About Our Society


The Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases or PSMID is the country's leading professional association of specialists in infectious diseases and microbiology. Among its ranks are members who are the pillars of the subspecialty in the Philippines, eminent practitioners of national and international stature and stars in the academe. Both quality and reputation of its members allow the Society to soar to heights of achievements.

In 1970, a group of physicians, realizing the need for an organization dedicated to the study of infectious diseases in the country, met at the Swiss Inn in Paco, Manila. Soon afterwards, a series of discussions between this original group of twelve men and women, the leading infectious disease specialists and practitioners at that time formally established the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID).

The Society was formally organized on January 27, 1972 with the induction of the first set of officers headed by Dr. Elpidio Gamboa (1972-1973) as the first President. PSMID's charter was signed on May 23, 1972 by eleven persons namely, Drs. Elpidio Gamboa, Rodolfo Jao, Benjamin Limson, Pedro Chanco, Thelma Tupasi, Lourdes Campos, Ernesto Valdez, Cesar Uylangco, Virginia Sevilla, Joaquin Sumpaico, and Antonio Gonzaga. On this day, the PSMID pledged itself to the study and research of infectious diseases and microbiology in the Philippines and work for the enactment of appropriate laws that would further their interests of the Society and of the patient.

Among the initial efforts were the establishment of scientific meetings with a very collegial and supportive atmosphere and the launching of the Philippine Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, the official scientific publication of the Society which exists to this day.

In 1974, under the leadership of the second President, Dr. Cesar Uylangco (1974-1975), post-graduate courses were initiated in collaboration with local medical societies throughout the country. As the membership expanded, the distinction between a regular member versus a fellow of the Society was defined.

Since then, the membership has grown considerably. So, in order to keep up and safeguard high standards in the subspecialty, the Philippine Specialty Board for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases was established. Not only was the membership expanded during the stewardship of Dr. Joaquin Sumpaico (1976) but also the number of postgraduate courses and scientific meetings.

The first annual convention was held in 1978. Local and foreign leaders in the subspecialty came together. Dr. Bienvenido Alora (1977-1978) took the helm of office and recognized outstanding physicians in infectious diseases with the PSMID-Bristol Awards, and the trust fund dedicated to continuing medical education was also established.

Research was given focus and encouragement by Dr. Luis Mayo-Lao (1979-1980) with the establishment of the PSMID-United Research Paper Contest, which exists to this day. In terms of Dr. Urbano Mendoza (1981-1982) and Dr. Angeles Tan-Alora (1983-1984), the Society's expanding scientific activities and postgraduate courses continues unabated. 

Research was further highlighted during the term of Dr. Benjamin Limson (1985-1986) with the PSMID-Roche Award. International exchange of ideas also blossomed during the 9th Annual Convention in 1986, when Asian leaders of infectious diseases and microbiology formed the short-lived Asian Federation of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Dr. Bienvenido Alora as President of the organization.

In 1987, the international involvement of PSMID continued to flourish with the assumption of Dr. Alberto Alcantara (1987-1988) into office. In that year, the society sponsored the country's first International Congress on AIDS and other STDs. Since then, the membership further multiplied and even more were drawn to the Society's scientific meetings. 

From the original twelve men and women who met at the Swiss Inn, the PSMID now counts more than 800 in its roster. It has also grown in the extent of its activities and programs. 

1989 saw the PSMID tackle issues of clinical importance. The president Dr. Mediadora Saniel (1989-1990) created working committees such as the Antibiotic Task Force and the Infection Control Committee. These two, remain active to this time. Since then, PSMID has vigorously pursued public health goals as well as objectives focusing professional standards and ethics in the Philippines.



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