Golden Anniversary, Golden Frienship
March 11, 2010
by : Lemuel Ramos

March 11, 2010, Mandaluyong City- The clouds started to show above the prestigious hotel where the members of Philippine Society of Gastroenterology (PSG), Philippine Society of Digestive Endoscopy (PSDE) and the Hepatology Society of the Philippines (HSP) convened. And this year it was more special than usual as members of the three societies not only rekindled old friendships and discovered new developments in

Gastroenterology, but they joined in the golden anniversary celebration of the society.

The year 2010 marks the 50th founding anniversary of PSG, the mother organization among the three. The organization sees the coming and going of multidiscipline individuals who share the same interest in the study of the digestive system of the human body. From far-flung south to the usually storm-stricken north, doctors came to celebrate this special occasion.

This year, OPPI reaffirmed its relationship with the three societies. Together with a close collaboration with PSG and the 50th anniversary celebration, OPPI hosted two symposia. The first one, held on the second night of the convention, commanded 281 in attendance of doctors from all over the country. The topic was “New Therapeutic Option for the Prevention of NSAID- Induced Gastropathy.” The symposium, which dealt with an oftentimes neglected concept of Cytoprotection, was discussed by two doctors from no less than the top two training institution in Gastroenterology namely University of Santo Tomas Hospital (USTH) and the University of the Philippines- Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH). Dr. Melchor Chan of USTH spoke of the prevalence and patho-physiology of NSAID- induced injury to the digestive tract while Dr. Virgilio Bañez of UP-PGH spoke of the application of a novel drug Mucosta (Rebamipide). The lecture was masterfully moderated by Dr. Frederick Dy, who himself is an accomplished Gastroenterologist.

The second symposium held on the last morning of the convention was entitled “Nutrition Related Issues in Cirrhotic Patients.” Dr. Jane Campos of the Medical Center Manila (MCM) oversaw the scientific meeting. The role of branched-chain amino acids in hepato-compromised patients and the “back to basic” discussion of the nutritional requirements of patients suffering from liver ailment such as cirrhosis was discussed by the Vice President of PSG, and internationally trained Hepatologist, Dr. Diana Payawal. After which, practical tips in providing adequate nutrition to patients were given by Ms. Elizabeth Limos, a clinical Dietician in UP-PGH.

The convention officially ended after the fellows, diplomates, and members of PSG, PSDE and HSP together with their friends in the pharmaceutical industry joined together during the fellowship night.

PCCP (Philippine College of Chest Physicians) at 29
March 2-5, 2010
by : Adrian Villapeña

“This is the time when I meet old friends” said Dr. Eden Chua, head of Chinese General Hospital Pulmonary Department.  Last March 2-5, 2010, the Philippine College of Chest Physicians held their 29th Annual Chest Convention at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay City with the theme:  “Asian Perspectives in the New Decade:  Standards and Innovations in Pulmonary Medicine.”  This 4-day event highlighted the experience and experts view point from the region in the hope of further enriching their practice in pulmonary care for the Asian patients.

PCCP invited outstanding local and foreign speakers from Asia Pacific region to discuss various clinical, ethical and public health issues and updates in chest medicine.  On the first day, PCCP conducted post-grad course; different plenary sessions and convention symposia were conducted during the next 3 days.  OPPI had a booth properly located near the plenary room and also supported the PCCP in the set up of the plenary by providing laptops and LCD’s during scientific meetings and symposia.

OPPI’s Welcome Dinner was held at the Spiral Restaurant with Leopoldo Dimerin (President and General Manager), Rochelle Fragata (Product Manager-Meptin), Adrian Villapena (CME Officer-Meptin),  Andrew Michael Go (Team Leader-NGMA) and Carol Capucao (MedRep-NGMA) entertaining top consultant MD’s.

This year’s annual convention was a successful event and will pave the way for PCCP in preparing for the much-awaited 15th Asia Pacific Society of Respirology which will be held on November 22-25, 2010 at PICC. 

PAFP (Philippine Academy of Family Physicians) 49th Anniversary
February 18-20, 2010
by : Jorj Gatchalian

On Day 1, February 18, the PAFP society officially opened the convention with series of scientific meetings and symposia giving updates on today’s healthcare services. These were made possible through the support of different pharmaceutical companies. Otsukans were some of those who witnessed and participated in the opening ceremony and arrival of delegates from different regions on. Product Managers of the Gastroenterology and Respiratory lines namely Joel Almariego and Rochelle Fragata, respectively, headed the total logistics of the activities together with the CME officers, RSMs, Team Leaders, Medical Representatives, Pocari team and promo reps

Day 2, February 19 was a busy day for the team. The luncheon symposium which was the highlight on that day was a joint symposia on “Total Quality in the Management of NSAID-induced Gastropathy” with Rebamipide and “Management of Asthma, How much is Too Much” with Procaterol. The symposia started with cordial greetings by OPPI Vice-President, Mr. Ethan Takemoto. A lecture on Rebamipide by Dr. Frederick Dy of UST graced the first half of the symposia followed by a lecture on Procaterol by Dr. Camilo Roa of St. Lukes Medical Center. A large number of doctors attended the event. Dr. Romualdo Cabalona who was the moderator of the lectures led the open forum and officially ended the symposia as well.

Day 3, February 20 was the last day of the convention, with everybody still so enthusiastic in participating in the event. It was another highlight for Otsukans but this time for the Nutraceutical team. The symposium entitled Importance of Body Fluids and Bad Impact of Dehydration was well attended and it will not be possible if not for the teamwork of the Nutraceutical Team headed by Ms. Alda Carrera, together with the Mucosta and Meptin Teams headed by Mr. Joel Almariego and Ms. Rochelle Fragata respectively. We had a very able symposium speaker, Dr. Dennis Flores of University of Sto. Tomas Hospital. Dr. Flores is the Marketing Manager of Shimmian Manila Surgicenter, he is Doc F of Doc to Papa-a radio talk show of DWLS-FM and a record and concert producer, among others. The attendees from all over the country learned the difference among plain water, sports drinks and Pocari Sweat. Even doctors from as far as Aklan were asking for Pocari Sweat’s availability in their place.
We have lots of Pocari Sweat activities to look forward to and as we aim to make it happen this year, we need teamwork to make it possible.

It was a three-day event of scientific discussions and practical learnings for all the concerned. Medical practitioners, guests and other participants carried on the experiences, learnings and opportunities they gathered during the event. They ended this with aspirations, promises and hope for the year ahead.

Leading Change
February 2-3, 2010
by : Malou Jose

	Last February 2 and 3, 2010, Adam King from the Human Resource Development Institute of Otsuka Japan came to Manila and conducted the Leading Change Workshop at the Old Swiss Inn. The program was participated by the management team of OPPI comprising of the Team Leaders, RSMs, Product Managers, Office Managers and the Management Committee.
With the primary objective of guiding people successfully through transitions in these very dynamic times, the workshop examined the three broad areas that are associated with leading successful change which includes how to create a receptive environment, how to effect successful changes, and how to prevent backsliding.

The Leading Change program emphasized on the role of the leader in guiding, supporting and sustaining people through the ups and downs of change in order to engage their enthusiasm, and bring about quick, painless, and most importantly sustained change.

Among the significant learnings that the participants were able to derive from the program is the importance of good storytelling in effecting change, how to break old habits, and reinforce new behavior. Punctuated by games, group discussions and case studies, the program proved to be a very fruitful learning experience for the participants with valuable insights that can be applied not only in the workplace but also on a personal level.