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whole venue. But what was more amazing was
the number of lectures happening all at once.
It was really so difficult trying to pick the best
one out of a particular time frame because
each topic was equally interesting and worth
attending.

I personally hold rheumatologic skin cases
closest to my heart; hence, the most
remarkable lecture that piqued my attention
was the one given by Dr. Joseph Merola,
PDS Global Education Day, the author (beside At Hard Rock Hotel, Gaslamp District, the author
Dr. Bernadette Arcilla) with the PDS Board, entitled “Rheumatology for the Dermatologist: (behind Dr. Noemie Ramos) with PDS Consultants
Consultants and co-residents evaluating the rheumatology patient in the and friends

An Opportunity of

a Lifetime

Penned by Dr. Patricia Nicole Ramirez
eing a young doctor in a developing dermatology clinic”. Several key pointers I invited to. During this event, we were able to
country, it was an honor to have got out of this session were the following: meet the other scholarship recipients from all
been able to attend the 2018 Annual (1) Fatigue is the most common presenting over the world and shared our experiences.
BMeeting of the prestigious American symptom not included in the ACR criteria, (2) Another enjoyable night was the International
Academy of Dermatology through the Strauss After you’ve got all the skin issues covered Society of Dermatology Reunion Dinner
and Katz Scholarship. Participating in an (asking about photosensitivity, alopecia, where we were able to connect and mingle
international conference has always been a mucosal ulcerations, etc.), do not forget to ask with various consultants and residents of the
dream of mine, as doing so provides an avenue about function, (3) One cheap and easy test different dermatological societies worldwide.
to pursue further education and deepen my that could help monitor systemic symptoms
knowledge on the best practices available is urinalysis, (4) The ANA is highly dependent I am beyond grateful for this experience, and
globally, for the benefit of my patients. on the screen dilution used for testing and on it is definitely one of the experiences that I will
the age of the individual and lastly, (5) “ANA- hold most dear as a dermatologist-in-training.
The 2018 AAD Annual Meeting, held last negative lupus” is rare. Another memorable Our profession requires constant learning and
February 16-20, 2018 at the San Diego lecture on the “Clinical Aspects of Selected applying the knowledge gained to the service
Convention Center, California, was jumpstarted Autoimmune Connective Tissue Disease” given of our patients. As a resident physician, I
by the AAD Global Education Day, wherein the by Dr. Joseph Jorizzo also gave me a valuable believe that it is my responsibility to continue
Philippine Dermatological Society sponsored insight: as to doing an ANA – “once is enough”. my education beyond books and journals, and
a session highlighting Dermatology in the listen to experts and colleagues to acquire new
Philippines. A series of interesting lectures Other highlights of the trip included the information. In this way, the learnings I have
on Asian skin and tropical dermatology were International Scholarship Reception and received will be used and applied in the clinics
discussed. The convention in itself was massive, Dinner, where I, together with Dr. Vilma A. for the betterment of my patients’ condition
with over a hundred booths spanning the Pelino, a fellow scholar herself, were graciously and their quality of life.

At the International Society of Dermatology Reunion Dinner, the author (3rd from left) with ISD Officers and Members, PDS Board and Consultants, and co-residents
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