PHLIPPINE HEART CENTER MEDICAL ALUMNI SOCIETY, INC.

ABOUT THE PHC-MAS

 

February 11, 1982 saw the birth of The Philippine Heart Center Medical Alumni Society as a formally organized non-stock, non-profit organization of graduates of the Philippine Heart Center Medical Education and Training program.

 

The objectives of the society are as follows:

1) to promote the academic, professional, cultural and social advancement of the members through scientific meetings, researches and publications, cultural activities and social gatherings;

 

2) to support the fourfold objectives of the Philippine Heart Center of patient care, research, education and training and information dissemination; 

 

3) to participate in the continuing education of Filipino physicians and promote the advancement of medical practice in the Philippines; and

 

4) to carry out humanitarian medical services for the underprivileged.

 

The success of the society can be traced back to the pillars of this organization. To date there are 22 batches of officers and board of directors.

 

On March 12, 1982, when the society elected its first president, Dr. Jose Yulde, he successfully launched “OPERATION HEALTHY HEART”, Coumadin project, out-of-town scientific lectures, and the founding of the “GALLOP”. Dr. Orestes Monzon was the first Editor of the Gallop, which is the official newsletter of the society. The following year recognized the assumption into office of the first woman president, Dr. Edna Garayblas-Monzon. She initiated the first PHC-MAS Annual Scientific Symposium and the first Alumni Homecoming. She also involved herself into sports programs namely the “PHC Roadrunners Club” and the “Run for a Cause Marathon”. The first Tenpin Bowling Tournament was organized by Dr. Marcelito Durante. Likewise, he is credited for the launching of the first Inter-University Scientific Symposium and continuation of the Annual Scientific Symposium.

 

In 1985, the society painstakingly dealt with the untimely loss of its president, Dr. Esperanza Joven, a Pathologist. She however, started the “DUGTONG BUHAY OPERATION” Pacemaker. The year 1986 was painted with a volatile environment – politically, particularly our government. This year ushered the assumption into office of Dr. Romeo Saavedra. He was credited with scientific meetings, fund raising projects, and the extension of “DUGTONG BUHAY OPERATION” at St. Luke’s Medical Center. Dr. William Chua, the 6th president of the organization, in 1987, ventured into activities outside the medical profession. Summer painting courses and arts competitions were introduced during his time. His versatility was evident in other endeavors such as the launching of the Alumni’s book and record exchange, medical outreach missions, sports exhibition games, and initiating a regional symposium update in Bicol, Baguio and Iloilo. In 1988, a Pediatric Cardiologist, Dr. Oscar S. Chacon took the helm. His administration took proud of the following achievements: arrhythmia club, postgraduate course, first Esperanza Joven Memorial Lecture, and the first medical and surgical outreach mission in Davao City.

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When Dr. Noe Babilonia took office in 1989, he proved scientifically that number of letters is not correlated with achievements. To mention he is credited with 16 out-of-town scientific lectures, 3 arrhythmia club meetings, 3 journal club reviews, 3 sports competitions, a successful postgraduate course “Understanding Arrhythmia”, first Grand Alumni Homecoming, and the birth of radio communication. In 1990, Dr. Rafael Poblete, a Cardiovascular Anesthesiologist, was elected president. He introduced a musical soiree, the Ikebana and Bonzai Garden Show. His group was then active in quake disaster operation but was still able to initiate the first symposium in Cardiopulmonary Critical Care. In 1991, Dr. Santos-Jose Abad spoke proudly of his administration undertakings such as the Interhospital Cardiology Lecture, the first PHC-MAS Clinico-pathologic Conference, computer literacy and other mega projects.

 

Pursuit for academic excellence was the thrust at the time Dr. Annette Borromeo took to office as president. It was during this period (1992-1993) that the ground rules for research paper contest was set, as they continued to sponsor Interhospital Cardiology Module, Symposium, Arrhythmia Club and Friday Club Meetings. In 1993, Dr. Florimond Garcia initiated State-of-the-Art Forum, and the PHC-MAS sponsored the research paper contest spearheaded by the PHC-OER and basic life support program for the lay. The following year (1994) was highlighted by the Leadership Training Seminar ever held through the initiative of Dr. Fernando Ayuyao. During his term (1995-1996) Dr. Orlando Ignacio carried on with the Annual Symposium, Arrhythmia Club, SOTAF and all undertakings that had begun in the previous years. More Lay-Forum meetings were held along with the regular programs at the time Dr. May Donato-Tan took the leadership in 1996. Unity among members and commitment to the society was also given importance thus significant Family Day and Friday Club meetings were organized. Dr. Gilbert Vilela saw the need for redirecting focus towards solidifying the members of the society by highlighting its relevance thus two Vision Mission Seminars were undertaken during his 1997-1998 term. The same vision was carried out duirng the time of Dr. Efren Vicaldo (1998-1999). Dr. Teresita Sadava took the helm for the period 1999-2000 which coincided with the PHC Silver Anniversary activities. It was at this time the PHCMAS sponsored the affairs “An Evening of Spiritual Awakening” and Journery Through Life Seminar” and culminating in a retreat in March 2000.

 

A brainwork of PHC-MAS president Dr. Ma. Teresa Abola on a concept inspired by a similar program of Pfizer, the Philippine Heart Center Medical Alumni Society-Pfizer Information Center for patients and doctors was formed and organized. But aside from doctors, the purpose and scope of the center was expanded to cater to researchers, fellows and residents-in-training, and paramedical personnel who need medical information. The same projects were continued by Dr. Adelina Lim From 2002-2003.

 

In totality, the PHC-MAS took pride in its major accomplishments, just to mention a few – arrhythmia club meetings, scientific symposiums, medical missions, Gallop issues, scientific awards, social activities and others.

 

There are at present 1186 members coming from the various subspecialties namely: Adult Cardiology, Pediatric Cardiology, Cardiovascular Surgery, Cardiovascular Anesthesia Pulmonary Medicine, Radiology, Pathology and Nuclear Medicine. Members of the PHC-MAS, Inc. now hold, of have held, responsible positions in major medical centers, medical schools, as well as in their respective medical specialty societies not only throughout the Philippines but in the neighboring countries as well.

 

The society’s programs and activities are implemented mainly through the principal Committees of Internal Affairs, Education, Medical-Surgical Missions, and Information, with help from several support committees. Some of the ongoing programs and activities include regular social gatherings, the Arrhythmia Club, the Out-of-Town and Interhospital Lecture series, the State-of-the-Art Forum, the Lay Forum, Medical and Surgical Missions, and Publication of the Gallop Newsletter.

 

The 2006-2007 officers and board members were set on their objective of strengthening the society’s mission of giving service to the PHCMAS, the Philippine Heart Center and the society in general. Their term was packed with programs, activities and propositions to increase the benefits, privileges and camaraderie of the society’s members. The society, likewise continued to invoke the help sponsors, to share their multimedia facilities with the Philippine Heart Center Staff. Medical and surgical missions that give service to society were likewise a priority. The term is also lucky to embrace the celebration of the Silver Anniversary of PHC-MAS, the 18th Annual Symposium and the 4th Scientific Sessions in Cardiology and Pulmonary Medicine.

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The 2007-2008 PHC-MAS officers and board members aimed to reach out to the community and to all the rest of the members. Medical missions were done reaching up to Lukban, Quezon. For the first time in the history of PHC-MAS, a number of the alumni members, their family members and some other friends joined together to formally perform in a night of music and dance. The year’s annual convention centered on the treatment of difficult cases. The official black Gallop T-shirt was launched during the “Gallop Night”. The Gallop was also proclaimed as PHC-MAS media. The first society yahoo group for board members was also launched. A welcome development was the completion of our long dream of a newly-renovated office, a haven for bonding, working and looking forward to years ahead as society reaching out to greater heights and to one another.

 

The PHC-MAS 2008-2009 aimed to bring unity amidst diversity. The society showed oneness with the typhoon-stricken areas of the country by holding a big medical mission in Iloilo immediately after typhoon Frank and another in less fortunate areas like Calaca, Batangas. Recognizing the diverse interest of the members, the PHC-MAS held a musical soiree and launched a camera club to satisfy and share the need for art expression while fostering closer relations. The Christmas Party brought new and old-time members together in a happy musical celebration. The homecoming activity aims to serve as a venue for sharing fun. The post-graduate course once again unites the members in their desire to continue in educating and inspiring others as well as each other. These noteworthy activities have been carried o to 2009-2010.

 

The PHC-MAS in 2010-2011 saw the rebirth of a revitalized Friday Club.  Highlighting these sessions are the various lectures with topics ranging from responsible gun ownership to nude photography.  Also during these sessions, members of the PHC-MAS celebrating their birthday within the month are being feted.  Perhaps the most notable among its activities was the very successful Halloween Party held at Figaro Café, most of the members came in their best take on Halloween costumes.  They gamely joined in the fun-filled activities consisting of spooky games and some tarot card reading sessions.  It has also seen the strengthening of several out of town medical missions as well as CME activities in Cebu, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro and Baguio.

 

The PHCMAS Officers and Board of Directors have accomplished a lot for June 1, 2013 to May 31, 2014 duration. The PHCMAS Scientific symposium has celebrated its 25 years and successfully commenced last February 17-18, 2014 with the theme: ”Standards, Other Concepts and Supplements (SOS) in Cardio-Pulmonary Diseases: Educating Every HealthProfessional”. We are so fortunate that the PHC Silver Jubilarians from the different specialties lend a hand as moderators of the said symposium. The PHC MAS Arrhythmia Club also celebrated its 25 years and had 2 meetings last July, 2013 and March 2014. This has been a teaching ground for future cardiologists on Electrocardiophysiology. Alumni members who are victims of the very strong typhoon “Yolanda” last November 7, 2013 were identified and assistance were given. The PHC MAS Family had a medical-surgical mission 2 weeks later at the Leyte and Samar region with Drs. Corres and Redonio, whose families are also victims. Relief goods and monetary assistance thru the kind donations of the PHCMAS alumni members were given and were transported by the group. At last, after more than 10 years, the PHCMAS Family Day will be held at the Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan on May 18, 2014. We hope to bring back the happy days of the PHCMAS gathering of families from different specialties. We have launched a Facebook of the PHCMAS and in the making is the inclusion of the PHCMAS to the PHC website.

 

Highlights of the year 2014-2015 were as follows:  Christmas “Hang your Wishes” campaign and the rummage sale proceeds were donated to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda through St. Camillus Hospital in Calbayog City, Samar; had a rare Friday Club meeting entitled “Money Matters” conducted by BIR and Philhealth;  hosted the much attended “Pacquiao-Mayweather” Pay Per view last May 3, 2015 at the DAPA Hall, PHC.

 

In line with our organization’s advocacy of promoting health and wellness through exercise and lifestyle modification, the year 2015-2016 organized the first PHC-MAS Heart Run. The event was well-supported by the PHC MAS officers and members. This was held at the UP academic oval on August 2, 2015 with approximately 600 runners.  Furthermore, a Surgical Mission was held in Bicol Regional Teaching & Training Hospital where 5 PDA & 2 VSD closure devices were deployed on October 18-21, 2015. 

 

The year 2016-2017 had a very special event for the society as we hosted the Testimonial Dinner for Dr. Joel M. Abanilla on February 22, 2017.  He was the first PHC-MAS alumnus appointed as Executive Director of the Philippine Heart Center. A repeat Gadget raffle draw were done for a fund raising campaign.

 

Holding on to its theme, the society strives hard to inspire unity up to the next terms.  Altogether with the energetic people at its helm, the future indeed looks bright for the PHC-MAS.