The Philippine Dermatological Society, in cooperation with the Department of Dermatology of the University of Santo Tomas, conducted a CME conference last April 21, 2010 at the Wack-Wack Golf and Country Club. Ma. Victoria C. Dizon, MD, FPDS, served as moderator of the session.

The first portion of the program was conducted by the PDS Ethics Committee during which its Chair, Angela Lavadia, MD, FPDS, spoke on “Ethics and the PDS.” She initially defined the concept of ethics, and explained how rules of conduct define our actions. She explained how the doctor-patient relationship should revolve around the Code of Ethics, emphasizing that this is a Sacred Trust, with the patient’s best interest at heart. Sylvia Jacinto, MD, FPDS, lectured on “Beyond Ethics” during which she discussed tangible, practicable ways on how ethics could or should be applied in our profession. Integrity defines our character, and we must stay away from practices that commercialize our respective fields in Medicine. Our dedication to our fields of interest should be driven by our desire to be compassionate and respectful of humanity.

The second portion of the CME program was the ECHO conference of the 68th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatologists held last March 5-9, 2010 at Miami Beach, Florida, USA.

In “Fulfilling Great Expectations: Caring for New Mothers and Mothers-to-Be,” Noemi Ramos, MD, FPDS, discussed dermatologic therapeutics in pregnancy and lactation. She explained the indications, contraindications and precautions of both topical and systemic medications commonly used in dermatology in obstetrics, including corticosteroids, antihistamines, immunosuppressive drugs, and antibiotics.

In “Acne and Rosacea Update,” Eileen Abesamis-Cubillan, MD, FPDS, gave a review on acne in the pediatric group followed by a discussion on the pathogenesis of acne and rosacea. She also explained how established and new modes of treatment relate to this.

The role of filaggrin in the defective skin barrier of atopic dermatitis was clarified by Ma. Angela T. Cumagun, MD, FPDS when she spoke on “Atopic Dermatitis: AAD Echo.” Management should be individualized to each patient, and includes skin barrier restoration, immunologic therapy, patient education, and if necessary, ultraviolet therapy. The role of avoidance of triggers, skin hydration, corticosteroids and updates on standard of care were likewise discussed.
In “New Therapies for Cutaneous Connective Tissue Diseases,” Ma. Teresita G. Gabriel, MD FPDS, discussed the strength of evidence associated with the available therapeutic options. She then presented a therapeutic ladder for each disease. Briefly discussed were new and upcoming treatment options.

In “What’s New in Contact Dermatitis 2010,” Arnelfa C. Paliza, MD, FPDS, said that for optimum treatment, we should identify and remove irritants and allergens as determined by history and patch testing, prescribe barrier protection when appropriate, rebuild the skin barrier by the use of therapeutic moisturizers, and treat inflammation with corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and/or various systemic agents. She also shared information on the new allergens reported in the literature.

Natalie Casuela, MD