PSAAI to hold allergy convention in September

The Philippine Society of Allergy and Immunology is set to hold its 10th Biennial Convention on Sept. 11-12 at the Westin Philippine Plaza. The theme for this year’s convention is "Allergy and Immunology for the Clinician."

As in the past, the society’s choice of topics for the convention has always been based on the practical application of allergy and immunology in day-to-day practice.

Dr. Ruby Foronda, overall chairwoman of the convention, says this year’s convention will focus on updates on recognition and management of the most common allergic diseases, and on allergic and immunologic basis of other disease conditions frequently seen in clinical practice.

The first day of the convention will feature the following topics:

• Stiffling the Sneeze: Understanding Allergic Rhinitis and its Treatment by Drs. Patricia Santos-Abes and Benjamin Campomanes; and

• Optimizing Pediatric Asthma Treatment by Dr. Romina Covar (a US-based allergist)

The interactive Sessions are on:

• Understanding Drug Allergy by Dr. Jovilia Abong;

• Atopic Dermatitis by Dr. Romina Covar;

• Pruritus: Is It Allergy? by Dr. Nenita Alberto; and

• Adverse Reactions to Immunization by Dr. Liza Stefanie Sulay.

The second day of the convention will cover the following topics:

• Severe Cutaneous Drug Reactions by Dr. Ma. Corazon Logarta;

• Arturo V. Rotor Memorial Lecture: Close Encounters with Allergic Mimickers and Allergies Incognito by Dr. Remedios Ong;

• Unraveling the Mystery of the APAS by Drs. Lara Theresa Aleta and Marysia Stella Recto; and

• Allergy in Reproductive Women by Dr. Linda Lim- Varona.

The interactive Sessions will be on:

• Clinical Clues to the Vasculitides;

• Recurrent Infection: Who’s Concern Is It? By Dr. Mary Anne Castor; and

• Understanding Food Allergy by Dr. Venjilyn Villaver.

The convention will also feature industry-sponsored breakfast, luncheon and twilight symposia with guest lecturers who will give more updates related to allergy and immunology in the clinical practice.

Dr. Florecita Padua is the vice chairwoman for this year’s convention, with incumbent PSAAI president, Dr. Hiyasmin Lim, and past presidents Drs. Manuel Ferreria, Remedios Ong and Madeleine Sumpaico as advisers. Dr. Agnes Andaya chairs the scientific committee.

For more details or inquiries, contact Drix or Karen at the PSAAI Secretariat at 712-9432, 0919-8046270 or 0916-3402327, or e-mail at [email protected] or [email protected]