Photos by Erlyn Pareja

Text by Angelou Mendoza

Attendees and participants at the 60th UP-PGH Mastery in Surgery Annual Convention 2024

Going back to the basics: Strengthening foundational knowledge to advance surgical education

With the collaborative efforts of the Foundation for the Advancement of Surgical Education (FASE) Inc., Postgraduate Courses Committee of the Department of Surgery, Philippine General Hospital, and University of the Philippines College of Medicine (UPCM), the 60th UP – Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) Mastery in Surgery Annual Convention 2024 was held last September 4-6, 2024 at the Century Park Hotel, Manila with the theme, “Cutting Edge: Surgical Anatomy and Techniques.”

The three-day event featured impactful lectures and presentations- from fundamental topics in surgery including the foundational knowledge of the human body to an in-depth review of the surgical anatomy and procedures- of healthcare professionals from UPCM.

Associate Dean for Planning and Development, Dr. Jose Joven V. Cruz said that UPCM aims to be at the forefront of the modernized simulation-based medical education in the country and to establish the advanced surgical skills laboratory in collaboration with the UP-PGH. He shared that through medical and surgical education and digital transformation, UPCM modernizes its pedagogy for all its learners.

Dr. Gerardo D. Legaspi, director of the UP-PGH, acknowledged the Department of Surgery’s 60 years of excellence He emphasized the need to keep enhancing and updating the methods of teaching, thus the advent of advanced simulation laboratories. 

He also encouraged the field of surgical specialty to also take up spaces in the field of public health and be able to bring back to the community. 

To honor the former Chancellor Alfredo T. Ramirez, a 23rd Chancellor Alfredo T. Ramirez Memorial Lecture was delivered by Dr. Crisostomo Arcilla, Jr. He reminded the crowd to continue dreaming and achieving one’s desire.

Through this annual convention, the University kept its persistence in keeping the legacy of excellence and service through a continued education advancing the knowledge of its key stakeholders. A quality education adaptive to the needs of the community and current trends in healthcare and public health.#