MMTN Philippines and the 5th PCMN Meeting

Joint meeting of the first local MMTN and the 5th PCMN

As an offshoot of the highly successful MMTN series, the Asia Fungal Working Group (AFWG) held its first local MMTN in the Philippines. The first Medical Mycology Training Network (MMTN) – Philippines was held jointly with the 5th Philippine Clinical Mycology Network (PCMN) Meeting on May 13-14, 2016 at the Cebu Institute of Medicine in Cebu, Philippines. Around 60 physicians and medical technologists from the Philippines attended the 2-day event.

AFWG Executive Committee member Dr Mitzi Chua from the Philippines opened the MMTN, followed by presentations on fungal infections by other AFWG colleagues, Chair Professor Arunaloke Chakrabarti (India) and Dr Ariya Chindamporn (Thailand). Dr Virginia Mesola (Philippines) shared data on Philippine epidemiology of invasive fungal infections and local fungal diagnostics.

Similar to regional MMTNs, there were opportunities to break off into clinical and laboratory groups for more focused learning. There were several opportunities for case-based discussions, promoting interaction among the participants and faculty. Overall, the feedback for the first MMTN Philippines was positive, and showed the participants benefited greatly from the unique and “highly informative” educational experience.

The MMTN series was established by the AFWG to provide essential knowledge and practical experience in medical mycoses, ultimately helping to improve patient outcomes across the Asia-Pacific region.