UST conducts Postgraduate Course in Aesthetic Dermatology

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.