12/05/2026
The Philippine Association for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (PAMOS) proudly launched its 1st Certifying Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Workshop during the Philippine College of Surgeons Midyear Convention last May 6, 2026 at The Medical City Clark.
This pioneering educational and surgical training initiative was conducted under the leadership of Dr.Miguel Mendoza(President ) and Dr. Jose Antonio Salud (Vice President) together with the Officers and Board of Directors of PAMOS, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to advancing excellence, safety, and standardization in metabolic and bariatric surgery training in the Philippines.
The landmark workshop marks a major step toward establishing a structured and competency-based certification pathway for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy among Filipino surgeons.
The program was spearheaded by Dr. Raymond Andrew Ong together with an esteemed panel of faculty members:
Dr. Sir Emmanuel Astudillo
Dr. Hildegardes Dineros
Dr. Marie Abigail Chan
Dr. Darwin Salonga
Dr. Michelle Lim-Loo
Dr. Raymund Joaquin Erese
Dr. Herson Sadian Jr .
The certifying course was designed into three progressive phases to ensure both cognitive understanding and technical proficiency in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy:
🔹 Phase 1 – Didactic Learning
Comprehensive lectures focused on patient selection, perioperative management, operative strategies, complication prevention, and standardization of sleeve gastrectomy techniques, highlighting evidence-based practice and multidisciplinary bariatric care.
🔹 Phase 2 – Hands-On Ex Vivo Animate Model Training
Participants engaged in intensive hands-on simulation training utilizing ex vivo animate models to practice stapling techniques, tissue handling, energy device utilization, and management of intraoperative challenges under faculty supervision.
🔹 Phase 3 – Supervised Clinical Sleeve Gastrectomy Cases
Participants will perform supervised laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy procedures under direct mentorship in accredited facilities, followed by objective evaluation and validation based on established competency standards.
Upon successful completion and faculty endorsement, participants will be awarded a Certificate of Competency in Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy from Philippine Association for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
This milestone initiative reflects PAMOS’ vision of strengthening structured bariatric surgical education while promoting patient safety, technical excellence, and responsible credentialing of future metabolic and bariatric surgeons in the country.
Thank you Medtronic, Karl Storz and Intelleq Medical
