Launching PAM at PARM 2024
Late post, because there was a lot going on this past weekend and we’re all still recuperating.
The Philippine Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine’s (PARM) 34th annual convention from February 22-25 started off with a Research Day on the 22nd, showcasing the latest research studies, case reports and poster presentations from the seven training institutions offering a Rehabilitation Medicine residency program.
The formal opening ceremonies on Friday the 23rd kicked off PARM’s 50th birthday: happy golden birthday, PARM!
Dr. Paschenelle Celis (a ballerina!) talked about her work with musculoskeletal ultrasound and ballet dancers. She got us to do the five basic ballet positions as well… great for a post-lunch stretch 🙂
The next day, February 24, the “musculoskeletal track” session was the last bit of the conference – closing the second day of academic talks before the presidential gala night. We listened to self-proclaimed “ballet dad” and physiatrist Renald Ramiro MD on ballet, dance and dance rehabilitation. Ballet daughter (physical therapist and currently a med student) Anika made a cameo in the presentation too. Bravi!
And for the grand finale (as the moderator Jay Esperon introduced me: “in her PARM debut”): Physiatry and the Performing Arts by yours truly.
Today we also launched PAMANA PH: Performing Arts Medicine Advocates National Association of the Philippines – our local group for Performing Arts Medicine. Pamana is the Filipino (Tagalog) word for legacy or inheritance. Stay tuned! Open to healthcare professionals, performing artists, educators and anyone interested in the healthcare needs of performing artists and the behind-the-scenes folks in the entertainment industry. Scan the QR code or visit the link below to join us 
PAMANA PH website: https://pamanaph.org
After both our talks and an open forum for Q&A, Doc Ren and I received certificates of appreciation from the organizers. As we were walking to the center of the stage, Doc Ren whispers to me, “Do you know how to curtsy?” I say, “As in ballet curtsy? Yes I do.” [thought bubble: yes, my three years of childhood ballet did teach me something I can use today!] “When we go to the center, I will bow and you can curtsy.” How performing artsy of us to do so 🙂
Many thanks to Drs. Pasch Celis, Ren Ramiro, and Mona Lim-Dungca for the photos.
