10/10/2025
I don't really write about things like this here, but indulge me this time.
I am a first-generation medical doctor, the first in our family—not the son of doctors. A man from a province in Mindanao who started and built a career here in Metro Cebu.
Tonight, I received a nomination for a Service Excellence Award. I was only a nominee, but this is a huge thing for me. For someone who worked his ass off to make a mark in Cebu's medical canvas, this nomination is not just a mere nomination but a testament to the fact that I have a space here: A space to grow my own practice, a space to have my own patients, and a space to serve others.
It may be trivial for those who are already up there, but this solidifies the fact that I can make a difference. At this time, subspecialized or not, it is how you touch the lives of the patients you have that matters.
I was asked by a consultant with a subspecialty when I would subspecialize. To which I answered, "With everything that has happened in my life and that is currently happening, I think I am happy where I stand." She then replied, "Ok rana sa karon kay bago pa naay patients pero hantud kanus-a?"
I had no reply at that time, but as months passed by, I came to realize that as long as there are patients who need to be initially seen, patients who need to be worked up, patients who need to understand their situation, and patients who need to be referred to the right subspecialist, I will stand my ground as a general internist.
The Hospital at Maayo may not be as big and as tenured as the others, but I am grateful to it. Its growth, sustained me and somewhat put stability in my practice.
So I say, THANK YOU to The Hospital at Maayo, THANK YOU to my patients who trust me and come back, and most of all, THANK YOU to the almighty God for the blessings that I have received.
