Promoting Research-Driven Action Through Clinical Excellence
The Dietary Function Hall of the Philippine General Hospital buzzed with intellectual energy on October 14, 2025, as medical fellows from various departments showcased their research achievements during the annual Fellows Research Paper Contest. Held as part of the 30th Research Week of UP-Philippine General Hospital, the event embodied this year’s theme: “Promoting Research-Driven Action.”
Dr. Rovi Samedra, Vice Chair for Research Programs for Diagnostic Radiology, delivered the opening remarks, welcoming participants and guests to this annual competition. He emphasized that research is not merely about collecting and interpreting data, but more importantly about advancing medical practice and improving patient care. Dr. Samedra encouraged all participants to publish their papers so their findings could eventually be applied into clinical practice, embodying the true spirit of research-driven action. After the invocation and national anthem, the program moved swiftly into the research presentations, where fellows presented their work before a distinguished panel of judges comprising Dr. Kenneth Samala, Dr. Wilson Turalde, and Dr. Daphne Valmonte-Panganiban.
Rigorous Evaluation Standards
The judging panel evaluated each presentation based on comprehensive criteria that reflected PGH’s commitment to impactful research. Papers were assessed on their relevance to the PGH Research Agenda and significance to national health priorities, as well as the research gaps they aimed to address. Technical merit was equally important, with judges examining the clarity and measurability of study objectives, quality of study design, and rigor of statistical analysis. The overall scientific writing style and appropriateness of study format also factored into the final scores.
Case Report Category: Diverse Clinical Insights
The Case Report category featured four compelling presentations spanning multiple specialties. Dr. Nicole Andrea C. Lanip from the Division of Pulmonology captured first place with her investigation of a rare foregut cyst with ectopic pancreas that mimicked a pulmonary abscess in a pediatric patient. This diagnostically challenging case highlighted the importance of considering rare congenital anomalies in pediatric differential diagnoses.
Dr. Bryan Leonard M. Quizon from the Division of Pulmonary Medicine secured second place with his work on utilizing radial endobronchial ultrasound-guided lung biopsy to diagnose pseudotumoral tuberculosis in sputum-negative immunocompetent adults, demonstrating advanced diagnostic techniques for a condition that remains a significant health concern in the Philippines. Third place went to Dr. April Faye P. Barbadillo from Pediatric Neurology, who presented status epilepticus as a neurological manifestation in a child with hypomelanosis of Ito, while Dr. Jezzel Joice Lagare-Cebedo from Maternal Fetal Medicine earned fourth place with her fascinating case of spontaneous septostomy in monochorionic twins with cord entanglement.
Systematic Review Category: Evidence-Based Medicine
In the Systematic Review category, Dr. Joanne M. Arenas from the Division of Newborn Medicine claimed first place with her meta-analysis on the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in decreasing bilirubin levels among healthy term infants with jaundice. This work addresses a common neonatal condition and could influence clinical practice in managing newborn hyperbilirubinemia.
Dr. John Edward O. Tanchuco from Maternal Fetal Medicine secured second place with his systematic review examining the utility of uterine artery Doppler velocimetry in predicting fetomaternal outcomes in pregnant women with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, contributing valuable insights to high-risk obstetric care.
Observational Studies: Addressing Critical Healthcare Issues
The Observational Study category showcased research with direct implications for patient care and health policy. Dr. Ceri Jane H. Talan-Tampus from Pediatric Hematology Oncology won first place with her five-year retrospective cohort study on the prevalence and risk factors of ototoxicity among pediatric cancer patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy, addressing an important quality-of-life concern in pediatric oncology.
Second place went to Dr. Nor-Ayin A. Salik-Omar from Maternal and Fetal Medicine for her pilot testing of a locally adapted FIGO pregnancy passport among postpartum patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Dr. Jami Aliyah Malaya D. Salliman from Pediatric Nephrology earned third place with her cost-of-illness analysis of managing childhood lupus nephritis, providing crucial data for healthcare resource allocation.
Experimental Study: Innovation in Medical Education
Dr. Daryl B. Lanzuela from the Division of Ambulatory Pediatrics was the sole entrant and winner in the Experimental Study category, presenting groundbreaking work on the effectiveness of gamification in pediatric primary care didactics at the General Pediatrics Outpatient Department. This innovative approach to medical education reflects PGH’s commitment to evolving teaching methodologies.
Looking Forward
Dr. Belen Dofitas, the incumbent PGH Coordinator for Research, delivered closing remarks that extended beyond congratulating the winners. She provided the audience with valuable information about various research programs and funding sources available to PGH fellows and faculty, including grant opportunities. Her message reinforced the institution’s commitment to fostering a robust research culture that translates findings into clinical action.
The Fellows Research Paper Contest once again demonstrated that PGH continues to nurture the next generation of physician-scientists who are not only excellent clinicians but also rigorous researchers committed to advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care in the Philippines.
Kathleen H. Baldivia, MD
Department of Radiology