PDS – Northern Luzon Chapter holds First Conference

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