July

The misuse or inappropriate use of antibiotics has led to the development of medicine’s toughest adversary: the Superbug. With antibiotic resistance as its shield, this bug is difficult to treat even with available potent antimicrobials. In this issue, we explore how mankind’s unchecked and irresponsible use of antibiotics could lead to a possible pandemic in the near future, making true the old adage: we create our own monsters.

Cover stories by Ma. Cristina C. Arayata and Francis James B. Gatdula

Cover layout and design by Chona M. Duroga

June

We’re now in the 21st century, but cancer has remained a deadly disease that strikes fear among laymen and doctors alike, due to its incurability and devastating effects. But the light at the end of the tunnel now appears to be getting brighter. The discovery that cancer may be caused by viruses has paved the way for the development of the vaccine against the human papilloma virus which has been identified to cause cervical cancer.

In this issue, discover the painstaking process that went into creating the first-ever cancer vaccine co-developed by Professor Ian Frazer, who recently visited the Philippines for a lecture series. Know how this vaccine has opened the door which might just pave the way to finding cancer’s elusive cure.

Cover stories by Ma. Cristina C. Arayata, Emil Karlo A. Dela Cruz, Francis James B. Gatdula, and Edelrita C. Rizo

Cover photo by V. Glenn L. Orion

May

Limitless! This may well describe the vast potential of stem cell research and its future medical use. Though still controversial in some areas, it provides medicine’s “glowing hope” for varied diseases with no known effective cure, yet. With a capability beyond the full understanding of present-day science, stem cells can lead to the rebirth of damaged tissues, and the elimination of harmful cells. But at what price does this modern-day miracle cost, both in the financial and ethical aspect?

Cover stories by Francis James B. Gatdula and Mary Jessa T. Caritativo

Cover photo by V. Glenn L. Orion

April

On March 5, 2011, the medical community lost one of its most esteemed mentors when Dr. Gregorio B. Patacsil, Jr. succumbed to refractory ventricular arrhythmia due to chronic heart failure. True to his title, the ‘guru’ was giving what would be his final lecture when he collapsed and was rushed to a hospital; but not without promising to finish his lecture once he got better.

This issue is dedicated to remembering the legacy of the great doctor, straight from the hearts of the family, colleagues, friends and students whose lives he had touched.

Cover stories by Ramon F. Abarquez, Jr., MD, Jean Alcover, MD, Raul Diaz Jara, MD, Rogelio Tangco, MD, Ereka Ricafranca, MD, Norma Margarita Patacsil, and Mary Jessa Caritativo

Cover photo courtesy of PATACSIL FAMILY

March

This issue delves into the world of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), an incurable inflammatory disease which weakens the fatty myelin sheaths around the nerve’s axons. Like rope hanging by a thread, MS weakens the critical link between the brain and the spinal cord unraveling problems for all bodily systems.

Cover story by Francis James B.  Gatdula
Cover photo by V. Glenn Orion

February

Doctors Willie and Liza Ong are two of a kind, yet opposites in some ways. Like the left and right hemispheres of the brain, they perform very different functions, but synergize to a point that each feels useless without the other. He, an intern and she, a clerk, in roles often at odds with each other in the halls of DLSUMC, they began to build what some could call a match made in medschool heaven.

Text and photo by V. Glenn L. Orion

January

Mention “medical education” to an aspiring med student and the University of Santo Tomas (UST) would probably come to mind. Over the years, this institution has become synonymous with the field of medicine for its high-quality education, not to mention the top-notch doctors it has produced including our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. Now, as UST celebrates its quadricentennial anniversary this January, the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery refocuses on its vision, and braces itself for whatever challenges the coming years may bring.

Cover story by Emil Karlo A. dela Cruz

Cover photo by Paul Allyson R. Quiambao

December

The medical specialty of Gerontology takes center stage in this issue, which highlights evidence-based recommendations to achieve longevity and a holistically enhanced quality of life. The goal is not only to add years to one’s life, but add life to one’s years. Dr. Ramon F. Abarquez, Jr. and Dr. Homobono B. Calleja, our two doctors on the cover who belong to H&L’s esteemed Medical Advisory Board (MAB), share their personal ‘secrets’ to longevity and sustained productivity.

Cover stories by Emil Karlo A. Dela Cruz, Ana Carmela G. Ledesma and V. Glenn L. Orion

Cover photo by V.  Glenn L. Orion

November

It can happen to anyone – a friend, an officemate, or even a loved-one. Most often, diabetes mellitus comes swiftly and brings devastating effects, even leading to amputation or a fatal heart attack if left unchecked or untreated. Luckily, there are several ways to treat this disease, and with timely lifestyle interventions, you can even prevent it from happening altogether.

Cover stories by Jamille D. Alcid, Emil Karlo A. Dela Cruz, V. Glenn L. Orion, and Dr. Ereka C. Ricafranca

Cover photo by V. Glenn L. Orion

October

The bones serve the important role of keeping our vital organs intact. It also  supports our muscles and produces blood cells, enabling us to do our daily activities. However, lack of the proper nutrition and care for the bones can have us literally toppling over with diseases such as osteoporosis and bone erosion. The worst part? Not knowing when these diseases will strike.

This issue shows what the chances are of us acquiring these bone-crippling afflictions, as well as what can be done to keep from becoming victims.

Cover stories by Jims Vincent T. Capuno, Ana Carmela G. Ledesma, Armand A. Mortejo, Victor Glenn L. Orion, Jose Martin Punzalan, and Henrylito D. Tacio

Cover photo by Victor Glenn L. Orion