On May 14, 2015, the Philippine Rheumatology Association (PRA), represented by Dr. Josephine E. Abao-Lim and Dr. Cristina C. Abella, conducted its second visit for the accreditation of the Fellowship Training Program of the Section of Pediatric Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Santo Tomas (UST) Hospital.

During the first visit in November 2013, the section was granted a one-year accreditation. Since then, the section held pediatric rheumatology conferences regularly and has been actively involved in medical education. It also has taken part in several national and international courses and conventions. As of April 2015, the section has handled more than 3,500 patient encounters in both the private and clinical divisions of UST Hospital.

This year, the section was again given a favorable assessment. Inspired by this accomplishment, the training program will continue its commitment to be a ground of clinical competence, relevant research, and effective teaching and leadership skills for its trainees.

The UST Section of Pediatric Rheumatology was established in 2006 by Dr. Christine B. Bernal. She is up to present, the Chief of Section.

The Fellowship Training Program was approved by the UST Hospital Department of Medical Education and Research in 2013 and accepted its first fellow-in-training in the same year.

Photo: From L to R: Dr. Christine B. Bernal, Dr. Ma. Theresa M. Collante, Dr. Christina C. Abella, Dr. Josephine E. Abao-Lim, and Ms. Maricris C. Ocampo