St. Frances Cabrini Medical Center (SFCMC) recently hosted an informative forum on Organ Donation, gathering medical experts, healthcare professionals, and community responders to discuss the significance of organ donation and address common misconceptions surrounding the topic, on October 9, 2024 at the LPU-SC New Auditorium.

The event began with an opening message from Dr. Nathaniel E. Agoncillo, who welcomed the attendees and emphasized the importance of understanding the process of organ donation, particularly in the Philippines where the need for organ donors continues to grow.

The forum featured a series of lectures led by top medical professionals in their respective fields. Dr. Paolo Pinkerton Alamillo, an Adult Nephrologist, discussed the realities of kidney transplantation, aiming to correct widespread myths. He shared key information on how the procedure works and the long-term benefits for both donors and recipients.

This was followed by Dr. Mark Louie Lanting, a General Surgeon, who presented the surgical aspects of kidney transplantation. His talk provided an in-depth look into the procedure, from pre-surgery preparations to post-operative care, helping the audience understand the vital role of surgeons in successful organ transplants.

A highlight of the forum was the lecture by Dr. Novito Magsino, a neurologist, who spoke about the declaration of brain death and the neurologic criteria involved. This discussion clarified the crucial process of determining brain death, a key factor in organ donation decisions.

Ms. Blossom Faith O. Arnejo – Arepentido, RN, concluded the lecture series by discussing the essential role of transplant coordinators like her at the Human Organ Preservation Effort (HOPE) under the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI). She highlighted the step-by-step process of organ donation and how transplant coordinators work closely with donors’ families and medical professionals to ensure the ethical and smooth management of organ donations.

The forum concluded with an open Q&A session moderated by Dr. Agoncillo, where participants engaged with the speakers to address lingering questions about organ donation. The event aimed to dispel doubts and inspire more Filipinos to consider becoming organ donors, highlighting the life-saving impact this decision can have on patients awaiting transplants.

As part of its ongoing advocacy, SFCMC continues to promote organ donation awareness and encourages the public to learn more about how they can contribute to this life-saving cause.