The 30th UP-PGH Annual Research Week festivities began on October 11, 2025, with the Visual Abstract Competition, a dynamic prelude to a week dedicated to research excellence and innovation. The online event (via Zoom), moderated by Dr. Jay-V James Barit, showcased the creativity and communication skills of PGH residents and fellows, who translated complex research studies into visually engaging and easily understandable formats.
The judging panel, composed of Director Gerson Marvin Abesamis, Dr. Maria Elinore Alba Concha, and Dr. Peter San Martin, commended the participants for their clarity of presentation, visual design, and scientific rigor. They highlighted how the competition successfully encouraged researchers to communicate their findings in an accessible way that bridges science and storytelling.
The Residents’ Visual Abstract Contest featured outstanding entries across four categories—Case Report, Systematic Review/Meta-analysis, Observational, and Experimental Studies.
In the Case Report category, the top prize went to Dr. Amanda Marie A. Cheong (Department of Neurosciences) for her work titled “Super-Refractory Status Epilepticus in Early Pregnancy with Good Fetomaternal Outcomes: A Case Report.” Second place was awarded to Dr. Joseph Rem Cebuma Dela Cruz, and third place to Dr. John Ted C. Santos, both also from the Department of Neurosciences.
For Systematic Review/Meta-Analysis, Dr. Joseph Paulo A. Gonzales (Department of Internal Medicine) won first place for “Renoprotective Effects of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors in Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Dr. Liamuel Giancarlo V. Untalan (Neurosciences), Dr. Christine Isabel T. Yutuc (Pediatrics), and Dr. Edmund John B. Cayanong (Neurosciences) followed as runners-up.
In the Observational Studies category, Dr. Janelle Marie G. Doloiras (OB-GYN) received first place for her study on non-surgically managed cases of incomplete abortion. Dr. Mikee Ann M. Chan and Dr. Princess D. Camacho-Cristobal, both from the Department of Pediatrics, placed second and third, respectively.
Finally, in the Experimental Studies category, Dr. Pamela Danielle T. Lanuza (Neurosciences) won first place for her study on the Brain Herniation Pathway in resource-limited tertiary hospitals, while Dr. Glen Aldrix R. Anarna (Dermatology) placed second for his work on trichloroacetic acid peels for seborrheic keratosis.
The Fellows’ Visual Abstract Contest likewise featured an impressive display of research depth and design across similar categories.
In Case Reports, Dr. Jeremiah C. Torrico (Pediatrics – GIN) took first place for “Ruptured Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Hepatic Abscess in an Immunocompetent Child Treated Successfully with Culture-Guided Antibiotic Therapy.” Dr. Henzor Vincent G. Dauigoy (Internal Medicine – Cardiology) and Dr. Roy Christopher K. Ang (Internal Medicine – Medical Oncology) received second and third place, respectively.
For Systematic Review/Meta-Analysis, Dr. Stephanie Palacios (Internal Medicine – Cardiology) topped the category with her meta-analysis on Goal-Directed Hemodynamic Therapy. Dr. John Edward O. Tanchuco (OB-GYN – MFM) and Dr. Joanne M. Arenas (Pediatrics – Newborn Medicine) placed second and third.
In Observational Studies, Dr. Esther Ann B. Nacita (Pediatrics – INTROP) won first place for developing a clinical prediction tool for detecting Gram-negative infections in pediatric patients. Dr. Melissa Duane N. Guirnela and Dr. Jezzel Joice G. Lagare-Cebedo, both from OB-GYN – MFM, completed the winners’ circle.
The Visual Abstract Competition continues to be one of the most anticipated events of the UP-PGH Research Week, reflecting the institution’s mission to promote innovation, clarity, and creativity in scientific communication. Through this initiative, PGH celebrates not only rigorous research but also the art of making science accessible and impactful to a wider audience.
Some of the participants, judges, moderator, and organizers of the PGH Research Week Visual Abstract Contest gather on Zoom for the online attendance and opening of the event.
Maria Carla E. Buenaflor, MD DPDS
Department of Dermatology
Posted to the PGH Website by Bona Rae Villarta, PGH Information Technology Office