Jennifer Marie J. Yang, MD

Late post. Experienced the haze from Indonesian fires first-hand in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last week, during the International Spinal Cord Society joint meeting with the Asian Spinal Cord Network, October 7-10, 2026.

I arrived early so I could join the tour of Malaysia’s national rehabilitation hospital, Hospital Rehabilitasi Cheras. I was happy to see Philippine Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine (PARM) president Dr. Ma. Luisa “Melody” Palabrica among the people waiting for the tour bus that would take us to the hospital. The hospital started operations in 2012, but one of the local physicians mentioned that the site was about 10 years in development before their doors opened to the public.

The conference began in earnest on October 8, with an opening reception that featured Malaysian arts and crafts. I was glad to be adopted by the Spinal Cord Injury team from the Philippine Orthopedic Center (POC), who came in full force to support residents Dr. Marie Aileen Asistores and Dr. Bryan Amiel Brey who had oral and poster presentations, respectively. Dr. Asistores’ research won the best paper award for the conference! POC team was composed of Drs. Shiela Banaag-Bagadiong, Regina Espinosa-Cunanan, Gilmore Senolos, Airene Biaco-Nacion and Wilanie Romero-Dacanay.

Some smart and practical things I noticed at the conference. Instead of the usual tote bag, their conference bag was a folding backpack that fits into that front pocket. I enjoyed the self-serve coffee machines. Cappuccino (or latte) everyday! I thought this plate with the wine glass holder was genius.