A Journey Through Vascular Medicine: The Evolution of Care in the Philippines
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By
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Maria Teresa B Abola
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January 7, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: A Journey Through Vascular Medicine: The Evolution of Care in the Philippines
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Peripheral artery disease (PAD) and peripheral vascular disease (PVD) |
| Key Mechanisms | Vascular pathology affecting peripheral arteries requiring specialized vascular medicine expertise |
| Target Population | Patients with peripheral artery disease and other vascular diseases in the Philippines |
| Care Setting | Philippine Heart Center, St Luke’s Medical Center, and other tertiary cardiovascular centers in the Philippines |
Key Highlights
- Establishment of the first Vascular Clinic at the Philippine Heart Center in 1982 led by Dr Florimond Garcia.
- Launch of the first peripheral vascular medicine fellowship training program in the Philippines in 1991 by Dr Fatima Collado.
- Development of vascular medicine training programs modeled after international standards, including Cleveland Clinic Foundation training.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Use of nonimaging Doppler transducers and oculopneumoplethysmograph for vascular disease assessment.
- Training in nonimaging (physiological) and imaging vascular lab procedures for accurate diagnosis.
Management
- Multidisciplinary approach involving vascular surgeons, cardiologists, and vascular medicine specialists.
- Completion of a 3-year cardiology fellowship as a prerequisite before vascular medicine training.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Ongoing education and training through fellowship programs and international collaborations.
- Regular vascular laboratory assessments to monitor disease progression and treatment efficacy.
Risks
- Potential delay in vascular disease management when care is limited to surgical services alone.
- Need for specialized vascular medicine expertise to optimize patient outcomes.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Patients with peripheral artery disease and other peripheral vascular conditions in the Philippines.
Integration of vascular medicine specialists in patient care improves management beyond surgical interventions.
Clinical Best Practices
- Establish vascular medicine fellowship programs to train specialists in comprehensive vascular care.
- Encourage multidisciplinary collaboration between cardiologists, vascular surgeons, and internists.
- Adopt international training standards and incorporate advanced vascular diagnostic techniques.
- Promote continuous professional development through local and international expert exchanges.
References
