Philippine Orthopaedic Association
75th Annual Congress
Greetings!
This year is certainly a milestone for the Philippine Orthopaedic Association as we celebrate our 75th anniversary. It has been a year full of different activities culminating with our annual congress aptly titled Cutting Diamond: Looking Back, Moving Forward. So let us all come and learn together once more as we listen to some of the most renowned speakers locally and internationally. This year, we are also very proud to host the ASEAN Orthopedic Association’s 44th Annual Scientific
Meeting adding another facet for learning and at the same time continue to strengthen our relationship with our ASEAN neighbors. Coincidentally it is also the 20th anniversary of Philippine Musculoskeletal Tumor Society which is another historical landmark not only for PMTS but for POA as well.
We are very thankful to all our industry partners for supporting once more our continuing medical education activities and for their continued support to our association as we move forward to the next 75 years and beyond.
So let us all see each other again during the annual congress. Rekindle old friendships and make new ones as we celebrate, learn and continue to shape the POA to the Diamond it truly is!
Mabuhay ang POA!
MELITO ANTONIO P. RAMOS, MD, FPOA
President
I would like to welcome you to the 75th Annual Convention of the Philippine Orthopedic Association entitled Cutting Diamond: Looking Back and Moving Forward. This is in cooperation with the 44th ASEAN Orthopaedic Association Annual Congress. This is a memorable occasion for the POA, thus we have prepared a scientific program that we hope will interest all of you. The various subspecialty societies of the POA have worked hard and contributed to make this
convention successful.
It is only proper that we look back at our history as POA and as orthopedic surgeons as well as look forward to the future and explore its potential together with our colleagues in the ASEAN region. I invite you to use our website and plan for your personalized POA convention. As usual we have also prepared Filipino style social events for everyone. Experience our famous hospitality while learning. I hope we all have an unforgettable Diamond Jubilee celebration.
JUSTINIAN AQUILINO IV CYRIL PIMENTEL, MD, FPOA
Congress Chairman
As far back as 2023, we started visualizing and conceptualizing our 75th anniversary. “Cutting Diamond” was chosen as our theme because Orthopedics is a cutting specialty and will be celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. There is a lot to look back on the past 75 years that POA has existed, people who have shaped our Association, principles that have evolved, subspecialty societies that were born from the different interests and disciplines in Orthopedics. Definitely, there is a lot to look forward to, people who are forging new paths, evolution of techniques and introduction of newer technology, and subspecialty societies that continue to cater to the different needs of our Fellows. Indeed, we are looking back to move forward.
This year, we continue to involve the different subspecialty societies and orthopedic interest groups in putting together our scientific program. Each one has contributed greatly to the creation of our program, and I would like to thank the representatives of each subspecialty/ interest group for their dedication and patience. We started meeting early in 2024, and before the first half of the year was over, the Scientific Committee had already developed the program. It was a breeze working with them, they would promptly reply to messages and requests and worked doubly hard to fulfill the requirements we needed for our CPD application. I would like to thank each one of you for your understanding and unwavering support to the POA.
I would like to thank the following: Dra. Adel Belen (PBO), Dra. Ameena X. Santos (PSOWOSI), Dr. Charles Villamin (PMTS), Dr, Charles Cabuquit (POWCDLS), Dr. Chubbers Lopez (POFAS), Dr. Danny Dungca (ASAMI/ CORE), Dr. Estee Estrella (PORS), Dr, Icca Gandionco (AHSP), Dr. JP Leung (POTS/ CORE), Dr. Jeremy Munji (PShS), Dr. Migs Ramos, Dr. OJ Alimbuyuguen and Dr. Sam Grozman (PSS), Dr. Nilo Paner (PHKS), Dr. Raf Jurilla (POSSM), and Dr. Rotti Flores (POSP). They have made our 75th POA Annual Convention possible. Without their contributions, we would not have been able to have a successful congress. Thank you for your continued support, from the bottom of my heart. It has been a pleasure working with you. I look forward to celebrating with you this coming Annual Convention.
To the POA, more power to the Fellows and to the Board of Trustees. Congratulations on the success of the POA 75th Annual convention!
ANNE KATHLEEN B. GANAL-ANTONIO, MD, FPOA, FPSS
Chairman
Scientific Committee
Dear Colleagues, Honored Guests, and Friends,
On behalf of the ASEAN Orthopaedic Association (AOA), it is my privilege and honor to welcome each of you to this landmark event, the Philippine Orthopaedic Association’s
(POA) 75th Annual Congress, held in conjunction with the 44th ASEAN Orthopaedic Association Annual Meeting. This year, we gather to celebrate not only the POA’s Diamond
Jubilee, marking 75 years of excellence in orthopaedic care, but also the spirit of unity and collaboration that has strengthened our profession across Southeast Asia.
The POA’s commitment over the past seven and a half decades has had an indelible impact on the quality of orthopaedic care in the Philippines, setting a standard of dedication, innovation, and compassion. Through education, research, and the adoption of leading-edge techniques, the POA has fostered a culture of continuous improvement, building an impressive legacy that continues to inspire us all.
This year, we are especially pleased to continue our educational mission through the AOA Residents’ Review Course, an academic initiative that began in Thailand last year. On November 15, 2024, we will once again bring together orthopaedic residents from across ASEAN, providing a dedicated platform for learning and professional growth. We are honored to have this course included in the POA’s program, underscoring our shared commitment to fostering the next generation of orthopaedic specialists.
As we convene here, we celebrate more than just years and milestones; we celebrate the bonds we have forged as an orthopaedic community, transcending borders and coming together to share knowledge, best practices, and advancements that enrich each of our nations. This year’s joint meeting brings us closer as a community, allowing us to learn from one another, strengthen partnerships, and elevate the standards of care for all the people we serve.
To our friends and colleagues within the POA, congratulations on this remarkable milestone. Your dedication to advancing orthopaedics not only benefits the Philippines but also contributes to the collective strength of ASEAN’s medical community. Last but not least, let the ASEAN spirit of collaboration, cooperation, and camaraderie continue forever.
Thank you, and may this congress be filled with inspiring discussions, new insights, and lasting connections.
Warmest Regards, regards,
PROF. THIPACHART PUNYARATABANDHU
President
ASEAN Orthopaedic Association
