This third issue of the PSEM Endocrine Update echoes the perspective of the Filipino endocrinologists serving the needs of the Filipino patients and at the same time, keeping track of the important developments in both basic and clinical endocrinology. Our contributors in this issue write about a wide range of topics that reflect the nature of our specialty: PHYSIOLOGIC, STIMULATORY, RESPONSIVE and CONNECTING. Indeed, INTEGRATION is the primary characteristic of all endocrine systems and should be the defining path of any endocrine society. The PSEM therefore continues to be the control center of endocrine-related activities in the country and the link to the international network of endocrine societies. Hence, as PSEM’s channel of communication, the PSEM Endocrine Update connects the Filipino community of endocrinologists among themselves and links them to their global counterparts. After our impressive presence at the AFES Congress 2009 in Bangkok, the PSEM will be actively participating in the International Congress of Endocrinology (ICE) this March in Kyoto, Japan. As a member of the International Society of Endocrinology (ISE), the PSEM continues to collaborate with its international colleagues in addressing the challenges of endocrinology today.

Our articles in this issue demonstrate the variety of endocrine issues that have been the focus of recent PSEM activities. Our feature articles include a discussion on hemoglobin A1c in the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus by Immediate Past President and Diabetes Working Group Chair Laura Trajano-Acampado, a digest on carcinoid syndrome by Cherrie Gail Lumapas-Gonzalez, a synopsis on the approach to ambiguous genitalia by our frequently invited pediatric endocrinologist, Lorna Ramos-Abad and a quick look on athletes’ abuse of steroids by Associate Editor Aimee Andag-Silva. Our Research Corner highlights the diabetes study in the community setting headed by Past President Elizabeth Paz-Pacheco and which was awarded the BRIDGES grant by the International Diabetes Federation. PSEM Research Chair and Associate Editor Cecile Jimeno reports on the PSEM’s research presentations at the AFES Congress 2009 in Bangkok and on the outcome of the recent 11th Endocrine Fellows’ Research Forum. Some of PSEM’s most active and dynamic members fill us in on the flurry of PSEM’s activities in the recent months. Director Nemencio Nicodemus reports on the PSEM-MSD Diabetes Symposium that featured Professor Stefano del Prato from Italy. Director Bien Matawaran updates us on the PSEM’s participation at the AFES Congress in Bangkok. SLMC fellow Danivic Ramirez relishes on the fantastic disco-themed PSEM Christmas and Thanksgiving party. Treasurer and Thyroid Working Group Co-Chair Sjoberg Kho relates the celebration of Goiter Awareness Week this year, while Iris isip-Tan recounts the PSEM’s involvement in the joint convention of the Philippine Society of Hypertension and the Philippine Lipid and Atherosclerosis Society. Davao-based Suzette Quiaoit-Alegarbes sends in her account of the 2nd PSEM Lipid Weekend Course. SLMC fellow Cristina Chua and PGH fellow Cindy Josol write about the recent 60th and 61st PSEM Interhospital Grand Rounds, respectively. Vice-President and Scientific Chair Leilani Mercado-Asis gives a glimpse of the upcoming Pre-Congress on Prediabetes and Metabolic Syndrome and the Annual Convention. Finally, President Patricia Gatbonton gives her inspiring message to keep the PSEM spirit alive.

It has been a wonderful year for the PSEM Endocrine Update and I am honored to have served you, dear PSEM members, and to have worked with my dedicated and talented Associate Editors. I am certain that with PSEM’s able leadership and committed membership, the future will bring the PSEM to greater heights and I am doubly certain the PSEM Endocrine Update will be there as PSEM’s channel of effective and relevant communication. As always, your feedback and input are welcome.

Gabriel “Levy” Jasul, Jr.