Liver association launched

The Philippine Association for the Study of Liver Diseases Inc. (PASLD) was launched recently with the induction of officers led by Dr. Joven Cuanang, as chairman and Dr. Juliet Cervantes, as president. Cuanang and Cervantes are medical director and head of the Center for Liver Diseases, respectively, of St. Luke’s Medical Center.

The association aims to promote the development, propagation, practice and application of knowledge about liver diseases. It also aims to advance medical, scientific and other professional expertise in liver disease by providing venues and assistance for education, training and research, and to network with competent physicians, scientists and other professionals and organizations towards the achievement of this purpose.

The liver is the largest, most important and vital organ in the human body. Diseases of the liver are among the most common ailments in our country. While there is no doubt that cardiovascular disease, cancer and stroke are considered as fatal diseases, advanced stages of liver cirrhosis or liver cancer also fall in the same category. The unfortunate aspect of liver diseases is that the symptoms show up only after the damage has set in. Generally patients are unaware of any damage to the liver for years.

The PASLD is a non-profit organization that is committed to finding novel approaches to increase efficacy of diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of liver diseases through assistance programs in education, training and research.

Membership in the Philippines Association for the Study of Liver Diseases is open to any physician or scientist who contributes to the study and knowledge of the liver, or to any corporation or individual interested in supporting liver disease programs. The PASLD likewise has a Trainee membership category for eligible residents and fellows. For information about PASLD, call 723-0101, local 4178 or email [email protected].