Ralph Elvi M Villalobos

When I presented the results of my meta-analysis (a rather very controversial topic on electronic cigarettes), I was really nervous that I will be thrown with many criticisms because I touched a topic which was very dangerous, yet timely.

My paper demonstrated that e-cigarettes were effective smoking cessation tools as compared to placebo or nicotine replacement therapy: however, due to heavy safety concerns, it cannot be recommended as of this time for that particular indication.

The chair of my session had commented that "although the paper has demonstrated efficacy, the effects are modest compared to the huge safety risks and definitely cannot be recommended". This comment hit me greatly and had me thinking about the recommendations regarding my study. I will definitely look into my study deeper and consider recommendations given by the audience and the chairman of the sessions. Definitely, the end does not always justify the means.

Over-all, being an attendee of various respiratory congresses worldwide, the European Respiratory Society Congress has always been the most respected and groundbreaking of all congresses.

Breakthrough management of asthma, tuberculosis and other important lung diseases were presented in this event.

The ERS Congress is very different from the rest because it boasts papers from all over the world, not just limited to a certain geographic region, and definitely papers presented here are of great importance. To be accepted to present my paper in this event is indeed a great esteem.

It is my second time being awarded by the APSR its most coveted Young Investigator Awardee (the first time was for the Japanese Respiratory Society Convention), and it is always a great honour and gratitude to be given this award.

To top it all off, being listened to by no less than the APSR President, Dr Kwun Fong, during the presentation is both nerve-wracking and also very inspiring. And to get a comment that the presentation was "great and concise" just brings me joy.

Thank you to the APSR and ERS. I will definitely echo the learnings that I have gained during the last ERS to our colleagues in the Philippines and try to improve healthcare decisions in my country.

Muchas Gracias!