Day 1: 8th Biennial Convention in Review

By: Dr. Suzette M. Perfecto

The continuing repercussions of SarsCov pandemic did not impede the organizing committee with its desire to come up with an impressive avenue for learning,  hence, paved the way for  this year’s 29th Annual Meeting and 8th Biennial Convention via the inaugural virtual platform bannering the theme of “A 360 degree Focus on Pediatric Cardiology: From the Generalist to the Specialist”. The attention of  strong 2,200 attendees were captured until the last topic with still over 2,000 attendees staying until the last session.

The program commenced with the Dr. Evelyn Singian Memorial lecture presented by one of the society’s former Presidents, DR. MA. LOURDES SR. CASAS as she discussed the role of “Pediatric Cardiology amidst the Pandemic in the Asia Pacific Region”. Challenges and adaptive protocols were outlined to guide clinicians in managing both COVID and non COVID cardiac patients in this pandemic era.

The next 90 minutes were dedicated to unravel different causes of cyanosis that were fully elucidated by three competent speakers: DR. RESTI MA. BAUTISTA ( Neonatologist) , DR. VIRGINIA MAPPALA ( Pediatric Cardiologist) and DR. DULCE REQUIRON- SY ( Pediatric Pulmonologist). Listening to three different specialists shedding light on a particular finding enabled generalists to confidently assess cyanosis in newborn as and children through complete history taking and physical examination and make necessary referrals they deemed necessary.

Two presentations from CME educational Grants followed suit with DR. JHULIET BALDERAS presenting the Implementing Guidelines on Neonatal CCHD screening and DR. JUSTINE IRIS YAP discussing the benefits and aid of 3D/4D Echocardiography in Neonates and children.

The last hour of the first session were reserved to tackle two of the most common reasons for  Pediatric Cardiology referrals: murmurs and chest pain. As mentioned earlier, the last two esteemed speakers, DR. MARIA CONSUELO DOLORES TUMANENG and DR. DESIREE GUBANTES kept the participants’ interest despite  dinner time through their extensive and enlightening lectures.

In behalf of the officers and the organizing committee of this annual convention, we would like to thank everyone for gracing this scientific fora, we promise that the next four days are, if not exceeding, will be as engaging and edifying as it was today.