Quotations from Write-ups

Let’s absorb from our 2022 Most Outstanding Residents nominees how medical residents themselves stand out during the pandemic. Here are some excerpts from their submitted write-up, “How dis I stand out as a medical resident during the pandemic?” and “Why do you deserve to be the “MORIM”?”

“This pandemic surely tested our dedication to saving lives, but it did not stop me from loving my passion.” -Dr. Benedick Fronda (Premiere Medical Center)

“No one was really prepared for COVID, but we did our best and will continue to do so. Road to become a doctor is indeed a road not traveled by all, but despite all the hardships I will remain to choose to be one over and over again.” - Dr. Joseph Manuntag (Central Luzon Doctors Hospital)

“We faced resignations, and most of my co-residents were on quarantine until we were less than a skeleton of a workforce fighting the unseen. I was sailing through stress, uncertainties, and the safety of my family, but the circumstances did not hinder me from pursuing excellence.” - Dr. Kento Takahashi (Central Luzon Doctors Hospital)

“Despite the adversities amidst pandemic, never did I lose my drive to give a compassionate health care to all my patients.” - Dr. Jaylo Abalos, MD (Region I Medical Center)

“During the current pandemic, physicians have earned the title: ‘frontline warriors.’ This is due to the dedication, perseverance, and commitment to helping COVID-19 patients recover, often at personal cost.” - Dr. Ferdinand M. Anzo, MD (Batangas Medical Center)

“It really dawned on me that being a trainee and most importantly being a physician is not a simple matter of theories and principles applied to clinics. It is an embodiment of medical science and humanity and to stand as a leader in such time as this comes.” - Dr. Maru Claridad (Mary Mediatrix Medical Center)

“For me, this feat is nothing short of remarkable; I may hardly remember the times that I stood up during the pandemic, but it’s quite easy to recall how I managed to foster in them the spirit of bayanihan even in the hardest of times.” - Dr. Lloyd Christopher Lim (De La Salle University Medical Center)

“This pandemic will soon be written in history books and I’ll always be proud to tell my future children that I once become a part of the solution that brought the pandemic to a close.” - Dr. Matthew B. Miral (Mary Mediatrix Medical Center)

“A medical resident may shine not just because of exceptional knowledge, but it should also come with proper time management, passion and a teachable heart.” - Uzziel Alonzo (Fatima Medical Center)

“In the midst of all the difficulties, I felt the need to remain steadfast, reflect and go beyond what’s required of me. I grabbed the opportunities to be involved in researches which eventually shaped national health policies.” - John Jefferson Besa (Philippine General Hospital)

“My internal medicine residency training transformed me into much more---a battle-tested, patient-centered physician working at the frontlines while giving back to his community through services, research, and pedagogy.” - Jonnel Poblete (Philippine General Hospital)

“While the pandemic crippled many, as the chief resident, the team and I fought hard to ensure

that the residency program maintains its integrity to academic and clinical training while ensuring resident physical and mental well-being and adequacy of manpower. In pursuit of service, I may have missed personal accolades, but I am content in knowing that I had invested in the success of the Department and its constituents.” - Mae Madeleine Ang (St. Luke’s Medical Center – Global City)

“Outstanding for me equates to resilience and grit. I may not be the most stellar in academics, but I believe I have shown exceptional resilience and grit during my residency. I was tough –emotionally and mentally, I persevered, I remained focused and motivated in achieving my visions, not only for myself but also for the Department of Medicine.” - Elaine Louise L. Fernandez (Makati Medical Center)

“Fear for our life loomed, but we swore an oath & this is what we signed up for. It was tough, but we had one overarching goal - keep our patients physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually well.” - Gwen R. Marcellana (St. Luke’s Medical Center)

“I showed a lot of heart in my everyday work, focusing on the goal of substantial growth for myself and for all residents in a consistent manner.” - Roberto Martin Velez (Asian Hospital and Medical Center)

“Having embraced the “new normal” paradigm and keeping hospital doors open for all patients, I worked hard to build strong and effective relationships with my peers and juniors to create an environment where my co-residents can freely communicate their concerns.” - Julienne Marie Ramos (The Medical City - Pasig)

“Rather than standing out as an individual during the pandemic, I represented a collective of individuals who poured their unquestionable efforts despite allowing themselves to become vulnerable to the invisible harm.” - Roy Christopher Ang (National Kidney and Transplant Institute)

“I was an average student prior to the start of residency but with a sense of trainability, relentless grit, and fortitude, I developed the vision to see each challenge as an avenue for growth.” - Denise Joy Emmanuelle Lopez (St. Luke’s Medical Center – Quezon City)

“As medical students, the definition of a five-star physician has been instilled in us. The ideal profile of what a physician should be - a care provider, communicator, community leader, decision-maker, and manager. As a resident, I committed to becoming one.” - Tristan Paulo Madrigal (National Kidney and Transplant Institute)

“I have been given the great privilege to help my patients beyond their medical needs. I allot my prize money from contests and reserve a portion of my monthly tithes for my patients’ needs. My family and I also regularly donate blood for patients who will undergo surgical procedures.” - Maria Yna Eluisa Borlongan (East Avenue Medical Center)

“The community restrictions did not prevent me from continuing my advocacy: helping street children and the less fortunate ones, especially on their medical needs. I stood out in this pandemic because I crafted the art of sharing love, especially in this trying time.” - Allen Quirit (World Citi Medical Center)

“More than technical excellence, I have always put forth holistic care towards patients and their families – especially when we had to attend to them in makeshift emergency tents and as companions in isolation units. I have always extended kindness when at times, comfort is what we can offer best as doctors.” - Joseph Emmanuelle Siatan (National Kidney and Transplant Institute)

“There are numerous times when we get tired mentally, physically, and emotionally, but despite this, we remain loyal to our oath and commitment, because more than the salary, this for our family and country.” - Lawrence Cyril Vitug (Quirino Memorial Medical Center)

“Success is not measured by the quantity of medals or certificates I have piled up over my years of incessant determination. However, success is gauged by how you have exerted positive influence to people around.” - Daryl Dakay (Chong Hua Hospital Mandaue)

“Given my background in public management, I took the challenge as part of my contribution to end this pandemic. I planned for it, coordinated with key stakeholders, executed our plans smoothly, and delivered the desired output.” - Elrey P. Inocian (Perpetual Succour Hospital)

“Disappointments and setbacks only served to make me stronger I was entrusted a leadership position as assistant chief resident not only allowed me to hone my leadership skills but also taught me how to manage crises should they arise.” - Aaron Lemuel Ong (Chong Hua Hospital)

“As a physician, I knew that my profession is built on service to others; thus, I actively led and organized activities to provide health services beyond the hospital.” - Saidameer Said (Chong Hua Hospital)

“I always show optimism and share positive insights with my patients, especially internally displaced persons, that amidst everything that has happened to us, there is still “hope” in the mercy of Almighty God.” - Salahuddin C. Andam (Amai Pakpak Medical Center)

“Witnessing our patients fight and reunite with their families, I was motivated as a leader to inspire my team to continue marching to the frontlines and save as many as we could.” - Louisse Lynn Antoinette V. Young (Maria Reyna Xavier University Hospital)

“Beyond academic excellence, I believe what makes a resident outstanding is brilliance in character; for knowledge can be taught, but values are developed as a reflection of what is important to an individual.” - Vivien Quilla Ang (San Pedro Hospital)

“These experiences remind me to constantly uphold resiliency, braveness, and dynamism in whatever circumstance I may find myself.” - Benjo Ato (Southern Philippines Medical Center)

“I believe that being an outstanding resident, one must lead by being a good example and role model to other residents, allied healthcare workers, and to the community we belong.” - Katreena Bestudio (Davao Regional Medical Center)

“Sheer will, commitment, and dedication were what made each one of us stand out in these trying times. Despite the many challenges and difficulties that stood my way, the will to treat patients would still stand strong.” - Henrex Paul Alemon (West Visayas State University Medical Center)

“Learning how to be resilient, flexible, and practical helped me fulfill my roles and responsibilities as a medical resident. Being able to work well with others and becoming part of the medical team helped us all survive and overcome this crisis.” - Ranee Joy P. Bunda (West Visayas State University Medical Center)

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