Addressing the Challenges: Practical I.D. Solutions in Pediatrics

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines, a subspecialty organization of the Philippine Pediatric Society, traditionally holds its Annual Convention during the third week of February.  Committed to being the  leaders who provide relevant and timely education in the field of infectious diseases, the Organizing Committee  under the leadership of Dr Edna Mallorca , Dr Mary Antonette  Madrid and  Dr Eva Dizon as Scientific Chair , together with the Board of Trustees had to make the ultimate decision to push through with the event despite growing concerns of Covid 19 . As of February 20, there were still no reported cases of local transmission and information on the SARS -CoV-2 was sparse.   On hindsight, knowing now the far-reaching complications of the virus, we were extremely fortunate to have accomplished our objective.

Dr Rabindra R. Abeyasinghe delivers the Keynote Address during the Opening Ceremonies
Dr. Anna Ong-Lim , PIDSP President delivers her talk on Polio during the convention

The Philippines was reeling from the return of measles and polio and the Keynote Address given by  Dr Rabindra R. Abeyasinghe , our WHO representative, gave a clear picture of  the regional and global perspective with regard to vaccine preventable diseases.  Dr Anna Ong-Lim, President of PIDSP, complemented his talk with emphasis on polio which figured prominently amongst the infectious disease highlights of the past year.

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines held their Annual Convention at the Crowne Plaza Manila last February 19- 20, 2020.

 

 

The rest of the programme showcased updates on the approach to the diagnosis and management of Multiple Drug Resistant Organisms , , Multiple Drug Resistant Tuberculosis, HIV,  Diarrhea, Prolonged Fever and  Sexually Transmitted Infections in Neonates and Dengue. Current concerns on Antimicrobial stewardship, AFP surveillance and Infection control were likewise discussed. Not to be missed, being strong advocates, were topics on immunization amongst special groups, vaccine scheduling and safety.

Preparing for every annual convention is challenging but worth the effort. Based on the substantial number of attendees who participate annually, and the positive and encouraging feedback from the medical community, the Society stays inspired and committed in leading the fight against childhood infectious diseases.

 

About the Contributor

Dr. Fatima Gimenez is the Vice President of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines ( 2020- 2022 ) . She is also the Chair of the Committee on Immunization of the Philippine Pediatric Society .

2020 Vision: New Horizons in Newborn Medicine

The Philippine Society of Newborn Medicine held its 14th Annual Meeting and 5th International Conference on January 20-21, 2020 in Panglao Bohol, the friendly heart of the Visayas.  The PSNbM worked hand in hand with the Philippine Pediatric Society Central Visayas Chapter and the Bohol Child Health Care Advocates to especially prepare this conference with the theme “2020 Vision: New Horizons in Newborn Medicine” as part of our dedication to holistic perinatal and neonatal care. 

 

Philippine Society of Newborn Medicine goes to Bohol 2020
Dr. Wilfredo Santos and Dr. Resti Ma. Bautista with PPS President , Dr. Salvacion Gatchalian

The hard-working 2020 Organizing Committee was led by PSNbM President and Honorary Covention Chair Dr. Belen Amparo E. Velasco, together with Overall Convention Co-Chairs Dr. Resti Ma. M. Bautista and Dr. Mutya Kismet T. Macuno.  The conference provided a focused discussion on emerging issues in neonatology, a critical review of standards of care in neonatal and perinatal medicine, and an overview of novel strategies for improving newborn outcomes.

 

Seven international speakers contributed their expertise to the various plenaries and symposia including Professor Enrique M. Ostrea, Jr. (Wayne State University), Dr. Jacob Aranda, PhD (State University of New York Downstate Medical Center), Dr. Winston Manimtim (Children’s Mercy Hospital), Dr. Rowena Cayabyab (University of Southern California),Dr. Neil Joseph Alviedo (University of Florida), Dr. Vivien L. Yap (Weill Cornell Medical College) and Dr. James McTavish, FMVD (University of Cambridge).  A host of distinguished local speakers also graced the conference.  These included leaders of professional societies such as Ms. Corazon L. Paras, RM, BCHS (President, IMAP), Ms. Balbina M. Borneo, RM, RN, MAN (MCNAP President), Dr. Monina Cristina S. Cabral (PPS Central Visayas Chapter President), our dearly beloved late PPS President Dr. Salvacion R. Gatchalian.

The convention was a great success despite being sandwiched between two disasters: the eruption of Taal Volcano, which brought about major disruptions in international and local travel, and the first wave of news of the mysterious epidemic brewing in mainland China.  We are thankful for the chance to gather as a vibrant community of advocates for the health of newborns. And we hope to stand together once again someday on the scenic shores of beautiful Panglao Island.

 

About the Contributor 

Resti Ma. M. Bautista, MD, FPPS , FPSNbM is a Neonatologist . He was the Co-Chair of the Organizing Committee of this Convention . Dr. Bautista is also a Board Member of the Perinatal Association of the Philippines.

PPS Newsletter Election 2020 Issue

 

It is PPS Election time once more . The past two years has gone by so quickly. And much innovation has been done to adapt to the current situation . By now, you may have received already an email informing you of this exercise . Please do vote as the PPS takes this online for the first time . There will be initial difficulties for those who are new to the platform. Patience in learning this process will bring the member to an all new level of technology advancement. All that has been prepared for will be integrated into everything that is PPS . This is part of embracing the new normal and moving forward.

 

Details of the candidates have been shared by the Committee on Nominations, headed by Dr. Genesis C. Rivera. Please find the time to review before you cast you online ballot on June 30, 2020 .

 

THE CANDIDATES for 2020-2022

          Marvin C. Callanta, MD

         Benjamin T. Lim, MD

        Edwin V. Rodriguez, MD

Francis Xavier M. Dimalanta, MD

            Cesar M. Ong, MD

        Wilfredo R. Santos, MD

           Joselyn A. Eusebio, MD

     Anna Lisa T. Ong-Lim, MD

            Florentina U. Ty, MD

           Edilberto B. Garcia, MD

    Michael M. Resurreccion, MD

CHAPTER REPRESENTATIVE:

Eileen Santiago Navarroza, MD

Luzon

          Annilyn A. Bergante, MD

       Visayas

       Dennis James E. Absin, MD

  Mindanao

PPS Election 2020

For any election related concern, please call the help desk numbers listed on the infographic above. You can also call the following PPS staff members :

 

Joy Carpio – 09453662326
Jhun Punegal – 09054186395
Carl Calamanan – 09453342903

 

The OTP that you received for the mock elections on June 23, 2020 is THE SAME OTP that you will use for the Actual elections on June 30, 2020. Thank you.