PCHTM at 7: Building the Foundation, Growing and Evolving
Over the years, the rapid change in the practice of internal medicine and hematology and a mandate sparked the need to create an adult hematology organization named the Philippine College of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine (PCHTM). It was May 2017 when a group of hematologists met to create what will be a formidable group of blood specialists with a mission of providing world-class adult hematologic care and a vision of being recognized as the leading society for adult Hematology in the Philippines.
Establishing the brand and infrastructure was challenging but through the leadership of Dr Rosalio P. Torres, our founding president we were able to legalize our existence by registering with the SEC. Through the efforts of Dr Norma M. Ona, the college was able to set up an office in Quezon city.
Let us walk you through its short history through a countdown of PCHTM’s accomplishments, successes, challenges and future direction.
• Seven: A total of 7 hematology training institutions are currently established, committed to shaping and mentoring future hematologists. The addition of Makati Medical Center, The Medical City, Chinese General Hospital-Medical Center, and East Avenue Medical Center to the original roster of ATI namely UP-PGH, SLMC, and UST Hospital will ensure a steady increase in the number of well-trained hematologists in the country.
• Six: There were 6 PCHTM initiated research projects including BLOOM-PH (Blood Malignancy PH study), COVID-19 studies and position papers during the pandemic which were published and used by our members.
• Five: The Philippine College of Hematology (PCHTM) has organized five successful conventions. The first convention, titled "Blood Compact," focused on strengthening the organization. The second convention, "Redefining the NORMAL," was held during the height of the pandemic. The third convention, "BLAST," aimed to build alliances with other subspecialties. The fourth convention, "GLOWING," focused on applying global learnings to local settings. The fifth convention, held in Baguio, challenged members to an amazing race.
• FOUR: We have established partnership with international and regional Hematology societies namely, European Hematology Association (EHA); American Society of Hematology (ASH); Asian Myeloma Network (AMN) and Asia-Pacific Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis (APSTH).
• THREE: We continue to improve and work on the 3 priority areas of PCHTM, namely, Patient care/Service; Education and Training and Research.
• TWO: There were 2 National CPGs for AML and NHL-DLBCL developed in collaboration with other societies in 2022.
• ONE: As the PCHTM family grows, let us never forget the shared values and commitment that bind us together. ONE organization, united in our pursuit of advancing the field of hematology and transfusion medicine for the benefit our patients.
Prepared by:
Flordeluna Z. Mesina, MD, MSc