PCP held its 56^th annual meeting at the SMX Convention Center in Manila, May 3-6, hosted by Dr. Nemencio Nicodemus, President PCP and Dr. Maaliddin Biruar, vice president and chair of scientific program committee.  The theme was “EVOLVES: from conventional to transformational”. It was attended by approximately 11,000 internal medicine physicians and trainees from Philippines and other countries. All sessions were in English. Topics covered included a wide variety of acute, hospital medicine and ambulatory care. There was focus on climate influences on health, other public health issues of regional interest, advocacy, ethics and AI. There were speakers from several neighboring countries, Europe, US and Australia as well as those from the Philippines. Over 100 posters describing case reports, clinical and basic science studies carried out by trainees, were prominently displayed outside the presentation halls.

The opening ceremony and convocation was attended by over 3000 physicians including 600 new IM diplomats, conference attendees and those receiving awards and honorary fellowships. Honorary Fellowship was conferred on Dr. Opole from ACP and Dr. Hood from ISIM. The Keynote address given by Dr. Nenita Collantes, former president of PCP, encouraged physicians to maximize their role as teachers to help patients navigate this challenging world of information and misinformation. The ceremonies were followed by a dramatic light show and dance performance celebrating the PCP and then the President’s Reception.

ISIM President, Dr. Virginia Hood, President, gave a keynote address on “Multimorbidity, sustainability and the Future of Internal Medicine”. ISIM EC member and ACP past president, Dr. Isaac Opole, spoke on “Redefining the Internist Role: primary care at the heart of modern medicine”. Dr Sally Nasution, EC member, was also present.

Dr. Diana Payawal, former president of PCP and several other prior presidents of PCP who form the steering committee for the 2028 WCIM to be held in Manila, had lunch with Dr. Hood to discuss plans.

All were looking forward to the 39^th WCIM in Manila, 2028