The Philippine College of Geriatric Medicine will hold its 13th Annual Convention on October 18 and 19 at the Novotel Hotel, Araneta Center, Quezon City.

This was gathered as the PCGM welcomed nine doctors as new diplomates for 2024.

They are: Dr. Maria Famela C. Gagalac-Oyanib, FPCP; (JRRMMC-NCGH); Dr. Maria Lynne M. Granado, DPCP (SLMC-Global); Dr. Jerwin Johnted G. Asuncion , DPCP (SLMC-QC); Dr. Carla Mae O. Cinco-Gialogo, FPCP (JRRMMC-NCGH); Dr. Marco Neoman A. Dela Cruz, DFM (SLMC- QC); Dr. Patrick Josef M. Huang, DPCP, (SLMC Global); Dr. Joanna Loren Ochia-Perez, FPCP (BMC); Dr. Nancy U. Solis-Malala, FPAFP (JRRMMC -NCGH); and

and Dr. Maria Teresa T. Tulauan, DFM (SLMC-QC).

The PCGM convention will revolve around the theme “Evidence-based Holistic Strategies in Geriatric Medicine.”

Geriatric medicine is the medical specialty focusing on the care and treatment of older adults, usually aged 60 and above. Its practice is relative new in the Philippines.

The PCGM has designed and pursued a fellowship program for geriatric medicine specialization that accepts physicians trained either in internal medicine or family medicine.

Meanwhile, the DOH has demonstrated its support for the forthcoming PCGM convention by issuing Department Circular 2024-0376 allowing DOH doctors to attend the event where they will be considered on official business and on official time from their assignments.

Government physicians will be considered on “official business” while attending the convention if they are assigned specific roles during the convention. OB will also apply for those who will participate in the convention because it is related to the performance of their job.

On the other hand, DOH employees will be considered on official time if the participation is “duly funded through sponsorships by development partners or local partners in health.”

“For participants, the activity should be relevant to the performance of job functions or related to the practice of his/her profession,” Circular No. 2024-0376 provided.