PSGE ACTIVITIES

In answer to the demand for training and continuing medical education in Gynecologic Endoscopy, the PSGE started workshops after its foundation on July 10, 2004. Its first workshop, as the newly formed PSGE, was held on November 8-9, 2004 at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center. The morning session of the first day was dedicated for lectures on the indications, patient preparation, instrumentations and recognition and management of complications in hysteroscopy and laparoscopy. Approximately one hundred (100) gynecologists from all over the country attended this lecture series. Forty (40) new PSGE members were also inducted at that time. The afternoon session was devoted to practice hand-eye coordination in hysteroscopy and laparoscopy using inanimate models. The second day was held in the Operating Rooms for hands-on training in hysteroscopy and laparoscopy on actual patients. There were eight (8) participants in this hands-on training workshop.

On February 9-11, 2005, the PSGE in collaboration with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the East Avenue Medical Center, Asia Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (AOFOG) and Aesculap Academy-B.Braun, held another workshop in Gynecologic Endoscopy. The Chair of the Section of Gynecologic Endoscopy of AOFOG, Dr. A. Kurian Joseph, together with his wife Dr. Rekha Kurian, also an endoscopic surgeon from Chennai, India and the PSGE Officers gave lectures, taught and guided local gynecologists on hands-on hysteroscopic and laparoscopic procedures. There were sixteen (16) participants in this hands-on workshop.

Economic constraints on the part of Industry Sponsors for such workshops prompted PSGE to collaborate with the Philippine Society of Laparoscopic Surgeons (PSLS), mainly composed of surgeons and some gynecologists as members, in achieving a common goal of promoting the practice of endoscopic surgery among Filipino physicians.

The first joint animal workshop of PSGE and PSLS was held in Veterans Memorial Medical Center Animal Laboratory on June 18-19, 2005. The first day was devoted for lectures on hysteroscopy and laparoscopy and hand-eye coordination practice on inanimate models. The second day was for practicing laparoscopy and hysteroscopy skills on live goats and cow bladders, respectively.

The first PSGE convention, also held jointly with PSLS, was held in Hyatt Regency Manila on July 7 & 8, 2005. Professsor Felix Wong, from Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, Australia and Dr. Davide Lomanto from Singapore were the Foreign Guest Speakers. Additional twenty (20) PSGE members were inducted. Currently, there are now one hundred eighty eight (188) PSGE members, including the eleven (11) Officers and Board Members. PSGE Membership is open to all Diplomates or Fellows of POGS who are interested in the practice of Gynecologic Endoscopy.

To facilitate in bringing the Philippines into the mainstream of gynecologic endoscopy in the world, PSGE, through the efforts of its President, Dr. Delfin A. Tan, became a member country of the Asia Pacific Association of Gynecologic Endoscopy (APAGE). PSGE was officially inducted as a member country of APAGE on November 28, 2005 during the 2nd APAGE Congress in HongKong. APAGE is an affiliate society of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL) and the International Society for Gynecologic Endoscopy (ISGE).

FUTURE PSGE ACTIVITIES AND ENDEAVORS

As member of the APAGE, PSGE is now invited to participate in international meetings in gynecologic endoscopy. The first participation will be in Sydney, Australia in August 2006 during the APAGE and AGES (Australian Gynecological Endoscopy Society) joint Gynecologic Endoscopy Congress and the second will be in Beijing, China during the next ISGE Regional Meeting in collaboration with APAGE.

The second joint animal workshop with PSLS, now known as PALES (Philippine Associations of Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Surgeons) will be held on June 17 & 18, 2006 and the second joint convention on July 13 & 14, 2006 at the Hyatt Regency Manila with AOFOG Gynecologic Endoscopy Chair, Dr. A. Kurian Joseph and APAGE President, Dr. Chyi-Long Lee, as Guest Speakers.

PSGE, through its Specialty Board Committee Chair, Dr. Lilia P. Luna, has also created and approved Accreditation Requirements enabling qualified gynecologists in the practice of Gynecologic Endoscopy to become Fellows of the PSGE. These Accreditation Requirements are due to be implemented anytime this year. Gynecologic Endoscopists who can meet the requirements may now submit their case lists for review by the Chair and Members of the Specialty Board, composed of Dr. Regta L. Pichay, Dr. Blanca C. De Guia and Dr. Zoraida R. Umipig.

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

The following are the approved Accreditation Requirements for PSGE Fellowship according to the level of practice: An applicant for Fellowship in the Philippine Society for Gynecologic Endoscopy MUST meet ALL of the following requirements:

1. Diplomate or Fellow of the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society and an Active Member of the PSGE in good standing. To be in good standing, a member must have attended 80% of all PSGE activities and has paid annual dues.
2. Completion of an accredited Fellowship Program in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Gynecologic Oncology or Urogynecology or in a recognized Training Program or Preceptorship Training in Gynecologic Endoscopy in the Philippines or abroad.
3. Submission of at least 10 cases of varied Level III Gynecologic Laparoscopy procedures and at least 20 cases of varied Level II Hysteroscopic procedures. 4. All cases submitted for accreditation should have been performed AFTER the training. 5. Successful completion of the written and practical examinations given by the PSGE.

Levels of Competence in Hysteroscopy (Adapted from ESHRE Guidelines)

AUTHOR’S RECOMMENDATIONS

To facilitate countrywide and standardized training in Gynecologic Endoscopy, it is recommended that PSGE must endeavor to accredit or certify Preceptorship Training Programs conducted by PSGE-accredited or recognized trainers strategically located in various regions of the country.

Perhaps, in the near future, in order to further promote the practice of Gynecologic Endoscopy in the country and ensure the continuing practice of Gynecologic Endoscopy among future gynecologists, the PSGE ought to lobby hard in urging the Philippine Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (PBOG) and the POGS to require hospitals due for Residency Training Accreditation to be equipped with a hysteroscope and laparoscope and incorporate the learning of, at least, diagnostic hysteroscopy and laparoscopy in the Obstetrics-Gynecology Residency Training Curricula.