Neutral….………………….………………………………. 20
The Diagram of the Perceptions of Medical Doctors

on Quackery…………………………………………………… 21
IV Insights and Recommendations………………………... 22
Findings……………………………………………………. 22
Insights………….…………………………………………. 23
Recommendations…………….…………………………. 23
Bibliography………………………………………………. 25
Appendices……………………………………………………………………..
A 28
B 32
C 35
D 37
vi
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CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Cloak of Mimicry: Doctor’s Perceptions on Quackery is a study that focuses on
how medical professionals view the practice of quackery. The featured part of the
title, “cloak of mimicry” shows the pretension of quacks having medical skills. The
cloak symbolizes the disguise of quacks to mimic a certified doctor symbolizing
fraudulence.
Health can be defined as the quality of people’s physical, psychological, and
sociological functioning that enables man to deal adequately with the self and
others in a variety of personal and social situations. It is the body’s ability to
function that could also be disrupted from time to time. Disrupted health leads to
various diseases.
Healthcare, on the other hand, is the maintenance or improvement of health
via the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease, illness, injury, and other
physical and mental impairments in human beings. Healthcare is delivered by
health professionals in allied health professions, physicians, nursing, optometry,
pharmacy, psychology, medicine, and other health professions. Healthcare is one
of the world's largest and fastest-growing industries, consuming over 10 percent of
gross domestic product of most developed nations. Medicine encompasses a variety
of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention
and treatment of illness. Medicine plays a significant role in one’s health. Medicines
are used to cure, treat, or prevent disease, alleviate symptoms or help in the
diagnosis of certain illnesses.

Advances in medications have enabled doctors to cure many diseases and
save lives. Prior to development of modern medicine, life has been fleeting for
humans. The environment has been replete with oblivious changes in a form of
medical conditions. Then health-related practice becomes a good organized
profession and many people encountered a significant improvement throughout
life. Aided by modern-day scientific innovation, the boundaries connected with
health-related technology extended to unimaginable limits. Still, despite all these
technological innovation, the position of medical doctors throughout modern
society has not declined, doctors stayed crucial. They are important in the sense
that they are responsible for increased life expectancy, perform humanitarian work,
control an epidemic, and save lives.
Medical doctors are physicians who work in hospitals, clinics, medical
centers, or private practices. They treat people with illnesses and injuries. They also
prescribe medications, order diagnostic tests, diagnose ailments, and record patient
information. Doctors of medicine often have a specialization such as general
practice, gynecology, dermatology, pediatric medicine, or many others. All surgeons
are medical doctors.
Apart from medical doctors, quack, in the sense of a medical impostor, is a
shortening of the old Dutch quacksalver (spelled kwakzalver in the modern Dutch),
which originally meant a person who cures with home remedies, and then came to
mean one using false cures or knowledge (Soniak, Why is a Fake Doctor Called a
Quack? | Mental Floss, 2013). A quack is a person who pretends, professionally or
publicly, to have skill, knowledge, or qualifications he or she does not possess with
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ignorance of concerning subjects (Nehal, 2017). It can be broadly defined as
"anything involving over promotion in the field of health." Questionable ideas, as
well as questionable products, services and untested or refuted treatments are
therefore trademarks of quackery. Thus, companies making exaggerated claims
about the efficacy of their products, such as dietary supplements and non-
prescription drugs, also qualify as a form of quackery.
Globally, there are many instances of quackery throughout medical history.
Back in 1917, a man in Kansas confided to his doctor, John R. Brinkley, that he
was suffering from impotence. After observing the sexual prowess of goats in a
meatpacking company, Brinkley decided goat testicles were the answer to male
impotence. Brinkley (who had ordered his medical degree from a mail-order
catalogue) agreed to try, the patient believed he had been cured, and that is how
this practice became popular. His “doctor” then bought a radio station and began
publicizing his amazing success over the air waves. He completed over 16,000 goat
testicle implants before his practice was ultimately shut down (Schwartz, 2015).
In the Philippines, there is an increase of alarming cases of quacks.
According to Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, the government is bound to its
duty to protect its citizens from unscrupulous individuals who claim to be
practitioners of medicine and other professions without legitimate education,
training, and experience and that there should be a mechanism to suspend the
practice of alleged medical professionals pending questions of legality and such
mechanism must be implemented without delay. The Senator cited the case against
businesswoman Antonia Carandang-Park, who allegedly treats patients as a
licensed physician even without proper credentials. Bernard Tan, whose daughter
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died after receiving stem cell treatment from the so-called doctor, sought murder
and fraud charges against Park. (Felongco, Proliferation of quack doctors in the
Philippines | Gulfnews.com, 2015).
In the local scene, according to (Philippine News Agency, 2016), Lingayen,
Pangasinan now ranks No. 1 nationwide in number of rabies incidence. Provincial
Health Officer Anna Ma. Teresa De Guzman attributed the human death cases in
Pangasinan to non-access to Animal Bite Centers or lack of awareness among
people as a majority still believes in resorting to quack medicine.
Given the scenarios above, the curiosity of the researchers was triggered to
study the views of doctors of medicine to quackery.
Statement of the Problem
This qualitative research using phenomenological design aimed to determine
the perceptions of the doctors towards quackery. Specifically, it intends to answer
the following: How do medical doctors perceive quackery?
Assumptions
The researchers think that the perceptions of doctors to quackery are the
following: the doctors perceive quackery as a cheap alternative to medical services
and they view quackery as a dangerous method of medical treatment that may
worsen an existing ailment, immensely affect a patient’s health, or in unfortunate
cases, death.
Importance of the Study
This research study will mostly benefit the following:
The Department of Health will be benefited to understand the medical
practitioner’s opinions regarding quackery and they will be provided with the
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records of the study which will allow the authority to come up with programs
concerning quacks.
The hospitals will be benefited because this will allow them to know that
there are still patients who are pursuing and are engaged to quackery.
The medical practitioners will be well acquainted about the practices of
quacks and will allow them to advise their patient’s health and naivety towards
quackery.
The patients will be more accustomed to the practices of medical frauds and
they will be conscious on spending their money and understand the potential
dangers or risks of their health.
The researchers will be made aware and they will be more informed about
how professionals perceive such practice which will satisfy the researcher’s
curiosity. In addition, as STEM students, the researchers will gain information and
new experiences which in return will help them in their future researches.
This study will help future researchers in conducting their own researches
about this concern and will serve as their guidance as they work through their
studies.
Scope and Delimitation
The research study is devoted to know how doctors view quackery. The
respondents of the study are the doctors who prescribe medicines, coming from
different hospitals at Candon City, Ilocos Sur. The study is conducted from the
month of June until August.
Definition of Terms
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To add further understanding about this research, the following terms are
operationally defined:
Doctors. They are the people who undergone medical training and education
to give medical services like treating diseases and ensuring a patient’s health.
Perception. This talks about how medical doctors view quackery.
Quackery. This is the practice of fake medical treatments and exaggerated
promotion of medicine by people pretending to have a medical profession or medical
background.
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES
What are the perceptions to quackery?
According to (Hegde, 2016), a doctor of modern medicine, there’s no issue
with marketing of Ayurveda products to the general public as long as it comforts to
standards of food safety as another food stuffs in the market. According to him,
there are so many harmful things that people put into their bodies every day and if
some Ayurveda drugs (free of toxins) is marketed there will be no issues with it. At
best, it can act as a placebo for people who believe or cure them from inside as the
proponents may claim.
First responses of spokespersons from the medical community were
predominantly negative. Practitioners wrote journal articles expressing disapproval
and highlighting the dangers of complementary and alternative medicine. In recent
years however, biomedical researchers have become involved with the scientific
testing of CAM, leading some medical practitioners to have more of an open view of
complementary and alternative medicine. Recognizing the rise in use of CAM has
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led some physicians to stress the need for practitioners to be more knowledgeable
about these treatments (Allen, 2014).
A survey was conducted at the IWK Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada, assessing
the knowledge and attitudes of health professionals at a tertiary women’s care
facility towards complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Physicians, nurses
and allied health professionals were surveyed. The findings suggest that health
professionals are supportive of the use of selected CAM therapies by patients, have
almost no personal experience of CAM, have limited knowledge of CAM and acquire
that information from the internet, friends or family rather than professional
journals, are uncomfortable discussing CAM with their patients and, are rarely or
never asked patients about their CAM use. This survey reveals the limited
knowledge and experience of CAM among health care professionals and the need
for an education programme on CAM therapies. A large percentage of the total
respondents (84.53%) perceived homeopathy to be a legitimate form of health care
whilst a small percentage of 15.47% perceived homeopathy to be not a legitimate
form of healthcare (Allopi, 2008).
What is Quackery?
According to Quackwatch (2009) quackery is not a label automatically
applied to methods that are labeled "natural," or alternative," or nonstandard.
Judgments about individual methods should be based on whether or not there is
scientific evidence of effectiveness.
Many people see quackery as the promotion by shams who intently excite
victims. Actually, most of these shams are also unaware victims who share
inaccurate data and personal experiences with others. Distributors are encouraged
7
by friends, relatives, and neighbors who believe in the effectiveness of the products
who market the health-related products of multilevel companies. Pharmacists also
profit from the sale of nutrition supplements that few customers need. In most
cases, pharmacists profit from these deceptive promotions but they do not patronize
these products. There is an involvement of quackery in telling people something is
bad for them such as food additives and selling a substitute like "organic" or
"natural" food. It is also involved in false advertisements of dietary supplements,
homeopathic products, herbs, and some non-prescription drugs. In most cases, no
single “charlatan” is concerned but the deception by manufacturers and their
advertising agencies.
Quackery is not a risk-it-all phenomenon. A practitioner may be scientific in
many respects and has involvement in minimal unscientific practices. Also,
products and procedures can be useful for some purposes but worthless for others.
For example, in cases of pernicious anemia, vitamin B12 shots are lifesavers but
taking them for vivacity is a display of poor judgment, greed, or both.
Spinal manipulation may have an efficiency of relief in some cases of low
back pain, but to correct chiropractic's imaginary "subluxations" by manipulation
is quackery.
Quackery and poor medical care may have things in common but they are
not the same. Quackery involves the practice of treatments that does not have
evidence and are not accepted scientifically. Malpractice involves a health
professional failing to meet accepted standards of diagnosis and treatment. It
encompasses situations in which the practitioner was negligent while using
standard systems of care. Leaving a surgical instrument in a patient's abdomen or
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operating on the wrong part of the body are examples of malpractice unrelated to
quackery.
Quackery can be briefly defined as “anything involving overpromotion in the
field of health”. Based on this definition, it includes debatable ideas, products and
services that gives a reason to doubt or question something in spite of the sincerity
of their promoters. In connection with this, “fraud” would be kept only for situations
in which there is an intention of deceiving people.
Not all of unproven treatments are considered quackery. Established
scientific concepts having consistency may be considered experimental.
Researchers and practitioners commit in responsible, properly-designed studies
but does not support unproven procedures in the marketplace. When established
scientific concepts are not compatible with the methods, they should be
distinguished as nonsensical or disproven rather than experimental. Methods that
sound scientific but are nonsensical can also be classified as pseudoscientific.
Folk medicine, even when known to be false, so long as it is not done for gain
is not generally considered quackery. Thus, self-treatment, family home treatment,
neighborly medical advice, and the non-commercial activities of folk healers should
not be labeled as quackery. However, folk medicine and quackery are closely
connected because folk medicine often provides a basis for commercial exploitation.
For example, herbs long gathered for personal use have been packaged and
promoted by modern entrepreneurs, and practitioners who once served their
neighbors voluntarily or for gratuities may market themselves outside their
traditional communities.
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Considering the situations mentioned, quackery is defined as the promotion
of unsubstantiated methods that lack a scientifically credible reason. Promotion
usually involves a motive to gain profit. Unsubstantiated means either unproven or
disproven. Implausible means that it either clashes with well-established facts or
makes so little sense that it is not worth testing (Barrett, 2009).
Why is there a need for quack doctors?
According to the Indian Medical Association, up to 45 percent of all people
who practice medicine did not attend any formal training. As many as 700,000 of
these questionable practitioners with fake certificates even work in major hospitals.
Quacks are commonly found in rural areas, where the poverty-stricken people seek
for their medical needs. Some of the quacks are absolute frauds and some are
traditional medicine practitioners. But none of them have the medical degrees
which make one a doctor under Indian conventions. Although some of them are
harmless, a huge number of quacks is involved in instances of incorrect diagnoses
and prescription failures which leads to deaths of patients and not to mention grim
incidents and sometimes harvesting of organs.
India is lacking adequate service from legal doctors, especially in local areas,
which creates a workspace for charlatans. It is also a nation with some of the
world’s highest mortality rates. According to the World Health Organization low-
income nations should have at least one doctor per 1,000 but India has only one
doctor per 1,700 people. Most of these doctors are clustered in cities as well,
whereas India is still a mostly rural nation. India’s public health expenses per
capita is among the lowest in the world which means only a small percentage of
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Indians have access to more intensive care than the majority of the population that
struggles with a system that is insufficient in many places.
In worse situations, even if there is access to doctors in rural areas, people
cannot expect getting immediate medical care. Surveys from clinics in the local
areas of India show that medical practitioners frequently disregard their appointed
post. This makes legitimate doctors get charged with negligence which is a kind of
lawsuit in India that is quite hard to win. In this case of absenteeism in doctors and
looking upon the expenses for medical care, most locals would prefer turning to
quacks. Some observers indicated that at least some quacks sincerely engaged
themselves in giving help to underserved local areas and trying to recommend
severe conditions to the one with expertise and legal doctors.
According to (Hay, 2016), although there is no statement that says all quacks
should be legitimized, some quacks must receive fitting punishment through better
implementation of the anti-quackery laws. There is no argument that the system of
local authorization for quacks cannot be used as makeshift for a bigger and
regulated goal for public healthcare. If India can generate new medical providers
that performs medical care to secluded areas through fully reinforced programs, it
should be executed straightaway.
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CHAPTER II
METHOD AND PROCEDURES
This chapter contains the following parts: research design, sources of
data, tools for data analysis, and ethical considerations.
Research Design
The phenomenological design was utilized in this study. In phenomenology,
researchers aim to develop new understandings of human lived experience, relying
on first person accounts generally obtained through participant interviews. The
fundamental goal of the approach is to arrive at a description of the nature of the
particular phenomenon. Typically, interviews are conducted with a group of
individuals who have first-hand knowledge of an event, situation or experience. The
interview attempts to answer two broad questions: What have you experienced in
terms of the phenomenon? What contexts or situation have typically influenced
your experiences of the phenomenon? (Chambers, Phenomenological Research |
Qualitative Research in Corporate Communication, 2013) This design is
appropriate for the study since it focused on gathering relevant data in identifying
how medical practitioners perceive quackery.
In addition, the qualitative research was also used. Qualitative research is
the essential guide to understanding, designing, conducting, and presenting a
qualitative research study and it reaches beyond the what, where, and when of
quantitative analysis to investigate the why and how behind human behavior and
the reasons that govern such behavior with varying methods of collecting data
(Merriam & Tisdell, 2015). The collection of data is done through observations,
interviews, and discussions.

This is the most compatible approach for the study since it makes use of
different qualitative strategies such as an interview in order to collect sufficient set
of data that will help the researchers identify various perceptions to quackery.
Sources of data
Locale and Population of the Study
The population of this study was composed of the medical doctors all
throughout Candon City. The study utilized purposive sampling and the Snowball
sampling technique in determining the respondents. Purposive sampling is a
method of non-probability sampling. It is an excellent tool for phenomenological
research. For several helpful studies and much qualitative research-work,
purposive sampling is desirable in any of a number of forms (Ray, 2012). The
selection of respondents relies on their characteristics and depends on the own
judgment of researchers, based on the objective of the study.
Based on this technique, the researchers selected their subject of study in
the hospitals in Candon City. The researchers will mainly focus on 6 respondents
to be interviewed.
Instrumentation and Data Collection
To gather the necessary information from the identified doctors, the
researchers went to local hospitals then ask for an appointment with the
prescribing doctors and to pick the possible subject for their study.
To gather data relevant to the identification of the perceptions to quackery,
the researchers made use of the interview method. The researchers generated and
prepared questions pertinent for the interview. The formulated questions
concentrated on determining how doctors perceive quackery.
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The researchers used a video camera and audio recorder to record the whole
interview process with the permission of the interviewee. The researchers also jotted
down the responses from the interviewees for easier facility of recorded information.
Validity of the Interview Questions. Questions in the interview were presented
to experts in the field of Medicine and Languages to guarantee its validity. These
experts were two doctors who prescribe medicine and a teacher in Filipino for the
translation of the questions. The computed rating was 4.62, very high validity. This
means that the questions used in the interview were suitable in the gathering of
information. In addition, the validator’s suggestions and recommendations were
observed in the questions.
Tools for Data Analysis
The data collected were subjected to analysis in order to arrive at the right
interpretation. The interview method of analysis was used to understand the
responses of the medical doctors who were interviewed in a wider point of view. The
responses were recorded properly and subjected to Cool and Warm Analyses for the
development of the theme.
Ethical Considerations
To comply with ethical conduct in the research process, the researchers
strictly observed the following:
Names of the doctors were never mentioned in any part of this study. Their
faces were not shown in the video documentation. The researchers did not threat
or force the doctors to be an interviewee. The researchers only used video camera
and audio recorders after asking for the permission of the interviewee to be
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interviewed. There was no doctor physically and emotionally harmed during the
interview process.
Stating proper resources and putting correct references were observed to
avoid issues and problems in copyright laws.
A communication letter was presented to the concerned doctor or teacher
before proceeding with the interview.
The research instrument was validated. The indicated suggestions from the
validators were incorporated in the instrument. A summary of the actions done by
the researchers were incorporated.
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CHAPTER III
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS
This chapter carries the analysis of interview data with focus on
phenomenologizing the perceptions of doctors on quackery.
Perceptions of Doctors on Quackery
The main problem of this phenomenological study deals with how medical
doctors perceive the practice of quackery.
Culturally-Integrated
This is a perception in which quackery is based on superstitions, beliefs and
traditional practices. In here, the patient who approaches quacks are the ones who
accepts the beliefs and their practices. Being culturally-integrated, it is also
indestructible since it is engraved in the lives of people.
As Respondent A stated, “Napakasuperstitious kasi ng tao. Nakabase sa
paniniwala nila ang quackery” (Quackery is based on superstitious beliefs). This
means people who choose going to quackery depends on their beliefs without
considering the risks that may cause an enormous amount of suffering. Respondent
B said, “A superstitious mode of treatment”. This simply shows patients are healed
by their faith in the quacks or in the remedies given by quacks. This phenomenon
is called the placebo effect. Quackery is inclined with the cultures and traditions
people have faith in.
By being culturally-integrated, quackery is indestructible since it is already
an imprint of culture. In this connection, it means it cannot be conquered with

ease. This practice is indestructible in the sense that medical doctors are no longer
capable in controlling those people who prefer to go to quacks. It cannot be erased
from the cultural aspect. According to Respondent A, “Hindi mo maaalis ang cultural
beliefs nila eh. Hindi mo basta basta maaalis ito sa paniniwala nila” (You cannot
easily eliminate their cultural beliefs)”. Respondent B added, “We cannot totally
eradicate this obsolete, traditional medicine”. Respondent C also stated, “You can’t
really do away with it. Hindi mo siya mapipigilan especially kung may mga tao that
still believe in quackery” (You can’t really do away with it. It cannot be stopped
especially when people still believe in quackery). These statements point out that
in their perceptions, people are going to quacks because it is part of their beliefs.
Quackery is already imprinted in the minds of the people which make it harder for
authorities who oppose this practice to be eradicated.
Risky
This is a perception in which quackery is perceived as detrimental and illegal.
Being detrimental and illegal connotes risks. It is described as detrimental because
it tends to bring harm to the patients who prefer treatments from quacks.
Respondent A stated “Masasabi kong detrimental ito sa mga pasyente” (It is
detrimental to patients). Respondent B added, “There are risks or dangers of going
to a quack doctor first rather than a medical doctor.” Based on the interviewees
statements, they see the jeopardy from this kind of practice. The respondents
perceive it as a factor with potential for bringing endangerment to the patients that
may worsen their existing diseases, hugely affect their health or in cases even
death. This practice is also believed to be illegitimate because of its lack of scientific
17
procedures and questionable nature. Respondent B pinpointed, “Quackery is a
fraudulent, illegal practice of medicine by a person who pretends medical knowledge
and skills.” Respondent A expressed, “May mga quack doctor na hindi marunong,
nagkukunwari lang, gusto lang magkaroon ng pera” (There are some quacks that
pretend and are unskilled whose intention is to gain profit.)
This means that quacks are more disposed to gaining profit and that they
are focused on deceiving unwitting patients rather than providing actual cure or
treatment for their illnesses; with this, such practice is unquestionably risky. These
findings of the study corroborate with the conclusions of (Barrett, 2009) that
quackery is the promotion of unsubstantiated methods that lack a scientifically
credible reason. Promotion usually involves a motive to gain profit. Unsubstantiated
means either unproven or disproven. These findings also support Quackwatch
(2009) when they said quackery involves the practice of treatments that does not
have evidence and are not accepted scientifically. According to Indian Medical
Association, up to 45 percent of all people who practice medicine did not attend any
formal training and a huge number of quacks is involved in instances of incorrect
diagnoses and prescription failures which leads to deaths of patients and grim
incidents.
Healthcare Alternative
This is a perception in which quackery is deemed as a second choice to
medicine and medical services. As a second choice, people prefer herbal medicines
than chemical-based medicines.
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Quackery is considered an alternative as it dominantly uses herbal medicine.
Just as Respondent D stressed, “Noon for years na walang medicine, ang tao
ginamot ng tinatawag na quack doctors using herbal medicine, halaman” (For years
without medicine, people were treated by quacks using herbal medicine.) He also
added, “Gumagamit ng mga halamang nakikita sa gubat” (Utilizes plants found in
forests.) Respondent A emphasized, “Yung mga gamot sa quackery, nanggagaling
naman lahat yan sa halaman eh” (The medicine used in quackery all came from
plants.) These statements mean that plants are the main and foremost medium of
treatment or cures used by quacks and it suggests that these are naturally found
only in the local setting and the environment.
Further, As Respondent C explicated, “May parts pa rin na hindi narereach
out ng medical professionals. Kulang ng access kaya doon sa quack doctors sila
pupunta” (There are still places medical professionals do not have access with so
patients go to quacks). Respondent B mentioned, “It is practiced in far flung areas
without health facilities.” Respondent D forwarded, “Ang mga quack doctors
nagfloflourish siya sa mga far flung kung saan hindi naabot ng modern medicine
kung saan ang option lang ay sila” (These quacks flourish in far flung places where
modern medicine cannot reach which makes them the only option). These
statements highlight that quack medicine serves as a substitute for medical
services and a more accessible way for the patients from rural and hard to reach
areas to find cheaper treatments. This finding supports (Hay, 2016) who stated
India is lacking adequate service from legal doctors, especially in local areas, which
creates a workspace for charlatans. Quacks are commonly found in rural areas,
where the poverty-stricken people seek for their medical needs.
19
Neutral
This is a perception in which quackery is not considered by doctors as either
good or bad. It is neutral because they do not have any concern to quackery and
they say that this practice is on a different level compared to medical practices.
Their viewpoint with this is that the interviewees do not have an opposition but they
also do not have support with this kind of practice.
As Respondent C expounded, “For me, it is okay but I’m not pro quackery. I
won’t do a move to stop quackery, but I also won’t be someone that would encourage
it.” Respondent D stated, “Okay lang naman. Kasama siya sa ano sa trabaho namin
eh” (It is okay that there is quackery. It is part of our jobs.) Respondent A added,
“Hindi ako apektado sa quackery. Ginagawa ko lang kung ano ang tama para sa
pasyente ko” (Quackery is not a problem for me, I’ll just do what is right for the
patients.) This implies that medical doctors ignore the practices done by quacks to
focus only with their own jobs and not be bothered with quackery. This finding
supports the study of (Allopi, 2008) that some respondents perceived homeopathy
to be a legitimate form of health care whilst a few perceived homeopathy to be not
a legitimate form of healthcare.
The Synthesizing diagram of Doctor’s Perceptions on Quackery
Figure 1 displays the diagram of the doctor’s perceptions on quackery. It
appears there are four themes deduced from the interviews. The first perception is
that quackery is culturally integrated indicating that quackery has long been a
practice by people. Another perception is it is risky. It is perceived risky practice
since the quacks are not licensed to prescribed medicine and cure certain ailments.
20
Moreover, quackery is perceived as an healthcare alternative especially and isolated
areas where medical services are difficult to be accessed. Usually, as an alternative
herbal treatment is usually applied. The last perception is neutral reflecting that
the doctors are sometimes concerned while at times they are also bothered. The
doctors do not let themselves get affected by the practice of quackery and they just
do their job to convince patients to come to them instead of going to quacks.
Figure 1. The synthesizing diagram of the perceptions of medical doctors

towards quackery
21
CHAPTER IV
SUMMARY, INSIGHTS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This chapter contains the summary, findings, conclusions, and
recommendations of the study.
Summary
This qualitative study, which made use of the phenomenological design,
focused in determining the perceptions of doctors specifically, it determined how
medical professionals perceive the practices of quackery.
The study utilized researcher-made interview questions as the instrument of
this qualitative study to gather relevant data from respondents. The interview was
conducted to four respondents who are in the medical field. It followed Collazi’s
Method and applied Cool and Warm Analyses to bring out the relevant themes. A
synthesizing diagram was crafted to this effect. This was conducted for the first
quarter of the first semester of school year 2017-2018.
Findings
From the analysis of the gathered data, the researchers arrived with
subthemes extracted from the perceptions of the respondents on quackery. First, it
is culturally-integrated wherein the medical doctors indicated that quackery is
based on beliefs and is a part of the culture which then make it indestructible. This
clarifies that quackery cannot be easily eliminated. The next is that doctors say it
is risky. It is perceived both detrimental and illegal; it is detrimental which shows
that it delivers danger to patients who seek quackery rather than medical help.
Medical professionals also perceive it as illegitimate because it is fake, a practice by
frauds and it commercializes scientifically unproven medicine. Next is that

quackery is a health alternative. It is an alternative by people without access to
health care providers. As an alternative, quackery is also herbal which means it is
inclined with the use of plants and natural remedies. Lastly, doctors have neutral
views about quackery which means they are not against this practice but that does
not mean they are supportive about it.
Insights
Being culturally-integrated, quackery is already a part of the culture and
tradition which means it cannot be easily demolished. The researchers also
comprehended that some rural communities do not have options for their health
treatments because of the lack of access to health centers. Consequently, patients
would choose substitutes for medical treatments. These substitutes are herbal
plants which grow abundantly in the localities. This practice considered as an
alternative could still effect harm to patients which is brought to it by being an
untested method and being illegal. The medical doctor’s perceptions were not all
predominantly negative but their judgment lies in between the scale.
Recommendations
The researchers have formulated the following recommendations:
1. The Department of Health should conduct medical missions in rural areas
where medical doctors are scarce.
2. There should be at least one health center in rural areas for immediate
treatment and for more ease of access to the people in these communities.
3. Health awareness programs must be conducted for the people to be
knowledgeable or enlightened regarding this practice of quackery.
4. Medical malpractice law be intensified.
23
5. The researchers recommend further research related about the study to
substantiate or strengthen the results to bring out more meanings and
perceptions.
24
Bibliography
Allen, R. W. (2014, May). From Quackery to Control: Perceptions of Complementary and
Alternative Medicine from Users with Mental Health Disorders . Tennessee, United States
of America.
Allopi, K. (2008). A Survey to Determine the Perceptions of Nurses in the eThekwini Region .
eThekwini, South Africa.
Barrett, S. (2009, January 17). Quackery: How Should It Be Defined? Retrieved from Quackwatch:
https://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/quackdef.html
Chambers, T. (2013, July 11). Phenomenological Research | Qualitative Research in Corporate

Communication. Retrieved from baruch:
https://blogs.baruch.cuny.edu/com9640epstein/?p=543
Chambers, T. (2013, July 11). Phenomenological Research | Qualitative Research in Corporate

Communication. Retrieved from Baruch:
https://blogs.baruch.cuny.edu/com9640epstein/?p=543
Felongco, G. P. (2015, July 19). Proliferation of quack doctors in the Philippines . Retrieved from
Gulfnews: http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/philippines/proliferation-of-quack-doctors-in-
philippines-alarming-1.1552773
Felongco, G. P. (2015, July 19). Proliferation of quack doctors in the Philippines | Gulfnews.com.
Retrieved from Gulfnews: http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/philippines/proliferation-of-
quack-doctors-in-philippines-alarming-1.1552773
Hay, M. (2016, February 22). Why India Needs Its Quack Doctors. Retrieved from Good:
https://www.good.is/articles/why-india-needs-its-quack-doctors
Hegde, R. S. (2016, January 18). What do doctors think of Ayurvedic medicine? Retrieved from
Quora: https://www.quora.com/What-do-doctors-think-of-Ayurvedic-medicine
Merriam, S. B., & Tisdell, E. J. (2015, August). Wiley: Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and
Implementation, 4th Edition - Sharan B. Merriam, Elizabeth J. Tisdell. Retrieved from Wiley:
http://as.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-111900361X.html
Nehal, K. (2017, January 7). The Quackery of Big Pharma. Retrieved from Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/quackery-big-pharma-khawar-nehal-khawar-nehal-atrc-
net-pk
Philippine News Agency. (2016, September 29). Pangasinan now ranks No. 1 nationwide in number
of rabies incidence. Retrieved from North Bound Philippines News Online:
http://northboundasia.com/2016/09/29/pangasinan-now-ranks-no-1-nationwide-number-
rabies-incidence/#.WUthdmiGPb0
25
Ray, A. (2012). Methodoloy of Sampling and Purposive Sampling. Retrieved from grin:
http://www.grin.com/en/e-book/189529/the-methodoloy-of-sampling-and-purposive-
sampling
Schwartz, L. (2015, March 27). 7 of the Biggest Quacks and Scam Artists in Medical History |
Alternet. Retrieved from Alternet: http://www.alternet.org/personal-health/7-biggest-
quacks-and-scam-artists-medical-history
Soniak, M. (2013, January 23). Why is a Fake Doctor Called a Quack? Retrieved from Mental Floss:
http://mentalfloss.com/article/33558/why-fake-doctor-called-quack
Soniak, M. (2013, January 23). Why is a Fake Doctor Called a Quack? | Mental Floss. Retrieved
from Mental Floss: http://mentalfloss.com/article/33558/why-fake-doctor-called-quack
26
27
APPENDIX A
Region 1
Senior High School
MS. CONNIE ROSE RAMOS

Teacher III
City of Candon
Dear Ma’am Ramos,
Good day!
The undersigned researchers are conducting a study entitled, “Cloak of Mimicry:

Doctors’ Perceptions On Quackery,” as a requirement for the subject Practical
Research 1.
In this connection, the researchers whose names appear below are required to have
their questions validated. In this regard, they would like to seek your assistance to
validate the interview questions. Being a master in the field of research, your
evaluation will contribute immensely to the success of the study.
The interview questions and the validity questionnaire are enclosed with this
letter.
Thank you very much and be well.
Respectfully yours,
OLIVER SARZABA NAOMI ANNE LIQUIGAN

Researcher Researcher
CHRISTA MAY PAGADUAN KATHLENE MAE DE CASTRO

CHEYENNE ABDURAHIM JOVELL GRAY

JOHN VINCENT CALUB

Researcher
Noted by:
DR. FELJONE G. RAGMA

Research Adviser
29
Region 1
Senior High School
JULIAN L. BONA, M.D.

Medical Clinic
City of Candon
Dear Dr. Bona,
Good day!

Research 1.
letter.
Respectfully yours,



JOHN VINCENT CALUB

Researcher
Noted by:

Research Adviser
30
Region 1
Senior High School
JOY P. VILLANUEVA, M.D.

Assistant City Health Officer
City of Candon
Dear Dra. Villanueva,
Good day!

Research 1.
letter.
Respectfully yours,



JOHN VINCENT CALUB

Researcher
Noted by:

Research Adviser
31
APPENDIX B
Region 1
Senior High School
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
1. How many years have you been in the profession?
Suggestions:
2. In your years as a medical doctor, have you ever heard of quackery? How did
you come to know of such information?
Suggestions:
3. What is quackery for you? How do you perceive its rising popularity in the
province?
Suggestions:
4. Have you experienced quackery? Do you have any information regarding
quackery?
Suggestions:
5. How do you feel about patients going to quacks?
Suggestions:
6. Have you encountered a patient coming to you that have first gone to a quack
before coming to you?
Suggestions:
7. With all of these, have you considered quackery as a detriment to your
profession? Why or why not?
Suggestions:
33
8. Why do you think that despite the privileges that the government is giving,
why is there still quackery?
Suggestions:
9. To what extent do these perceptions of yours towards quackery affect you as
a medical doctor?
Suggestions:
10. What do you advise people who practice quackery? What can you tell people
who still go to quacks?
Suggestions:
34
APPENDIX C
CRITERIA 1 2 3 Total
1. The questions are organized, clear and specific 5 3 5 4.33

to gather related information for the study.
2. The questions lead to specific and direct 5 4 5 4.67
answers.
3. The questions are free from any grammatical 5 5 5 5
error.
4. The research questions are clear and specifically 5 3 5 4.33
made to fit the interviewee’s understanding.
5. The questions are encoded clearly to avoid 5 4 5 4.67
respondent’s misunderstanding.
6. The research questions cover all areas that are 5 5 4 4.67
needed for the study.
7. Generally, the test measures what it intends to 5 5 4 4.67
measure.
TOTAL: 5 4.14 4.71 4.62
36
APPENDIX D
Curriculum Vitae
Name: Oliver Sabalo Sarzaba
Address: Tablac, Candon City, Ilocos Sur
Cellphone Number: 09554584722
E-mail Adress: sarzabaoliver@gmail.com
I. Personal Information
Nickname: Kuya
Birthday: September 30, 1999 Age: 17
Birthplace: Marozo, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur Nationality: Filipino
Religion: Roman Catholic Civil Status: Single
Father’s Name: Omar Sarzaba
Mother’s Name: Elena Sarzaba
II. Educational Background
Senior High School Candon National High School S.Y. 2016-2017

Junior High School Candon National High School S.Y. 2015-2016
Elementary Tablac Elementary School S.Y. 2011-2012
III. Honors and Awards Received
HONORS AWARDS
First Honorable Mention (Elementary) Academic Excellence Award 1st & 3rd
Quarter (Senior High School)
Junior High School Completer
38
Curriculum Vitae
Name: Naomi Anne G. Liquigan
Address: Bidbiday, Galimuyod, Ilocos Sur
Nickname: Nami
Birthday: April 1, 2000 Age: 17
Birthplace: San Antonio, Candon City Nationality: Filipino
Father’s Name: Nomar Liquigan
Mother’s Name: Emily Liquigan

Elementary Langlangca Elementary School S.Y. 2011-2012
HONORS AWARDS
Salutatorian (Elementary) Deportment Awardee(Elementary)
Junior High School Completer Academic Excellence Award 2nd & 3rd
39
Curriculum Vitae
Name: Christa May Cortez Pagaduan
Address: Tablac, Candon City, Ilocos Sur
Nickname: Ista
Birthday: May 22, 2000 Age: 17
Birthplace: San Antonio, Candon City Nationality: Filipino
Father’s Name: Caesar Mari Pagaduan
Mother’s Name: Minerva Cortez Pagaduan

Elementary Tablac Elementary School S.Y. 2011-2012
HONORS AWARDS
8thHonors (Elementary) 2nd Placer – Editorial Writing
Junior High School Completer Academic Excellence Award 1st - 3rd
40
Curriculum Vitae
Name: Kathlene Mae Amores De Castro
Address: Bagani Ubbog, Candon City, Ilocos Sur
Nickname: Kath
Birthday: September 30, 1999 Age: 17
Birthplace: Bagani Ubbog, Candon City, Ilocos Sur Nationality: Filipino
Father’s Name: Mario De Castro
Mother’s Name: Amelia De Castro

Elementary School S.Y. 2011-2012
HONORS AWARDS
With Honors- 3rd place (Elementary)
With Honors- 8th place (Junior High
School)
41
Curriculum Vitae
Name: Jovell Tumacder Gray
Address: San Nicolas Candon City
Nickname: Jovs
Birthday: February 07, 2000 Age: 17
Birthplace: Holy Family Calaoan Candon City Nationality: Filipino
Father’s Name: Jose Gray Sr.
Mother’s Name: Villa rose Gray

HONORS AWARDS
With Honors – 6th place(Elementary)
42
Curriculum Vitae
Name: Cheyenne D. Abdurahim
Address: Guardia, Banayoyo, Ilocos sur
Nickname: Yen
Birthday: February 17, 2000 Age: 17
Birthplace: Makati Medical Hospital Nationality: Filipino
Father’s Name: Arsyd Abdurahim
Mother’s Name: Ria Abdurahim

Junior High School St. Joseph’s Institute Inc. S.Y. 2015-2016
Elementary Naguimba Elementary SchoolSchool S.Y. 2011-2012
HONORS AWARDS
With Honors – 7th place (Elementary) Deportment Awardee
43
Curriculum Vitae
Name: John Vincent Jimenez Calub
Address: San Nicolas, Candon City, Ilocos Sur
Nickname: Bicente
Birthday: April 7,2000 Age: 17
Birthplace: Sta.Lucia District Hospital Nationality: Filipino
Father’s Name: Valeriano E. Calub III
Mother’s Name: Azcela J. Calub

HONORS AWARDS
With Honors – 10th place (Elementary)
44

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Republic of the Philippines

CLOAK OF MIMICRY: DOCTORS’ PERCEPTIONS ON QUACKERY

Feljone G. Ragma, Ed.D.

Immeasurable appreciations and deepest gratitude for the help and

support given to this research study entitled: CLOAK OF MIMICRY:

Doctor’s Perceptions on Quackery, are extended to the following persons

who have contributed in making this study possible.

Dr. Feljone G. Ragma, Practical Research I adviser and the co-author

patience for the accomplishment of the study.

for their generous appreciation, their criticisms and judgements, and

evaluation of the study.

questions and giving suggestions for to the improvement of the whole

The researchers would also like to offer their appreciations to the

thoughts, to be part of this research. Finally, the researchers would like to

them, the achievement of this research would not be possible.

This qualitative research is dedicated to our Almighty God for all of

the strengths and wisdom He gave us to overcome the pressures of this

This study is also wholeheartedly dedicated to Dr. Feljone G. Ragma,

done this without his faith, guidance, support and constant

encouragements. Even though there are countless complaints and slacking,

he maintained his patience and continued to be our guide to develop in every

phase of the research process. He made us believe in ourselves and taught

completed without his presence.

Title: CLOAK OF MIMICRY: DOCTOR’S PERCEPTIONS

Adviser: FELJONE G. RAGMA, ED.D.

Abstract: Cloak of Mimicry: Doctor’s Perceptions on Quackery is a study that

Keywords: Perception, Quackery, Culturally-Integrated, Risky, Healthcare

TABLE OF CONTENTS …………………………….……………………….. v

Background of the Study………………………….…… 1

Statement of the Problem………………………………. 4

Importance of the Study...……………………………… 4

Scope and Delimitation…………………………………. 5

Review of Related Literature and Studies…………... 6

II Method and Procedures….……………………………….. 12

Locale and Population of the Study………….………. 13

Instrumentation and Data Collection……………….. 13

Validity of Interview Questions…………….…………. 14

III Findings and Discussion………………………………….. 16

Perceptions of Doctors on Quackery….……………... 16

The Diagram of the Perceptions of Medical Doctors

IV Insights and Recommendations………………………... 22

Background of the Study

Cloak of Mimicry: Doctor’s Perceptions on Quackery is a study that focuses on

cloak symbolizes the disguise of quacks to mimic a certified doctor symbolizing

Health can be defined as the quality of people’s physical, psychological, and

others in a variety of personal and social situations. It is the body’s ability to

Healthcare, on the other hand, is the maintenance or improvement of health

physical and mental impairments in human beings. Healthcare is delivered by

health professionals in allied health professions, physicians, nursing, optometry,

pharmacy, psychology, medicine, and other health professions. Healthcare is one

of the world's largest and fastest-growing industries, consuming over 10 percent of

gross domestic product of most developed nations. Medicine encompasses a variety

diagnosis of certain illnesses.

medical conditions. Then health-related practice becomes a good organized

profession and many people encountered a significant improvement throughout

life. Aided by modern-day scientific innovation, the boundaries connected with

health-related technology extended to unimaginable limits. Still, despite all these

technological innovation, the position of medical doctors throughout modern

control an epidemic, and save lives.

Medical doctors are physicians who work in hospitals, clinics, medical

information. Doctors of medicine often have a specialization such as general

practice, gynecology, dermatology, pediatric medicine, or many others. All surgeons

are medical doctors.