Stroke research, patient program tilts on

Stroke often strikes without warning. The present toll of disability and death caused by cerebrovascular disease is steadily increasing, according to the 2002 World Health Report.

The importance of promoting public consciousness on the need to cut the risk of stroke has been overemphasized, but it seems conveniences in life have made man careless about his health.

The common underlying condition that results in events leading to heart attack, stroke and vascular death is a life-long disease called atherothrombosis.

Millions of people throughout the world are affected by it, placing an enormous burden on society. Statistics show that the disease is responsible for over half of deaths worldwide.

To raise awareness on the seriousness of atherothrombosis, a major health problem of national concern, the Stroke Society of the Philippines (SSP), in partnership with Sanofi-Synthelabo Philippines, recently launched two research contests on stroke.

The research initiative aims to promote continuous study on the management of the disease.

The research projects – the Third Stroke Research Contest and the First Patient Program Award – are open to medical teams actively engaged in programs that improve the clinical management of patients suffering from cerebrovascular disease.

The Third Stroke Research Contest, which is open to all medical and paramedical personnel, offers a cash prize of P75,000 for the first prize, P50,000 for the second prize, and P25,000 for the third prize.

The criteria for judging are relevance, originality and impact.

The primary author should be less than 40 years old and of good moral standing.

All original and unpublished papers on stroke or cerebrovascular disease should be submitted to the SSP secretariat not later than July 15. Top entries will be chosen for oral presentation during the SSP convention in Dumaguete City on Aug. 20-22.

On the other hand, the First Patient Program Award is a commitment by the SSP and Sanofi-Synthelabo to recognize doctors and paramedical organizations, which are officially headed by a physician who have innovative proposals in the clinical management of stroke.

Prizes at stake are P100,000 for the first prize, P75,000 for the second prize, and P50,000 for the third prize.

Proposals or ongoing projects on patient care programs revolving on stroke, either individually or as a team, should be original and innovative, culturally acceptable and locally relevant, and must be implementable in all tertiary hospitals nationwide.

Deadline for submission of entries to the SSP secretariat is on Aug. 1. Awarding of winners will be held during the 4th Biennial Convention of the SSP in Dumaguete City on Aug. 20-22.

For inquiries or contest guidelines, contact the SSP secretariat at St. Luke’s Medical Center, 723-0101 local 5143.