Makati Medical Center Pioneers in Cardio-Oncology Training in the ASEAN Region

Like in most other countries where the COVID-19 pandemic decimated lives and paralyzed economies, the Philippines was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of the pandemic on a global scale and the worsening epidemic of cancer treatment-related CV toxicities were equally devastating. However, this did not hinder the Section of Cardiology in Makati Medical Center (MMC) to pursue the vision of putting up a new training program. Recognizing the burden of cancer in the country and the emerging need for a discipline that encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and its impact on cardiovascular health, steps were to put up a program that addresses this complex issue - in the midst of a pandemic. In February 2022, the Section of Cardiology communicated its plans to the leadership of the Philippine Heart Association (PHA) who recognized the initiative as basically aligned with the objectives of the Council on Cardio-Oncology to strike a balance between cancer treatments and CV morbidities. Being the pioneer training program for CO in the country, not only was the program recognized, but was also extolled as “another milestone in Philippine Cardiology”. The training commenced last August 2022 with two trainees who were warmly received not only by the PHA and the MMC Community, but by the ICOS leadership and component ICOS chapter leaders as well. Executive Director, Stephen Casselli through his invaluable endorsement and support for the program, made the observership rotation possible with the different ICOS chapters.