PSA Panay-Iloilo celebrates the National Anesthesiology Week with an exhibit
DR. MARCOS BITO-ONON
Anesthesia is the process of blocking the perception of pain and other related sensation. It is essential in certain surgical procedures, may it be local, regional or general. As early as 10th century, medical practitioners in Persia recognized the use of a wine agent that produces unconsciousness during Cesarean operations. From then on, different kinds of chemicals such as nitrous oxide, diethyl ether or sulfuric ether and chloroform were utilized. Cocaine, considered as the first local anesthetic, was initially utilized by Karl Koller as suggested by Sigmund Freud for opthalmic surgery. Today, anesthetics are widely used in hospitals all over the world.
Every 3rd week of October, anesthesiologists from all over the country celebrate the National Anesthesiologists Week. Adjunct to that, the Philippine Society of Anesthesiologists Panay-Iloilo Chapter, headed by its dynamic president Dr. Marcos Bito-onon, hosted the First Anesthesia Week Exhibit at the lower ground floor of SM City Iloilo. The event was formally opened last October 17, 2006. Old equipment from various circa as well as images captured on or before a surgical procedure involving sedation though anesthesia were on display. Plaques for being the National Champion in Tagisan ng Talino 2004 and Most Outstanding Chapter Awards for 2000 (Iloilo Chapter) under the presidency of Dr. Julia P. Mabunay.
"It's my first year as a president of the PSA Panay-Iloilo Chapter. We decided to have this exhibit to make the people aware of our presence. That is my battle cry," explains Dr. Bito-onon.
The PSA Panay-Iloilo Chapter has 35 members from Iloilo, 9 members form Capiz, 5 from Antique, 5 from Aklan and one from Guimaras. As of now, there are about 13 trainees who are distributed in West Visayas State University Hospital and Western Visayas Medical Center in Mandurriao.
Every month they all gather for a conference and case presentation with distinguished speakers to update them with the latest trend in their field.
"We are the unsung heroes for decades. Most people don't realize that the operation will not be possible without an anesthesiologist. Only well-informed patients know that their lives are in our hands," says Dr. Fidela Calimoso-Confesor, one of the first five anesthesiologist in the city as well as the first Ilonggo Chairperson of the Western Visayas Chapter.
Aside from an exhibit which will run until Sunday, there will be a bowling tournament which will be held today. Moreover, Dr. Edgard Simon, a Manila-based anesthesiologist, will be conducting a lecture on Obstetric Anesthesiology on Saturday. A thanksgiving party will then follow.
The fast-growing number of anesthesiologists make some of the critical transplants and operations that were usually done only in Manila available here. Now, Ilonggos can benefit from painless and less expensive surgeries possible.