The only Filipino known internationally for her outstanding contribution in the Field of Cytopathology, Annette Laurente Salillas MD, FPSP, FASCP, MIAC – Chairman – Professor of Anatomic and Clinical Pathology Department of SWU – Matias H. Aznar Memorial College of Medicine Inc., in the company of the most respected minds in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine during the 2014 Annual Meeting of the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) held in Tampa, Florida last October 8-10, presented her paper entitled “Hobnail Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: Report of a Clinically Aggressive Variant” in line with this year’s meeting themed – “BEYOND THE LAB” – diving deep into the latest innovations, current conditions and best practices in anatomic and clinical pathology.
An Interventional Cytopathologist and a member of the International Academy of Cytology Dr. Salillas globally represented the Philippines for more than 17 years.
She delivered the profferred paper entitled “Preliminary Review of the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology: A Local Study in Bohol Island, Philippines” in last year’s 18th International Cytology Congress. “Towards a more personalized medicine through the art of cytopathology” was the theme of the said event participated by 1,200 delegates from 80 countries held in Paris, France as an exchange platform for cytopathologists, cytotechnologists and other professions sharing the same objective but coming from different countries with variety of backgrounds. The congress reflected the growing importance of Cytopathology in the world.
She also presented in other notable international meetings such as the International Cytology Congress (ICC) in 2004 in Santiago, Chile; European Cytology Congress (ECC) in 2005 in Paris, France; WASPaLM/RCPA Congress in 2009, Sydney, Australia and the International Academy of Pathology (IAP) Congress in 2012, Capetown, South Africa papers related to “Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy” popularly called FNAB, which she introduced here in Cebu and Bohol and is advocating it as a Simple, Accurate, Fast and Economical (SAFE) way of diagnosing tumors and non-neoplastic lesions.
A “cell-lover” by nature has driven her to make these several contributions in cytology. Thus was awarded in February 22, 2006 as one of the Outstanding Individual Award in the field of medicine by the City of Cebu. Clinicians and patients alike have reaped, are reaping, and will continue to reap the harvest of her expertise and passion of her work.
Graduated Cum Laude and a consistent scholar throughout the Medical Technology course, a recipient of the Warner Lambert Scholarship Award in Medicine. Conferred by the Philippine Medical Association as the Most Outstanding Medical Student upon her graduation.
According to her, “it is not only enough for professors to impart their knowledge and experience to their students but what is most important is to live through their own ideals by being the best that they can be.”