A THOMASIAN researcher became the first person to obtain a doctorate in medical technology in the Philippines, reaching the feat with a dissertation focused on the early diagnosis of pregnancy-related diabetes.
Asst. Prof. Mariejim Payot of the Faculty of Pharmacy, who obtained the degree on June 14, explored the potential of genetic biomarkers in aiding in the early detection of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
GDM is a condition that causes high blood sugar during pregnancy and can pose serious risks to both mother and child.
Her study, titled “Differential Expression of Five Genes among Filipino Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Patients,” focuses on identifying early genetic indicators of the condition.
“Early detection of GDM is critical,” Payot told the Varsitarian. “For mothers, it can help prevent long-term consequences like the development of type 2 diabetes. For the offspring, it can lead to improved birth outcomes and a lower risk of metabolic disorders later in life.”
Early diagnosis, Payot said, not only supports long-term health outcomes but also helps maintain better blood sugar control during pregnancy.
This lowers the risk of complications such as excessive fetal growth (macrosomia), premature delivery, and pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders, such as preeclampsia.
While the study requires further validation from obstetricians and other researchers, Payot said it could eventually lead to more proactive and personalized maternal care.
“They could play a vital role in identifying women who are at higher risk of developing GDM, even before clinical symptoms appear, as early as the first trimester,” she said.
“This could open doors to more personalized care, where early monitoring and targeted lifestyle interventions can be introduced, reducing the risk of complications for both mother and child,” she said.
Payot entered UST’s medical technology doctorate program in 2017. UST is the first university in the Philippines to offer the program.
“This milestone reflects a promising future for medical technology in the Philippines, one that is bright, dynamic, and full of potential,” she said. “I hope it inspires others to pursue higher studies and contribute to shaping the direction of our field in healthcare and scientific advancement.”
Payot obtained her bachelor’s degree in medical technology from UST. She teaches courses in bacteriology, mycology, and virology at the Faculty of Pharmacy.
The doctorate in medical technology at UST is a 50-credit unit program.
Housed under the Doctor of Philosophy program of the Graduate School, it includes courses in advanced endocrinology, microbial pathogenetics, and biomedical engineering.
