The Post Graduate Institute of Medicine (PGIM) of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine, in collaboration with the Departments of Anesthesiology, Anatomy, and Radiology of the Philippine General Hospital, recently held the 17th UPCM Grand Scientific Symposium from January 28-29, 2010 at the Grand Ballroom of the Century Park Sheraton Hotel in Manila. This year‘s theme entitled "ChiefComplaint: Pain", is very relevant with the current paradigm of providing not only cure to our ailing patients but ensuring their comfort and assuring them that every procedure becomes less traumatic .

The keynote speaker, Dr. Michael L. Tan gave a profound and scholarly dissertation on pain perception within the context of cultural differences. Plenary topics included Peripheral mechanisms of pain and its management, a personal account of pain experience , central mechanism of pain and management of pain. The scientific program covered all organic causes of pain involving different organ systems from head to foot. The symposium showcased the excellent teaching skills and outstanding ability of the UPCM faculty in imparting their knowledge to their colleagues.

Concurrently, the Department of Anesthesiology of the Philippine General Hospital also held its 5th Post-Graduate Course in the same venue. Entitled ?Not on My Watch: The Anesthesiologist as Peri-Operative Crisis Manager?, the post graduate course tackled issues and up-dates on management of peri-operative complications related to the practice of anesthesiology.

Both events were well attended by physicians and allied medical profes-sionals who have come to listen to the latest trends on pain management as seen from the perspective of the different subspecialties and the updates on anesthetic management of perioperative complications. Speakers composed of our own faculty included: Drs. Virgilio T. Genuino, Merle F. de la Cruz-Odi, Geraldine B. Jose, Loreto A. Fellizar, Grace B. Herbosa, Iluminada T. Camagay, Jo-an F. Ocubillo, Lynn Panganiban, Ma. Luz S. Querubin, Joselito C. Pacual, Regina Macalintal-Canlas, Charlotte Chiong, Ma. Corazon Soriano, Edgar Simon, Benjamin Valera, Josefina Uson, Teodoro Herbosa, Jr., Lourdes Capito, Gerard Legaspi, Ramon Lopa, Norman Aquino, Deborah David-Cha, Aida Salonga, Liezl Valerio, Miriam Joy Calaguas, John Anonuevo, Antonio Mangubat, Paulita Baclig, Rachel Rosario, Ma. Lourdes Cabaluna, Abundio Balgos, Venancio Gloria, A‘Ericson Ber-berabe, Jean Toral, Eduardo Gatchalian, Aileen Wang, Pablo Lazatin III, Ma. Concepcion Cruz, Grace Catalan, Derafin Bernardo, Tygran Odi, Shelley de la Vega, Ester Penserga, Eileen Manalo, Cornelio de la Paz, Jaime Galvez Tan, Carlo Catabijan, Rowena Genuino, Rafael Bundoc, Evelyn Salido, Teresita Joy Evangelista, Sharon Ignacio, Edgar Eufemio, Cynthia Valencia, and Philip Tan-Gatue.