The hosting of the round-table discussion (RTD) bookmarks an important event in subspecialty training. Yesterday our Division sponsored the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology RTD. We discussed a case on germ cell tumor. As has always been tradition, the first year fellows took over the organizing, as
we did last year.
Mervyn was picked to discuss the case, and he did so with ease and grace. He spoke with clarity and authority.
Photo credit: Berbi Berba
This did not come automatically, of course. He had to rehearse and study the material.
As with most events, the success of the RTD was largely due to the work behind the scenes. Berbi and Marvin, with laser focus, discussed the slide transitions and the LED screen (many thanks to
Roche Philippines and
Mundipharma for all the help they've extended in giving pizzazz to our stage design).
Berbi reviewed the slides and, with the technical team, made sure the sound transmission was good and the images on screen were clear. Weeks before this, the rest of the team members worked on the protocols, highlighted the guideline-based recommendations for management, polished the script, and contributed their ideas.
But the brainchild of the RTD, he who made it his life's work to make the event successful, was Marvin. He thought of the raised platform, the LED screen, the lapel microphone, the lights—his mind is a walking events-organizing machine—while remaining gracious and patient. He channeled, he would probably confess later, his inner "Dane Sacdalan."
Here were all the training institutions present, with our invited panelists, Dr. Carmela Lapitan (Urology), Dr. Johanna Patricia Cañal (Radiation Oncology), Dr. Rosario (Supportive, Hospice, and Palliative Management), and Dr. Ding Fernando (Med Onco).
Photo credit: Berbi Berba
I'm not joking when I say the the Cancer Clinic is one of the happiest clinics in the hospital. I'm grateful to work with these people. I wish for them success and happiness and more opportunities to touch the lives of people who need help the most. Congratulations, UP–PGH Med Onco!
From right (back row): Mark Ando, Harold Tan, Alfie Chua, Marvin Mendoza, Mervyn Leones, Berbi Berba, Aylmer Hernandez—our first year fellows.
(Front row): Roger Velasco, myself, Rich King, Karen Mondragon, Fred Ting—second year fellows. Photo credit: Rich King
I couldn't resist the urge to try it and even 
