Philippine Pediatric Society, Inc.
A Specialty Division of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA)
Member, International Pediatric Association (IPA)
Member, Asia Pacific Pediatric Association (APPA)
Member, ASEAN Pediatric Federation
Focusing on Gastrointestinal Concerns : PSPGHAN’s First Online Convention
The 15th Annual Convention of the Philippine Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (PSPGHAN) was held on March 8-10, 2021. The convention was intended for the health care professionals and allied health care providers handling pediatric patients with common gastrointestinal diseases. The convention entitled Clues, Challenges and Crossroads: The Management of Common Gastrointestinal Diseases was a 3-day event that was facilitated through a virtual online platform. The conference aim to help Pediatricians and other allied health care professionals to gain more knowledge on the clinical clues and help overcome challenges in managing pediatric patients with gastrointestinal concerns.
The Dr. Perla D. Santos Ocampo Professorial Lecture was one of the highlights of the convention. Dr. Carmencita Padilla, Chancellor of University of the Philippines Manila, delivered the lecture on Personalized Medicine and Pharmacogenomics in Gastrointestinal Diseases. The other scientific lectures were delivered by the esteemed speakers that focused on providing updates on topics on gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition that are commonly encountered in the clinics. Dr. Vicente Belizario, Jr. was a guest speaker who shared his expertise on the facts of intestinal parasitism. The PSPGHAN speakers of the convention were a combination of senior and younger colleagues.
Resource materials such as Bristol stool chart, Stool color card, Pinggang Pinoy and the 2020 PSPGHAN Guidelines for Health Care Professionals on the Treatment of Acute Gastroenteritis with no signs of dehydration were posted and made accessible for the attendees.
The society also encourages participation of young scientists in the conduct of research. Twelve researches participated in the e-poster presentation. The best research was chosen to receive the first Dr. Arturo Ludan Research Award. A video tribute dedicated to honor one of the pillars of the Society, Dr. Ludan, was presented in the closing ceremonies.
The Organizing Committee was headed by Dr. Ma. Charina Dizon with the support from PSPGHAN President Dr. Marilou Tan and the Board of Trustees. The first virtual PSPGHAN Convention was a great success despite the challenges of the pandemic. The convention registration fee was waived to more than 5000 delegates who attended the virtual convention.
This article was shared by Dr. Sarabeth de Castro , a pediatric gastroenterologist and a member of the Philippine Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition .