Associate member of the PSMO

I was officially inducted as an associate member of the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology last night. The ceremony was prerecorded. The video clip began with our replies to the question, "What is the most important lesson you learned during this pandemic?" I gave a short but truthful reply, "I learned to trust in God alone." Others gave fascinating answers, most of them quotable soundbites. Fred gave the Korean heart sign at the end. Rich spoke about the politics of health. Karen alluded to the distance and nearness of human company. Roger talked about the "mess" of this Covid-19 crisis, the most exasperated version of him on camera. Kgel from the University of Santo Tomas threw in the word, "plasticity," clearly an offshoot of her readings in DeVita about the defining characteristics of cancer. Marge, also from UST, talked about valuing the things and people that matter the most. It amazed me how many new fellows were comfortable in front of the camera. Toni sounded like a morning show host! Congratulations to all the new associate members! I feel so honored to be counted in your company.