EDITORIAL By Agnes Alarilla-Alba, MD FPPS,FPSN, FPNSP
The changes that we are experiencing due to the PANDEMIC has had a great impact on our communication patterns. The shift to virtual communication has its own advantages and disadvantages. In the field of Nephrology, it has changed plans on how Continuing Medical Education (CME) activities will be conducted. First, the annual convention was shifted to a webinar series. Then the PSN board review was conducted thru virtual lectures. The examination was carried out thru a platform and featured Zoom proctoring. Even the Accreditation process was conducted virtually. The Website was then activated and all social media platforms were utilized – from Facebook to Twitter, just to be able to reach our members. The medium has changed but the processes continue. Transfer of information is faster and people far from one another can now meet virtually. However, we must also be conscious about the variable effects of such communication because they are permanent, recorded and easily searchable. We must be cautious of the implications of the thoughts we share. In reality, no matter the form of communication, these correspondence may pose legal, regulatory and compliance risks if proper precautions are not taken. It is indeed historical but it is going to be part of the norm in the years to come. It actually makes people closer and there is easier access to foreign speakers. Both attendees and speakers do not need to travel and the expenses are much lower. What we miss are the warm bodies and the five senses actively coordinating to form a perfect perception. The sense of touch and smell took a back seat. Whether we find these changes interesting or annoying simply depends on the individual. What is best is to quickly adapt to these changes so life moves on and that we should all strive to be the best in whatever situation we are in so that our communication and our connections continue.
