The Philippine Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (PSEM) was founded in 1962 when a group of physicians and scientists with a special interest in endocrinology from the University of the Philippines, University of Sto. Tomas, University of the East, Far Eastern University and Manila Central University, banded together to facilitate the exchange of new knowledge in the field, encourage mutual
help in the study of specific problems, and promote the advancement of endocrinology as a distinct specialty in the Philippines. Meneleo Hernandez brought together 16 individuals interested in endocrinology and metabolism; and the first officers of the society were inducted: Dr. Augusto D. Litonjua as the first president; Dr. Gabriel Carreon, the Vice-President; Dr. Elena Eustaquio-Icayan, the secretary treasurer,: and the Board of Directors- Dr. Violeta Angara, Dr. Leticia Angeles, Dr. Carmen Asuncion, Dr. Asuncion Bernales, Dr. Benjamin Buensuceso, Dr. Jesus Nolasco, Dr. Alfredo Ortiz, Dr. Carmen Salgado-Ora and Dr. Leland Villadolid. The Philippine Specialty Board in Endocrinology was formed in 1963 under the helm of Dr. Leland Villadolid. In 1964, PSEM was accepted as a member of the International Society of Endocrinology. The PSEM Constitution and By Laws were first drafted under the term of Dr. Buensuceso; it was filed and approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 4, 1966. The first fellowship training program in endocrinology and metabolism was started at the University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital in 1967, and this was duly accredited by the PSEM. Development of other training programs followed thus: Makati Medical Center accredited in 1983, University of Sto. Tomas Hospital accredited in 1998, and St. Luke’s Medical Center accredited in 1999. Fellowship training programs in endocrinology were streamlined; requirements for hospital accreditation were formulated, and standards were set in order to maintain the high quality in the conduct of teaching, practice and research in Philippine endocrinology. The 90’s saw the rapid growth of the Society. As the organization grew, each of the presidents built on the successes of their predecessors while dealing with the respective challenges brought about by the latest rapid developments in endocrinology and metabolism. The Society has had the privilege to co-host important international endocrine events like the 3rd Asia Oceania Congress in Endocrinology in 1963; the 7th Meeting of ASEAN and Pacific Endocrine Societies in 1994; the 3rd Congress of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies in 1985, the 8th AFES Congress in 1995 and the 13th AFES Congress in 2005; the 8th Symposium of Molecular Diabetology in Asia in 2006; and the 8th Congress of the Asia & Oceania Thyroid Association in 2007. Continuing medical education activities include the Interhospital Endocrine Grand Rounds which was started in 1994; it serves as a venue for intellectual discussion among experts, allowing participants to share their thoughts and expertise in the area of endocrinology. It showcases interesting cases as well as common cases with interesting twists seen in the training institutions accredited by the Society. Endocrine postgraduate courses and annual conventions are also held to provide a review and an update of the recent developments in the field of endocrinology. Outreach provincial activities like the Workshop on Thyroid Disorders was started in 1999 and Weekend Course in Endocrinology in September 2000. Diabetes Updates, a venue for cutting edge lectures on the latest trends in diabetes were started in 2001. The first Lipids Weekend Course was also held in Cebu last November 22, 2008. The Endocrine Fellow Research Forum stimulates interest in endocrine research. The Society has also been awarding the PSEM Research Grant in Endocrinology for deserving research questions since 2001. A total of 28 research papers have received grants from PSEM and its partners- Servier (since 2001), Therapharma (since 2006), Merck (since 2008), and Roche (since 2009). PSEM has been involved in various nationwide research programs and is actively networking with the different component societies of the Philippine College of Physicians, the Department of Health, The Food and Nutrition Research Institute, as well as other governmental and non-governmental organizations. Beginning 1999, the official newsletter, “PSEM Endocrine Update” is published quarterly, focusing on highlights from various scientific meetings and journal excerpts. It also includes information that requires dissemination to the members. Aside from these, the PSEM thrust includes patient advocacy with lay fora about diabetes, thyroid and other endocrine disorders. Collaboration with the Barangay or local health units to educate and update health workers about diabetes is also one of the long term major advocacy projects. Telecommunication media are also being formulated to help reach far-flung barangays. Brochures and teaching materials on common endocrine disorders have also been developed. The first and only lay magazine on endocrine diseases in the Philippines- “Hormone Hotspots” came out with its maiden issue in 2007- distributed for free to the public. Over the years, under successive leaderships and continuous revitalization, the Society has evolved to what it is today- a highly respected and leading authority in the field of Endocrinology & Metabolism not just locally, but also within the circle of international collaboration. PSEM remains the ONE AND ONLY RECOGNIZED CERTIFYING BODY in the Philippines for the field of Endocrinology and Metabolism- as a specialty component of the Philippine Medical Association, a component society of the Philippine College of Physicians, a founding member of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies, and a member of the International Society of Endocrinology.
