Joining the Philippines Society of Nephrology
I have just returned from the 37th Annual Convention of the Philippines Society of Nephrology (PSN) which was held in Manila from March 29th to April 1, 2017. The theme of the meeting was Translational Nephrology: research outcomes to clinical application.
A highlight was the opening ceremony during which the members of the PSN paraded in academic gowns, and 28 (21 female) members-in-training, 7 paediatric diplomates (all female), 30 (22 female) adult diplomates and 10 (9 female) fellows were inducted formally into the PSN. The inductees recited an oath in front of their colleagues and senior members of PSN, declaring their commitment to ethical practice of nephrology, in particular holding their patients above any personal interest.
Perhaps the preponderance of women explains why it is such a friendly and collegial society. It would have warmed the cockles of ISN President Adeera Levin’s heart! Following the ceremony Prof Esperanza Cabral, previously secretary of the Philippines Department of Health, discussed the many challenges facing nephrology and healthcare in general in the Philippines. Despite a national system (PhilHealth), 1.5m families have be driven into poverty by out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.
The Chair of the Congress, Dr Roberto Tanchanco, will soon take over from Dr Victor Doctor as President of PSN. With 410 members, the Philippines has the fifth highest number of members of ISN. ISN was represented at the meeting by Daniel Chan, Adrian Liew and David Harris, amongst a number of other international speakers.
Mabuhay!
