• August 2, 2020
• E-newsletter
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The Philippine Society of Newborn Medicine held its 14th Annual Meeting and 5th International Conference on January 20-21, 2020 in Panglao Bohol, the friendly heart of the Visayas.  The PSNbM worked hand in hand with the Philippine Pediatric Society Central Visayas Chapter and the Bohol Child Health Care Advocates to especially prepare this conference with the theme “2020 Vision: New Horizons in Newborn Medicine” as part of our dedication to holistic perinatal and neonatal care. 

 

The hard-working 2020 Organizing Committee was led by PSNbM President and Honorary Covention Chair Dr. Belen Amparo E. Velasco, together with Overall Convention Co-Chairs Dr. Resti Ma. M. Bautista and Dr. Mutya Kismet T. Macuno.  The conference provided a focused discussion on emerging issues in neonatology, a critical review of standards of care in neonatal and perinatal medicine, and an overview of novel strategies for improving newborn outcomes.

 

Seven international speakers contributed their expertise to the various plenaries and symposia including Professor Enrique M. Ostrea, Jr. (Wayne State University), Dr. Jacob Aranda, PhD (State University of New York Downstate Medical Center), Dr. Winston Manimtim (Children’s Mercy Hospital), Dr. Rowena Cayabyab (University of Southern California),Dr. Neil Joseph Alviedo (University of Florida), Dr. Vivien L. Yap (Weill Cornell Medical College) and Dr. James McTavish, FMVD (University of Cambridge).  A host of distinguished local speakers also graced the conference.  These included leaders of professional societies such as Ms. Corazon L. Paras, RM, BCHS (President, IMAP), Ms. Balbina M. Borneo, RM, RN, MAN (MCNAP President), Dr. Monina Cristina S. Cabral (PPS Central Visayas Chapter President), our dearly beloved late PPS President Dr. Salvacion R. Gatchalian.

The convention was a great success despite being sandwiched between two disasters: the eruption of Taal Volcano, which brought about major disruptions in international and local travel, and the first wave of news of the mysterious epidemic brewing in mainland China.  We are thankful for the chance to gather as a vibrant community of advocates for the health of newborns. And we hope to stand together once again someday on the scenic shores of beautiful Panglao Island.

 

About the Contributor 

Resti Ma. M. Bautista, MD, FPPS , FPSNbM is a Neonatologist . He was the Co-Chair of the Organizing Committee of this Convention . Dr. Bautista is also a Board Member of the Perinatal Association of the Philippines.