Tanya Angela P. Perez, MD

The Department of Dermatology under the University of Santo Tomas – Faculty of Medicine and Surgery and the UST Hospital recently conducted its 24 annual postgraduate course entitled, “Hot Topics in Aesthetic Dermatology” last February 26-27, 2009. It was well-attended by dermatologists and general practitioners.

The series of relevant and well-crafted lectures was delivered by the eminent staff of the UST Department of Dermatology namely, Dr. Arnelfa C. Paliza, Dr. Daisy King – Ismael, Dr. Ma. Victoria C. Dizon, Dr. Angela T. Cumagun, Dr. Eleonor L. Letran, Dr. Ma. Cecilia T. Marcelo, Dr. Ma. Teresa A. Belmonte, Dr. Rosario G. Aguila, Dr. Ma. Lourdes H. Palmero and Dr. Susannah O. Salvador. Dr. Krisinda Dim – Jamora and Dr. Claudia Samonte graced the event and shared their knowledge and proficiency on lipocurettage for axillary hyperhidrosis and the use of Surgiwire for wrinkles, respectively. Authorities from different specialties were invited to encompass an even broader perspective on aesthetic dermatology. These included pulmonologist and bioethics expert Dr. Patrick Gerard Moral, Dr. Bernabe Marinduque, an obstetrician – gynecologist, and surgeon Dr. Ferdinand E. B. Samonte.

The participants appreciated all of the chosen topics for this year’s postgraduate course. Foremost were the lectures of Dr. Priya Sen and the following topics: “Under the Skin” by Dr. Daisy King – Ismael, “Topical Treatment of the Aging Skin” by Dr. Arnelfa C. Paliza, “Lipocurettage for Axillary Hyperhidrosis” by Dr. Krisinda Dim – Jamora, and “Dermatoethics – Keeping the Specialty Blemish Free” by Dr. Patrick Moral.

The postgraduate course offered the opportunity to continue dermatologic education and broaden knowledge in treating the skin, skills especially relevant in this time when aesthetic dermatology receives much attention. With the strengthened professional competencies achieved from this postgraduate course, the forthcoming silver anniversary postgraduate course of the UST Department of Dermatology next year is much and eagerly anticipated.

Sincerest appreciation and congratulations were extended to the members of the Organizing Committee – led by Dr. Angela T. Cumagun, postgraduate course director, Dr.Arnelfa C. Paliza, Chair of the Department of Dermatology of the UST Hospital, Dr. Daisy King – Ismael, Chair of the Department of Dermatology of the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery – as well as all the members of the Dermatology consultant and resident staff, for their concerted efforts and selfless dedication that ensured a successful postgraduate course.

Dr. Priya Sen, a renowned dermatologist from the National Skin Center in Singapore, was the distinguished foreign guest speaker. She is a member of the Dermatological and Laser Surgery Unit and is also the Deputy Head of the Department of Sexually Transmitted Infection Control in Singapore. Dr. Sen delivered a comprehensive discussion of novel topics in dermatology such as “Laser Treatment of Acne Scars,”
“Update on Hair Removal Procedures,” “Use of Botox in Dermatology,” and “Injectable Fillers for Facial Rejuvenation and Lipoatrophy.” Her talk was an animated elaboration of current advances and future directions in the field of dermatology.

Bernadette Malvar-Villaflor, MD, FPDS

The Phillipine Dermatological Society – Northern Luzon Chapter (PDS-NLC) held on February 11-12, 2009 its first conference with the title “Novel Therapies in Adult and Pediatric Dermatology”, in cooperation with the 16th UP Grand Scientific Symposium at the CSI Stadia, Jimmy Fernandez Convention Center in Dagupan City.

The event was under the Chairmanship of Dr. Bernadette Malvar-Villaflor, Secretary of the PDS-NLC and Chairman of the Scientific Symposium for Dermatology, Dr Purita Noble, Vice Prsident of the PDS-NLC and Dr. Edna Talavera-Nisce, President of PDS-NLC. Gracing the events as Speakers, with their knowledge and expertise expertise, were highly-esteemed pillars of the Philippine Dermatological Society in the persons of Dr. Sylvia S. Jacinto, Dr. Vermen Verallo-Rowell, Dr. Roberta Romero and Dr. Evelyn Gonzaga.

Before heading to CSI Stadia for the Conference, the delegates and members of the Philippine Dermatological Society – North Luzon Chapter had a Fellowship Lunch at the residence of Dr. Bernadette Malvar-Villaflor, where they had the opportunity to share ideas and experiences with the speakers. Aside from dermatologists, attendees of the meeting included specialist-practitioners of Internal Medicine, Pediatrics and Obstetrics & Gynecology. Delegates hailed from the provinces of Pangasinan, La Union, Benguet (Baguio City) and other parts of Northern Luzon such as Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte. The first lecturer was Dr. Roberta Romero who spoke about “Common Dermatologic Conditions in Children.” Dr. Sylvia S. Jacinto discussed “Newest Therapies for Common Dermatoses,” while Dr. Vermen Verallo Rowell tackled the issue of “Combining the Novel from Nanotechnology, Photomedicine, and Non-Traditional Studies to Treat Tough Dermatological Cases.” Lastly, Dr. Evelyn Gonzaga gave her insights on “Photoprotection: Delaying the Nick of Time.” Other distinguished speakers who participated in the UP Grand Scientific Symposium were Dr. Jaime Galvez-Tan rendering the first Dr. Vivencio Villaflor, Sr. Memorial Lecture entitled “ Filipino Doctors in Dilemma: From Bystanders to Catalyst for Change” and Dr. Thelma Tupasi who gave “TB Prevalence Updates.” Dr. Edgardo Ortiz and Dr. Jaime Montoya enlightened the audience on their respective topics “Rheumatic Heart Disease Updates” and “Use and Abuse of Antimicrobials – Are we getting what we deserve?” The Conference offered the chance for a lot of sharing and a lot of learning, making it an astounding success- thanks to the efficient organizers and the vibrant audience

Let me start off by saying KUNG HEI FAT CHOI because it’s never too late to wish everyone a prosperous and fruitful new year ahead. Secondly, I would like to thank everyone for electing us, the officers and board directors of the PDS. We are truly honored to serve you during the two years of our term.

Having said that, allow me to give you an overview of the direction that the Board and I wish to take during my two-year term as president. The theme is “PDS FOR ALL.” Why PDS for all? There are two reasons for choosing this theme. First of all, being a member of the PDS is already an achievement where one can proudly say “I am a PDS dermatologist.” Being a PDS dermatologist sets us apart from all the rest since we are the ONLY medical society for dermatology recognized by the PMA. So the by-word for who is a dermatologist in the Philippines should not be measured by media popularity, celebrity endorsements or hyped-up advertising and marketing visibility but rather, simply “PDS.” Secondly, PDS should also be shared with the general public, serving not just our paying patients, but more so the underprivileged, because they constitute the majority of Filipino society. This is in keeping with the PDS vision written in our constitution: The Philippine Dermatological Society aims to be a highly-recognized society, locally and globally, striving towards excellence in the attainment of healthy skin for all.

The PDS has 10 objectives written in our constitution. I have therefore set three goals that fulfill these objectives. The first is to actively participate in advocacies and outreach programs. We already have existing programs such as Skinweek and Leprosy Week. But in addition to this, there is the GABAY GURO which is supported by PLDT-Smart Foundation as part of its social responsibility to government school teachers and their dependents, CLEAN WATER advocacy headed by Pinky Tobiano of Qualibet and the Banaue medical mission organized by Dr. Antonio Ligot and Dr. Ida Tiongco. The mechanics of these programs/activities are still being ironed out and awaiting board approval. I will disseminate the details once they have been approved by the Board. It will suffice to say that these programs/activities will be able to accomplish the following objectives of the PDS constitution:

Produce competent dermatologists sensitive to the needs of the community

Promote public awareness on the prevention of skin diseases through information and education campaigns

Establish linkages with the other specialties/organizations for more comprehensive health care

Foster camaraderie among members

The second goal is to continue the campaign against pseudodermatologists. Currently, we have the Skin Safety Campaign which was spearheaded by our past president Dr. Nelfa Paliza, which made the public aware through quad media that the PDS dermatologist is a skilled and competent physician who is the authority in treating skin diseases. The quad media advertisements, especially the ones that came out on TV, had great impact on the public. This definitely must continue and be ingrained in the minds of the public. The smart info texting is still in the pipeline and is another venue in which the public can be aware that the PDS exists and that the PDS dermatologist is the physician to look for in the treatment of skin, hair and nail diseases. In addition, just to remind everyone, the PDS is supporting two very good bills: the first is the PMA integration bill which regulates the practice of medicine for each specialty and second, the Medical Act of 2008 which defines what constitutes the practice of medicine/specialties, including penalties. The objectives in the PDS constitution fulfilled by the campaign against pseudodermatologists are the following:

Produce competent dermatologists sensitive to the needs of the community

Promote public awareness on the prevention of skin diseases through information and education campaigns

Uphold professional and ethical standards among dermatologists

Protect members of the society against unfair practice and competition from unqualified practitioners through legislation and regulations

Foster camaraderie among members

Lastly, my third goal is to develop the PDS Health Information System which includes disease registries. This is important because the health information system can be used to assess the extent of diseases within the Philippines and therefore guide the PDS in making program and policy decisions, and secondly, it is useful in research and in standardizing and ensuring the quality of our data. Having this health information system will encourage residents and consultants to undertake more researches because data of dermatologic diseases will be more accessible. The objectives in the PDS constitution fulfilled by the PDS health information system are the following:

Provide avenues for exchange of ideas that will enhance the science and art of dermatology

Conduct researches and encourage publications relevant to the practice of dermatology

Promote local and international recognition of the specialty, and

Encourage academic advancement through scholarship and fellowship grants.

I therefore enjoin everyone to cooperate and support these noble goals. Each input from our members will make a DIFFERENCE in uniting and defining our society. May we lift PDS to greater heights!

Georgina C. Pastorfide, MD, FPDS
President