Connexus A.Y. 2019-2020

The Official School Publication of Xavier University - Dr. Jose P. Rizal School of Medicine A.Y 2019-2020

contents

3 not all heroes wear capes 4 connecting while keeping distance 5 xu-jprsm bags overall first-runner up in apmc-sn regcon 6 news 7 health is political 8 connexus asks 9 physicians & passions 10 portfolio 12 xavier cup 2019: howling through the history 14 med week 2019 in a nutshell 15 the comeback of polio after 19 years 16 social media and medicine 17 a day in the life of a clerk 18 dr. berdon’s journey: shifting perspectives, molding lives 19 how’s and why’s: the pursuit of becoming doctors for others 20 awaken the book lover within 21 entertainment corner 22 editor’s note

THE COVER

What do you see?

I see stories of struggle and victory Individuals from different walks of life willing to give and sacrifice With determination, passion, and courage Mastering every skill and knowledge What do you see?

I see students who are doctors to be.

A.Y 2019-2020 Editorial Board Princess Antonette Sotelo. Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Estorba. Associate Editor Roch Bandala. News Editor Mickaela Frances Daclag. Feature Editor Karl Ansel Santiago. Entertainment Editor Dan Exerlin Bonete. Layout Artist Renz Mejares. Photographer Photo Contributors Herald Campugan Nikka Mojica Cristy Salupado Staff Writers & Contributors Karla Amba Louren Aranas Fretzene Arances Rika Castro Ian Gabrielle Cuyno Magie Edma Diovince Paulo Kinaging Jemimah Morales Jan Percales JC James Romero Nessa Cathrina Sabud Karen Tanseco Bianca Watanabe Moderator Dr. Dures Fe Tagayuna Publishers Subscribing students of Xavier University – Dr. Jose P. Rizal School of Medicine For inquiries, contributions, comments and suggestions: CONNEXUS Publication Dr. Jose P. Rizal School of Medicine, Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan Mortola – Hayes Streets, Cagayan de Oro City, 9000 connexus.jprsm@gmail.com

Words by Jae Ann Asperin Photo by Jonathan Estorba Models from left to right Aarone Tagal Princess Sotelo Tristan Acenas Dan Bonete Nessa Sabud

We at the medical school have always been fascinated by the way in which the human body works.

From a hard-working heart to the incredible brain, every part in the body has a role to perform in order for human survival. In the same way, each of the medical students has a role that makes up the body of the XU-JPRSM medicine community.

Just as we are always intrigued about the human condition, we are also in a quest to exhibit the different stories of those who study it. Right up front, every article in this issue speaks to challenges, opportunities, and victories brought about by the academic year of 2019-2020. It showcases the different school activities on how we were able to broaden our knowledge through the different lecture series and discussions, develop clinical competence and confidence, improve teamwork skills, and even gain new friends. Each of these articles hopes to encourage us in our commitment and pursuit of becoming doctor for others. And I am excited to share them with you.

After successfully publishing numerous magazines and folios for the past few years, Connexus has now expanded its presence into social media in order to broaden its audience. It aims to be the voice of the XU-JPRSM student body in ways of opinions, artworks, photographs and any other talent and works of the heart.

In the coming years, I encourage you to be part of Connexus in providing insight into the uniqueness of every school year and group of medical students connected to Xavier University – Dr. Jose P. Rizal School of Medicine.

PRINCESS ANTONETTE M. SOTELO

CONNEXUS | 3

Not All Heroes Wear Capes

Not all heroes wear capes, some heroes wear scrubs.

Patients all over the world are treated and cared for daily by dedicated doctors whose job entails lots of sacrifices, e.g. sleep, family time, and self-care. Enter the novel coronavirus, causing an infection called COVID-19 now officially announced by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a pandemic - a modern-day plague that confronted physicians, nurses, and other medical staff with a time-honored dilemma: We have a social contract with society to provide health care in good times and bad, but what about our health in the face of a pandemic?

For most of the past century, times have been good. Antibiotics, public health interventions, and breakthroughs in modern medicine have kept the public generally healthy. Today, the major killers are chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. These do not pose a threat to the lives of health workers the way infectious diseases do.

During an epidemic – or, in this case, a pandemic – if all healthcare providers get sick, it would be a disaster for all patients. It would also be a disaster if healthcare workers refuse to go to work for fear of acquiring the disease.

What would it be like if a firefighter is willing to fight only small fires? Or if police officers would only respond to petty crimes out of fear for their safety?

The medical profession is associated with personal risk. Medical students understand the inherent risks when they arrive at medical school. In the practice of medicine, doctors sacrifice their own lives. In truth, in every war, epidemic, or pandemic, some of the casualties are doctors. As of this writing, there has been 1,075 cases and 68 deaths from the coronavirus, 12 of which are doctors.

Why, then, are some medical practitioners willing to sacrifice their own lives, and potentially that of their families?

From an evolutionary perspective, sacrifice has always been necessary for the good of the collective. Some animals show willingness as a parent to sacrifice themselves for its brood. When humans do it, we call it altruism. We do what we are obligated to do.

There’s no shortage of volunteerism at the frontlines, but are such actions a demonstration of the better angels of our nature, or the fetishization of martyrdom?

If doctors volunteer to be placed at the frontlines to battle this pandemic, who has their backs?

If we are biologically programmed for self-sacrifice, safeguards must be put in place. Of course, we should not ask healthcare providers to endanger their health unless everything is being done to protect them.

In a country with a weak health system, it is a challenge to mitigate these risks. According to data from the WHO, the Philippines has 10 beds and 14 doctors per 10,000 people. The way this outbreak exploded caught our already unprepared health system off-guard. As the volume of cases soared, our capacity to serve went down at the same time. Hospitals were overwhelmed, facilities stretched, and healthcare workers found themselves manning the frontlines with inadequate protection and cheap compensation. Frustration was evident in both mainstream and social media as testing in the country remains limited and dictated by power and influence.

Despite the continuing apathy that characterizes our country’s leadership, and despite the enduring fissures in our society, the power of solidarity in the face of a health crisis prevailed. There has been a tsunami of kindness, with all kinds of groups – from private companies to government agencies – and private citizens contributing to help.

Physicians and medical professionals are taking an enormous personal risk, for themselves and their families, in caring for the sick right now. These fearless men and women in the frontline of healthcare provision do not only deserve everyone’s gratitude and admiration, but also respect and understanding. Their sacrifice is an example of the core values of the medical profession: “To cure sometimes, to relieve often, and to comfort always.”

CONNEXUS | 4

CONNECTING WHILE KEEPING DISTANCE

“Why did you choose to become a doctor?”

Asked time and again, aspiring doctors have different answers with the most common being: to fulfill a childhood dream and to serve humanity.

As they go through mental rigors, physical demands, and emotional work, such sense of altruism is easily diminished.

The idealism held tightly by an incoming freshman met by the biting reality of a health system that leaves much to be desired.

To go through the motions every day has become familiar that people need a pause or a striking event to remember why they do what they do.

As we cope with a pandemic, health is emphasized as a vital part of society; a crisis of which has a plethora of socio-economic consequences. This is why much and more is demanded nowadays of an expert.

Decades ago, theoretical learning and credentials are adequate to brand one as an expert. Now, we realize mitigating health problems is multidimensional hence doctors are called to understand beyond the pathophysiology of diseases. They ought, among others, to translate jargon in plain language and to maintain logic and composure in an emotionally charged discussion.

Equally important is checking one’s privilege to empathize how those with fewer resources are affected; doctors need to be in touch with reality and recognize being an aspiring or current doctor is a privilege per se. As an oft shared photo shows, “Privilege is when you think something is not a problem because it’s not a problem to you personally.”

Particularly in health crises, how doctors as citizens respond to injustice is crucial. Do they further the disparity and justify acts

of incompetence or prone to abuse, or do they catalyze participatory governance and question when needs are unmet? They recognize how health is interrelated with other parts of society, such that changes in the law and economy impact people’s health. In as much as patients are treated holistically, doctors are required to broaden their understanding.

A clinical clerk as of writing, suffice to say I have yet to learn and experience much in medicine.

One need not be at the front line, however, to understand the doctors grappling with novel diseases – such feat could come with unease and fear in a flawed health system. Truly, far from the prevailing misconception that working as a doctor equates to a fat paycheck, this field requires: perseverance through uncertain times, humility to learn and unlearn from both seniors and juniors, diligence to continue learning, and empathy especially toward those who have less.

It is not only a profession but also a vocation; for one, doctors are at risk of transmitting diseases and hours of sleep are sacrificed. To illustrate through a Venn diagram, medicine falls right in between a person’s set of honed skills and the world’s needs.

While it is naïve to say, I know what it’s like to work as a doctor. I have seen them delighted in molding future doctors, improving people’s quality of life, and contributing to the body of knowledge. The purpose, whatever it may be, must be powerful enough for them to get up every day despite the possible risks and discomfort.

CONNEXUS | 5

XU-JPRSM bags Overall First-Runner Up in APMC-SN RegCon

The Xavier University – Dr. Jose P. Rizal School of Medicine (XUJPRSM) took the limelight by claiming the first-runner-up trophy in the 9th Mindanao Regional Convention hosted by Davao Medical School Foundation Inc.

Mixed Volleyball 3rd Place Participants: Joyce Ann Urbina, Nikka Mojica, Al Christian Quidet, Psalm Jedediah Zalsos, Mica Rana, and Rebnar Cepeda

With the theme “Pakighiusa sa Kinaiyahan”, the regional convention gathered medical students across the region to participate and compete in various activities prepared by the host to promote camaraderie and unity. Association of Philippine Medical Colleges – Student Network (APMC-SN) Vice President for Mindanao Miles Balanza opened the convention by emphasizing the theme as ‘being one with nature’. In line with the theme, the three-day celebration invited speakers from all parts of the country to share their insights about Mother Nature.

XUJPRSM edged out three other schools in the overall competition with their stellar performance, which was verified using a new scoring system this year. “The scoring system was an interesting addition to the Reg Con. It definitely toughened up the competition as the five-member schools made sure that the contestants and athletes they sent were their creams of the crop,” says Rushdie Ion Bonotan, one of the delegates of the convention.

Representatives from five medical schools in the region competed in academic and non-academic contests to bring home the win to their respective alma maters. Here are XUJPRSM’s winners during the competition:

The success of the XUJPRSM would not be possible without the support and guidance of Dr. Andresul Labis, the student council, and the administration.

Pagsuhid: Medical Students Research Competition Translational and Public Health Category 2nd Place and Best Poster Presenter: Ian Gabrielle Cuyno Study: Knowledge and Attitudes of Medical Students and Faculty in a Philippine Medical School about Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Individuals Clinico-Pathologic Case Conference Competition 3rd Place Participants: Judalie Glassy Madrid, Stephen Jay Perez, Robert Quilab, and Kerwin James Ecuacion

XU JPRSM delegates during the Hinigalaay 2020.

3autukay: Regional Medical Quiz Bee 3rd Place Participants: Tiffany Jane Ng, Jinky Mancera, Regor David Balonga, and Nigel Yul Detablan MedRhythmia 2nd Place Participants: Al Christian Quidet, Carlos Lukather Chavez, Julie Ann Sonsona, Karyl Cabanos, Kie Avenido, and Timothy Jeremiah Yuro

CONNEXUS | 6

Mr. Ian Gabrielle Cuyno (L), presenting his research work anf Mr. Kerwin Ecuacion, competing for the Clinicopahologic Conference.

Medical students need healing too.

To take a break from academic stress, the XUJPRSM faculty and administration, in collaboration with the student council, organized the first-of-its-kind acoustic night for their medical students last October 25, 2019.

With dim lights and good music, Room 202 was transformed into a cozy venue with outdoor campfire vibes to mellow out and uplift the minds of the attendees.

Freshmen band ‘Project 2023’, featuring Matthew Famador, Russ Nazi, Nico Bongalos, Julius Handumon, Lester Diola, Gianni Garido and C.J. Abtar Singh, sang the night away with guest performer, Ms. Julie Sonsona.

Upperclassmen also showcased their talents in performing arts as Christian ‘Kie’ Avenido passionately delivered a spoken poetry performance that stirred up the audience’s hearts.

Several XUJPRSM alumni graced the event, including Dr. RB Sapiera and Dr. Nera Bantuas, who were delighted by the efforts of the entire community to pull off the successful event. The two-hour musical celebration also had free food provided by the student council.

The acoustic night would not be successful without the efforts of the faculty spearheaded by Dr. Roy Alincastre.

With the magical night of music brought by this event, the attendees found healing and relaxation hoping to succumb and experience another night like this.

MUSIC HEALS

78 New Xavier-Ateneo Doctors

CONGRATULATIONS! XUJPRSM welcomed 78 alumni to its roster of physicians who recently passed the September 2019 Physician Licensure Examinations: Cockie G Abcede Nhicco Francis R Abejuela Justin Alexander C Abellera May Princes T Abucejo Julie Mae T Acero Maurice Jeanne R Aguero Vergil A Aleria Ron Jerril R Amba Hafsah L Ampuan Princess Bienvineda V Arnado Christian Dale A Aves David Chino F Bacsarpa Sittie Nadjierah B Bantuas Theopistanni Faith P Bartolome Paul Benedict V Budiongan Francine N Buenaventura Kent A Cababarros Irish Jeanne L Cabaylo Jollibee B Cabilan Leonard Garri Y Caday Kimberley P Camacho Yvonne Rossini D Castillano Tizabelle G Centino Edrian Je B Chio Sheldon L Cosadio Precious Kezia O Cosiñero TC Anne C Cuartero Felrod S Cuizon Ralph Ryan V Dela Rosa

Teoness Joy M Dipolog Vina Jane K Empiales Orlene Joy C Fernandez Maria Stefan T Ferraris-Perez Levi Grace Niña V Flores Sittie Nezreen S Galawan Shilo Eden Rose C Galo Erlquinn Josef A Gambe Karl Julius F Gamolo Shirleen April S Go Hannah Joyce L Halasan Lady Rean C Ibarra Kamille Margrette C Jamis Reyanne P Ju Derek M Ledres Alih Bayani S Llesis Shara Gene C Maamo Raisa S Macapaar Nur-anisah B Macapanton Janissah L Manda Amandre L Matic-an Jr Jezreel Ann S Micabalo Karl Andrew E Mison Ron Joseph R Moreno Alyssa Christine G Mostrales Hakan Anthony L Oztemiz Prences Mae S Pacifico Mayrose T Paguyod Ken Jeryle M Papelleras

Faye Marie Q Plaza Kris Rey M Reciña Rainida Catherine B Romatho Shaune Alexi V Rosal Ralph Lawrence R Salazar Audeen Jola G Salise Stephen RB C Sapiera Phoebe Angelique U Seno Roselyn L Si Raymark P Siano Stacy Yin M Ting Cecille Mae L Torres Charmaine Kate P Tubongbanua Ainnie A Usman Nathalie Curtny Valdehueza Junmar Y Valdez Maria Kristina M Veloso Paulen Diane A Villahermosa

The school garnered an average of 97.50%, along with a national average of 84.96% Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!

CONNEXUS | 7

IS POLITICAL HEALTH

Recently, a statement released by the Association of Philippine Medical Colleges Student Network (APMC-SN) protesting the shutdown of a major broadcasting network drew flak from netizens and divided the medical community. While most of the commenters debated on the issues surrounding the statement itself, some medical students and even full-fledged doctors argued that the medical community should remain “apolitical”, and that such statements have no place in the field of medicine, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Such sentiments are troubling, as these imply that health should be limited to a biomedical perspective. However, any medical student or doctor with a good foundation in Community Medicine would know by heart the social determinants of health – the economic and sociopolitical factors that contribute to the promotion of health, which include not just access to healthcare services but also working conditions, financial security, and food security, all of which have been severely impacted by COVID-19.

Aside from these concerns, this pandemic has also exposed and aggravated health inequities and social injustices. The pasaway narrative has shifted the blame on the masses for government lapses in public health interventions and communication. Meanwhile, the rich and powerful get away with exposing entire health facilities to COVID-19 or even holding mass gatherings such as birthday non-parties, with government officials calling for “the tempering the rigor of law with compassion” in these cases.

While it is true that the medical community is sworn to neutrality as per the Hippocratic oath and the Declaration of Geneva, this does not mean that doctors should be apathetic, especially in the context of social injustice. The definition of medical neutrality presented in these codes is that doctors should not allow political affiliations or social standing to intervene between their duty to their patient.

Read the fine print and see that there is nothing preventing doctors from taking a stand on sociopolitical issues, especially when public health and safety is concerned.

However, to be politically involved does not necessarily mean immersing in partisan politics; this could simply mean that physicians should fulfill the civic duties of a good citizen, as stated in the Philippine Medical Association Code of Ethics. Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio outlined some of these duties in a 2009 commencement address: to participate in governance, to oppose oppressive and corrupt acts of those who hold public office, and to leave the country a better place than one found it.

CONNEXUS | 8

To be a doctor, thus, is not just to treat the illness of an individual as a provider; 5-star physicians also have to treat the illnesses of society through addressing and calling out social injustice, in their capacity as community mobilizers. It would be a travesty for doctors to “remain in their lane” even as these injustices continue to unfold. To quote Dr. Julie Caguiat of the Coalition for People’s Right to Health (CPRH), “Worsening inequities require us to look at the bigger picture and revisit government policy, for what good is it to treat patients and then send them back to the very same conditions that engendered their ill-health in the first place.”

If the medical community continues to cling to the outdated and incorrect notion that doctors should be apolitical, and if doctors relegate themselves to be only healthcare providers, this new normal, just like the old normal, will be defined and dominated by politicians and economists. This is now the case as lockdown measures are eased nationwide as government leaders and economists are itching to get people back to work in order to restart the economy, despite the Department of Health (DOH) only having 20% of the target daily testing capacity as of the time of this writing. Public spaces such as malls are reopened before regional testing centers are online, and social injustices and political repression continue to occur under the guise of “strict implementation” of public health measures.

While healthcare workers are the face of the fight against COVID in the hospitals, the medical community needs to step up its battles on other fronts – in addressing political apathy among its ranks, in calling for better leadership from the top, and in ensuring that public health be a priority and social injustices be addressed in newly drafted economic and labor policies as the country heads to an uncertain new normal.

To quote Rudolph Virchow, “Medicine is a social science, and politics is nothing more than medicine on a large scale.”

CONNEXUS ASKS

?

When the COVID-19 pandemic spiralled out of control early this year, everyone was impacted one way or another.

With lockdowns and quarantine measures imposed, daily routines upended, and whole industries shuttered, the world as we knew was gone.

Last April, the Connexus Editorial Board asked its online readers about their thoughts and realizations regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as on the coming new normal. Here are some of the replies: “I realized that just because a person is a healthcare worker or a medical student, does not mean they are pro poor. This pandemic reveals character.

A new normal is necessary, because the old normal was the problem. This pandemic has shed light on the lapses in healthcare and to the obliviousness of the people in positions of power towards handling healthcare issues.”

Katrina Soriano

“The pandemic has altered what we used to consider to be normal and has forced me to adapt and change to be able to not be overwhelmed with the things happening around me. Yes, the pandemic has caused a lot of pain and suffering the world, but it would be remiss to not realize that we are fortunate that it has occurred at a time when many institutions and technologies are in place to make our lives easier and more comfortable. Mankind has always been able to adapt to change in order to survive and to flourish. We will continue to do so with great strength, perseverance, and with the help of each other.”

Because of COVID19, people are now more aware and conscious about their health. A lot of people tend to go back to their old ways when a threat is eliminated but I hope that as a community, we can help each other to improve our health-seeking behavior in general.”

“It is essential to create rapport with a patient in order to elicit an accurate and honest picture of a patient’s concerns. The pandemic and social distancing has disallowed contact such a comforting hand on the shoulder or a pat on the hand. The wearing of PPEs has also masked facial expressions. But we are social beings and we will be able to find ways to continue to connect with fellow human beings beyond the masks and the face shields. There will definitely be some changes in how we can interact with each other but we will pave a way to create human connections however new or different it may be.

“I've realized that I have taken so many things for granted. I am able to eat at least three times a day, and surf the internet whenever I have to, which are privileges some people do not even have on normal days, how much more during this Pandemic? I have learned, even more than ever, to be thankful for my blessings and use my privilege to extend a helping hand to those in need.

Kit Cane

Charles Lukather Chavez

Jessa Marie Lusterio

“I've realized that I have taken so many things for granted. I am able to eat at least three times a day, and surf the internet whenever I have to, which are privileges some people do not even have on normal days, how much more during this Pandemic? I have learned, even more than ever, to be thankful for my blessings and use my privilege to extend a helping hand to those in need.

Because of COVID19, people are now more aware and conscious about their health. A lot of people tend to go back to their old ways when a threat is eliminated but I hope that as a community, we can help each other to improve our health-seeking behavior in general.”

CONNEXUS | 9

Physicians and Passions

DR. MAXINE MEJIA

DR. KLARC GONTINAS

Making time for one’s passion can be difficult for some—and given their demanding schedules, we might think physicians find it especially harder. But, it’s not impossible!

Some of XU-JPRSM’s best medical graduates share how they balance their lives as doctors with their other passions.

Check them out!

DR. JULIE ANN ROA

CONNEXUS | 10

Maxine Monasterio-Mejia MD, a resident in the department of Anatomic and Clinical Pathology in NMMC, a mom, a wife and has always loved hosting.

“Hosting definitely broadened my perspective. I think it's a testament that there's really life outside just being a doctor. When I was a student, my picture of doctors was based on the doctor shows on tv: always on the go, no time to sleep or even eat, no time for hobbies, but when I finally became a doctor I realized that it's all a matter of choice. You have to consider what's important to you. For me, I wanted to have a balanced life with time for my hobbies and more importantly time for family.... so I chose to not follow the conventional route of getting into residency right after passing the boards. I chose to take time to get married, travel and have a family. All this I did while moonlighting (so I wouldn't forget the things I learned in med school) and still pursuing my hosting career. And now that I have finally started residency training I chose a field that would give me the same opportunity to have a balanced life.

I still get to pursue my goal of continued medical education without having to fully compromise my time with family and my time to pursue other interests.”

“There is no special formula to do this. You just have to figure out what is most important to you and once you've done that, the decisions about what to prioritize or what field to get into won’t be hard to make.”

When asked about the difference between hosting pre and during a pandemic. Dr. Monasterio-Mejia shared that “It has its ups and downs: Challenges include (1.) Less events because this is not a priority during this time. (2.) If there are events it's on a new platform that is online, so there's a big adjustment there. (3.) When hosting online, you have to be more engaging so you can keep your audience' attention. 4. Also technical difficulties can happen anytime.

For our physician, mommy, and host, here are its pros: “1. I can host in the comfort of my own home. 2. Since it's online, organizers are forced to really make sure that the program flow is solid since you can't make sudden changes to the program unlike during a live face to face event. 3. Since it's online, the event has a wider audience.”

Klarc Patrick Gontinas RN, MD, MBA is currently pursuing his Juris Doctor at Liceo de Cagayan University College of Law as a full academic scholar.

“Taking up law affected my profession as a medical doctor. Not only it widened my knowledge in the medico-legal concepts but it made me realize how intertwined these two noble professions is. Furthermore, it gave me the opportunity to provide services to my patients in a holistic way, being affiliated with addiction medicine wherein it comes side by side with legal implication that needs to be addressed as well”.

“I am still pursuing my Juris degree. While it is true that is as difficult as medicine but when you love what you are doing, I only realized it now that I am working and studying at the same time it is possible and I will make it possible. When your purpose becomes more altruistic regardless if it is tedious you can always find ways and draw strength to overcome challenges, expected and unexpected.”

Julie Ann R. Roa, MD is a miniature artist, the one who build the dioramas for the XU-JPRSM Open House 2019 Alumni Booth Exhibit “Now working full time as a resident physician in our clinic, I seldom have 48 to 72-hour shifts. Most of the time I'd come home and rest for a while, take care of my daughter then start working on my projects whenever I have one. Sometimes it takes weeks, even months for me to finish one roombox. But I never let my projects interfere with my medical profession because my passion for miniatures and dioramas will always be there. There's always time for that, and I know people will always appreciate what I make. But the profession I chose has its greater reward of purpose; not just for me but for everyone else. So my becoming a miniature artist is simply a way of giving value to art, as much as my becoming a doctor giving value to life.”

“If you are a medical student, you know very well the importance of time management. It's an art! How are we able to enjoy watching movies and parties then study the next day for an exam? It's time management. Being a doctor is not all work and no play. If you just know your priorities, you'd be fine. Being men and women for others is a blessing to those who need us, but never forget that we are also blessings to ourselves. Learn to value your emotional, physical, mental and spiritual well being. That's why I pursued my passion. Because it nourishes me and gives me peace and happiness. And remember that a happy doctor will always result in a happy patient.”

Indeed these physicians are taking things to a higher level- balancing clinical passions with pursuits they love! But all of them agree: It is possible.

CONNEXUS | 11

XAVIER CUP 2019: Howling through History

The wolf pack again proved that there is strength in solidarity, bagging the 2nd place during the Xavier Cup 2019 with whopping 549.5 points, as the Tigers lagged behind at 334.5 points.

med wolves HOWL IN VICTORY With pressure to maintain their streak, the Wolves thoroughly prepared for their respective sports events through rigorous training while keeping their academics uncompromised. These efforts turned into gold as the Wolves conquered the competitions by storm. The pack reigned victorious as the champions in debate, karatedo, lawn tennis (men & women), sepak takraw (men), and softball (women).

The team also had a medal rush in other sports where it settled for silver in chess (women), lawn tennis (women), and taekwondo, and bronze for badminton (men), basketball (men), Game of Generals (men), sepak takraw (women), softball (men), swimming, and volleyball (women).

“The hunt was challenging, brutal, and tough in so many ways, nonetheless, we continue to redefine history by rising above the challenge and exceeding all expectations. I am so proud of our players, coaches, faculty and the student government for their handwork, dedication, and commitment in this year’s Xavier Cup. The roar of the pack was definitely heard, and we will continue to aim higher for the greater glory of God,” said Rebnar Cepeda, Head of the Sports Committee, after witnessing the success of the Wolves.

The Wolves’ cheerING PACK joins the podium for the first time The pack made history in the cheerdance competition as they took the podium for the first time.

Considered one of the highlights of the event, the team landed on the sixth spot, proving that medical students still have the time to practice their stunts despite the academic demands. The team’s performance left the audience gagging in awe and surprise.

Cheer squad promising member, Joyce Ann Urbina, emphasized that sacrifices have to be made to keep her academics and rehearsals balanced without compromising her top priority. “Honestly, I had a hard time balancing academics and intramurals, especially that I belong to the sports committee which made me busier. Most of the time, I really had to sacrifice something, may it be my sleep or my training. With so many things going on, I just kept myself determined by reminding myself of my main priority – to become a doctor. We are just lucky enough we get so much support in joining extracurricular activities.”

Anayron crowned Ms. Sports Ambassador; Roque clinches first runner-up The medical wolves’ power pair, Michelle Lauraine Anayron and Michael Paul Roque, stole the show on the coronation night of Xavier Cup 2019’s Mr. and Ms. Sports Ambassador. In another historic moment for the wolf pack, Anayron and Roque’s participation was the first time for the team. In a landslide victory, Michelle Lauriane Anayron was crowned Ms. Sports Ambassador, and Michael Paul Roque garnered first-runner up.

Tagged as the head turners of the night, Anayron and Roque put on a show to remember for the Wolves as they bagged most of the awards during the pageant. The pair brought home Best in Sports Attire, Best in Formal Wear, and Mr. and Ms. Le Rouge. Anayron also received the coveted People’s Pride award.

CONNEXUS | 14

Med Week ’19 in a Nutshell

Kadaiyahan: Lecture Series

The medicine week is not just all about camaraderie, but also a ground for learning things outside of Medical textbooks. This year's theme "DAIYA" was about cultivating the beauty of diversity to a common ground for unity. Seminars and lectures of various topics channeled the interests of medical students. The topics given were friendly, informative and interesting to the ears of the many. Some of it offered avenue for discussion on the Proper skin care routine, Emergency Medicine, Life hacks on money spending, Tips on portfolio making, Zero Waste Lifestyle and Mental Health Awareness.

Dr. Jose Rizal Memorial Lecture

All the students were gathered for the most awaited Dr. Jose P. Rizal Memorial Lecture held annually as part of the Medicine Week 2019 Opening Ceremonies. Everybody was listening attentively to this year's guest speaker, Dr. Ellenietta Herundina Maria Victoria N. Gamolo, as she shared her experience as a former Doctor to the Barrios (DTTB). She is the Director III of Central Visayas Center for Health Development and an alumna of XU-JPRSM. Before she ended her lecture, she left a message to everyone, "To start your career here in Mindanao, for you are most needed here." Way to go, Mindanaoan doctors!

Xavier Cup: Intramurals

History was made and records were set as the Xavier cup has concluded. Ateneans never ran out of ways to show their competitiveness as once again all colleges competed in various sporting, literary and music events. The College of Medicine showed everyone who truly is the leader of the pack. The wolves owned the field and manifested their talents and abilities. The most notable performance was of the cheerleading team who took part for the first time in the Xavier cup. The wolves once again brought pride to the College of Medicine after ranking 1st runner up with the total points of 490.5. On top of that, our very own Ms. Michelle Anayron bagged the title of being this year's Xavier Cup Ms. Sports Ambassador 2019.

Sinati: Open House

The XU-JPRSM opened its doors not only to aspiring doctors but also to the general audience to experience a little bit of how Midnanaoan doctors are bred. The purpose of this annual event is not only to promote XU-JPRSM, but also to show and flaunt the actions that medical students take up inside classroom walls and corridors. There were different exhibits and stations prepared by med students and the alumni. The visitors were accompanied by tour guides from station to station and made sure that they were having a great time learning. The visitors for sure enjoyed the experience as they left the Medicine Building with huge smiles.

Mr. & Ms. Medicine Coronation Night

Truly a night full of glamour as the new faces of XUJPRSM were crowned. The candidates showcased their grace and elegance in casual, creative and formal wear. Final Six candidates were then tested with their grit in the Question and Answer portion. Hailed as Mr. and Ms Medicine 2019 were Earl Hans Uy from batch Adamas and Althea Lumacad from batch Astra.

Alimpatakan: Medicine Minds

Whoever said that medstudents only read medical books and just spend their entire time studying should sit down and have a chitchat with our champion for this year`s Medicine Minds. The questions were composed of just random things and stuff under the sun. Out of the 25 teams team Katursi were hailed as champions which were composed of (Leorenzo Ramon Cruzin (Dilaab), Benedict Felix Fabianan (Adamas), Zabdielle Allen Dahili and Rika Castro (first year). This just proves that medstudents live a life too.

Saulog: Medicine Ball

So much for white uniforms and books, MedBall is the only time medstudents get to dress up, wear elegant dresses and tuxes and to show off the beauty without the stress brought by exams and loads to study. As the culminating event for the MedWeek, new doctors were asked to give their testimonies, talents were showcased through Sayawit competition, sports players were recognized and awarded, and the highlight of the night was the official welcoming event for the freshest members of the XUJPRSM community. Indeed a time for celebration and success, creating new bonds, witnessing hidden talents, seeing beauty and elegance, truly a night to remember.

1st Clinico-Pathologic Case Competition

XU-JPRSM held its first ever Clinico-Pathologic Case Competition on September 18, 2019 at XU-JPRSM Room 201. One case was given to the three participating groups together with their coaches wherein each group will try to come up with the correct diagnosis. The judges were Dr. Cyril Jonas Planilla, Dr. Ma. Elena Sevidal-Saquilayan, Dr. Eugene Bagayo, and Dr. Gerard Lamayra with Dr. Maria Editha Espedilla-Muro as the CPC Contest Chair. The winning group will be representing XU-JPRSM in the AMPC Pathologic Case Competition.

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“Where did it all go wrong?”

At a crisis, this is one question that everyone starts to ask.

This is the case that vaccines are facing at this time. Directly put, vaccines have been perceived as becoming victims of their success. With the increasing absence of severe diseases (primarily from the efficacy of said vaccines), a perception of not needing protection against these has surfaced. Added to that burden, the wave of vaccine hesitancy that vociferous anti-vax lobbies have planted has indeed seeded. Thus the re-emergence of immunization-preventable diseases is currently being written into global medical histories.

In the Philippines, poliomyelitis (polio) is making a noted comeback.

Polio, which was a disease considered to be eradicated in the country since 1999 due to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative launched by various public-private partnerships, has a total of 4 cases reported as of November 5, 2019.

While it is understandable that these illnesses do not just fade away into the background and can lurk in the shadows to prepare for resurgence, later on, the availability of various vaccines is an aid for individuals to become insusceptible to these virulent agents.

Hence, either these pathogenic agents have evolved to overcome our present regimens or there are simply individuals who are vulnerable to said diseases.

Furthermore, polio is not the only disease that has been making rounds across the country. In fact, other vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles have been experiencing a rise in trend as well. All the while, immunization rates are seeing drastic drops of approval from a range of 79% to 90% in 2017 to a ten percent decrease in 2018.

Seemingly so, these numbers will not be recovering immediately especially post-Dengvaxia controversy. These statistics have identified vaccine hesitancy — which according to the World Health Organization is a reluctance to get inoculated because of unfounded fears and misinformation — as one of the 10 most urgent public challenges this year.

As the threat of anti-vaccination movements gains momentum in spreading putative safety issues against current vaccine programs, particularly, through the online medium, several organizations have started to take a stand against these misguided concerns.

On August 28 this year, Pinterest, a popular social media website, decided to ban search words for vaccine information and other related queries. They also announced that the information that they provide regarding these topics will only come from leading public health institutions going forward. Facebook has also since taken steps in the same direction. These protocols are significantly important for with social media as a tool to spread information - regardless of the validity of the content - people can publish opinions about topics including vaccination. So evidently, these steps implemented by these companies have been lauded by healthcare agencies, who have been pulling their hair trying to counteract attacks against immunization programs.

Despite these actions, there is still much to be done. The task is not for healthcare agencies and social media companies alone.

Considerations have to be taken into account, for there is no single approach to curing vaccine hesitancy. The solution is multifaceted, and an aspect of that solution is the interaction between healthcare providers and their patients. An interaction emphasizing patient education regarding the immunization regimen and its role in disease prevention.

The restoration of vaccine confidence still has a long way to go. And while the public rallies behind the message of how humanity has failed, realize that this is not the end of the line.

The Comeback of Polio after 19 years

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SOCIAL MEDIA AND MEDICINE

“How did it feel?" I asked.

"I can’t explain. It was beyond physical and emotional pain, like being punched by a bully, but this time in a virtual world," he replied.

With the rise of social media, people can communicate their thoughts with freedom and conviction. It has been considered a magic podium that bridges the gap between the untarnished reality and the easily-twisted virtual world.

Unfortunately, people became more immersed in this social avenue than in the actual truth. It is not surprising at all to note that there are 3.5 million social media users worldwide and Facebook has been the most used platform. Sadly, amidst the gift of independence it created, it became the rostrum for people to react, rant and bully without the fear of physical contact.

It became a scapegoat, a hiding place, a closet to those who would want to taint the image of others and twist the reality.

According to UNICEF, 70% percent of teenagers aged 15-24 years old using social media has been subject to virtual bullying. Surprisingly, in the Philippines cyberbullying has been prevalent with 1 out of 3 Filipino social media users being victims.

As cyberbullying rises, doctor shaming has been gaining popularity and instead of defying it, became usual for the laymen, freely criticizing whom they thought as the should-heal-everything-no-room-for-mistakes doctors in white coats.

"What did you do afterwards?" I continued.

"I decided not to post back until I realized it would be of my disadvantage. People on Facebook only knew one side of the story. It opened my eyes and that made me share the unbiased side of the story." He added.

After being a registered doctor for just a year, Dr. C has been subject to cyberbullying. He never saw it coming however, it was inevitable.

Doctor shaming made a debut in the social world as people became free to express their political, religious, and personal objections. While it may seem a less harmful way of arguing, this became a battleground for defamation and character assassination. It has slowly besmirched the image of doctors with the misconceptions created by the laymen unaware of the complexities of medicine.

"What do you want to tell the social world?" I asked.

"That doctors are humans too and that they get tired, thirsty and hungry and that they feel pain like everyone else do." He ended the interview.

Again, it is one of life’s greatest ironies that despite the power that the whitecoat emanate, doctors remain vulnerable in reality and more so in the virtual world.

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A Day in the Life of a Clerk

Pre-duty. Duty. Previous. Repeat.

As a 4th year medical student, I no longer recognize the letters that make up the days of the week. Mondays?

Fridays? Weekdays? What are weekends even? All I know my days are divided into three...

Pre-duty. Duty. Previous..... and Repeat.

My day starts with the endorsement.

Consultants throw questions at us; we tremble in fear.

Demerits are given to those who cannot answer satisfactorily.

Merits are rare.

At the ward, it is our task to carry out doctor’s orders for 30-40 patients, prepare drug prescriptions, discharge summaries, progress notes, and laboratory requests. The resident doctor then comes in, and we have to go on rounds.

New orders then come in.

While inserting an NGT in one patient, the nurses call out a code and I go rushing there to do the chest compressions.

Thirty minutes later, the patient expires. The patient’s family cries as the resident in charge explain to them what happened to the patient. This scenario happens frequently, especially in Internal Medicine. It happens so frequently that at times I feel numb when patients die under my care.

As I look at the time, it’s already past 2 pm. Still haven’t eaten lunch, but there are still a lot of orders to carry out. Three more hours to go, and I have to be at the ER till the next day.

Pre-duty. Duty. Previous. Repeat.

At the ER, the IM department is filled with patients. As I slowly make way through the stretchers and wheelchairs all cramped together, I sometimes get bruises on my hips and legs. There are more than 30 patients that need to get their ECG, ABG, and x-ray done. Performing an ECG sounds simple. But at the ER, the patient can’t lie supine due to limited space, the bulbs don’t attach well, the wires keep on falling off and the ECG tracing just won’t read right.

The resident then calls you to hurry up and push the patient to the x-ray room yourself because there is no orderly available. The PGI tells you to extract blood for another patient, the nurse tells you to insert FBC on another.

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My to-do list keeps on adding up and it feels like I can never finish it.

It’s already 2 am and I still have to prepare the PowerPoint and census for tomorrow’s endorsement which is a few hours from now. I can feel the acid going up in my esophagus since I haven’t eaten dinner yet and my eyes are tearing up.

Out of nowhere, a nurse calls out with a big smile and says “Kaya mo yan, Doc!” and hands out a piece of bread.

All of a sudden, I no longer felt tired and frustrated. Rather, I felt motivated. I then survived the rest of the night. After 30 hours of duty, sometimes more, I was able to go home, status previous.

Pre-duty. Duty. Previous. Repeat.

This cycle goes on every single day with no break in between.

Somehow, when we receive encouragement from others, we get to cheer for others as well. Duties became less of a burden and somewhat enjoyable. The quick meet-ups at the laboratory to submit specimens became moments to catch up with fellow clerks, hand in snacks, rant, and laugh about our bloopers in the wards. Everything becomes bearable because we are there for each other.

No one understands a medical student better than another medical student, and no one understands a clinical clerk better than another clinical clerk.

In this journey, it’s very important to be emotionally available to our friends.

A day in the life of a medical student is so much better with another medical student who understands.

Dr. Berdon’s Journey:

Shifting Perspectives, Molding Lives

Who would’ve thought that the girl who dreamed to be a lawyer turned to become the woman with expertise in medical physiology?

Life is a rollercoaster filled with surprises, just ask Dr. Julieta Berdon.

Dr. Berdon’s lifelong dream is to become a lawyer, that’s why she took up AB Political Science in UP-Diliman for pre-law. However, her father, a professor in Anatomy and former Dean of CIM, wanted her to take up pre-med, so as an obedient child with the desire to please her father, she then took up pre-med at the University of San Carlos after graduating on her first course. She then studied medicine at Cebu Institute of Medicine (CIM) and soon after, passed the Physician Licensure Examination.

After passing the licensure exam, Dr. Berdon did not want to go into practice - she wanted to teach! However, her father has something else in mind. Not knowing what to do yet, she went on residency training for internal medicine.

In 1976, Dr. Berdon’s father decided to retire, so she tried to apply for a teaching job in CIM. With her expertise, she was hired to teach Laboratory Diagnosis, a semestral subject.

When her former professor, Dr. Agaton Panopio, transferred to XU-JPRSM, Dr. Berdon filled in his position in the Physiology Department of CIM. Few years after that, she was invited by Dr. Panopio to teach in XU-JPRSM. At first, she declined since she couldn’t leave her life and family in Cebu.

But in 1992, a twist of fate happened! Dr. Berdon’s husband had a work assignment to Bacolod and her daughter was about to go to college in UP-Diliman. This left her considering the job in Cagayan de Oro. Dr. Berdon started teaching Physiology at XU-JPRSM in 1992. She transferred to Cagayan de Oro with her daughter; who decided to go with her instead.

Fast forward to the present, Dr. Berdon has been teaching for 44 years already. When asked what made her stay in teaching for that long, she said she enjoys teaching. She is delighted with the students, has a good relationship with other faculty members, and likes the spiritual development programs that Xavier University offers. She used to think that Cebu will be her forever home and will eventually go back. But she grew to love the city because of friends inside and outside the school. Her husband was eventually assigned to Cagayan de Oro which made Dr. Berdon stay for good.

This is Dr. Berdon’s last school year as a full-time professor. But if allowed to teach part-time, Dr. Berdon would gladly accept. She said that as long as the students and the school think she is still effective as a teacher, she would be happy to do the job. She got her retired status back in 2009 but was offered to continue teaching which she cheerfully accepted. Dr. Berdon wants the XU-JPRSM community to remember her by the mentoring program which she started, and hopes that her influence gave a positive impact on everyone.

For everyone like Dr. Berdon who are struggling their way through a dream that isn’t theirs, here’s a piece of advice she would like to leave: “Do your best and try to make it, even if it’s for your parents or someone else. Try to enjoy where you are; maybe try a little change in perspective. Attitude is very important.” She recalls that she did not want to go on duty at the hospital, but she tried to enjoy it and she did. “In difficult times, I trust God. Si Lord ug si Virgin Mary gyud akong gasaligan. He is the one who is keeping me going. He is my source of strength.”

Dr. Berdon took a unique journey to what she has become today. Indeed, when life gives you surprises, enjoy and have fun.

An icon? Yes, she is.

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Medical students come from different backgrounds. Every individual has his own unique reason why he is willing to spend his lifetime in this noble and lifelong career. One may want to fulfill his calling, realize a childhood dream or serve his community, among others.

Wondering what were the reasons of some medical students in XU JPRSM on why they chose the path of medicine? Find out some inspirational stories we can relate to in the ideal of becoming men and women for others.

HOW’S AND WHY’S:

“I never dreamt of becoming a doctor. It’s got to be at the bottom of my bucket list, if I may say so. But 2 Bachelor degrees & a Master’s degree later, here I am - a level 1 student of XUJPRSM. Call it destiny or fate or whatever when the profession calls you there’s no resisting it anymore. I have seen the difference a doctor can do, how they unconsciously touch one’s life.

Doctors are said to be playing god. I most certainly would not consider playing god - but God may make me His instrument. How amazing it is that God made us in His image & made doctors to take care of His own. I want that to be my legacy - to be God’s instrument of difference by not just being a doctor, but a good one.”

THE PURSUIT OF BECOMING DOCTORS FOR OTHERS

“With all the sugar coating aside, medicine is difficult; DIFFICULT, but NOT IMPOSSIBLE. In medical school, all of us have our own individual missions. My mission is to represent children with special needs in the world of medicine; to learn in their place, so that I may help them live a fulfilling life.

I was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when I was 2 years old, and I know what it feels like to be different; more than that, I also know the need to be understood. In the future, my plan is to become a doctor with a specific set of skills that helps me understand the special needs of special children.

Medicine in itself is an overwhelming task, and it is important that I point that out. It might be easy to answer the question "why medicine?" the real challenge is "how do I survive medicine?" All I can do is my best, and take everything one step at a time. With each step I take, I can only thank God for the opportunity of being here and pray that He sustain me in the steps I have yet to take. After all, without Him, everything I do will be for nothing.”

“I love connecting with people, to walk with them in their journey, to fight with them in their battles, and to see them win. To be a doctor is not a childhood dream yet God closed the doors of my dream profession and lead me to where He thinks He can use me more. This field is a great platform not only to heal physical sickness but also to touch every individual's life for the expansion of His Kingdom - the mission behind this calling.”

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“I cannot find the exact words to describe why I am here, all I know it is all by God’s Grace. As my name says Grace, yes I am pursuing this dream because I am graced more than what I deserved. Looking back, my medical school journey was like a roller coaster ride. The ups and downs were both breathtaking moments.

During my down days I was so helpless most especially financially and discouraged to pursue this dream because my mother was terribly sick. But on those difficult days, I found a family here in medical school, special mention to my mentor Dr. Mitchel Gonzalez who selflessly offered his service to help save my mother’s life and to all the doctors who looked after my Mama.

I never have any ounce of regret for taking the risk to continue because as of the moment I am enjoying the top view of the ride. Although there are still bumps in the middle of the ride but my family are behind me, believing and supporting me in every step of the way. And in the end of the ride what I’m most excited about is to pay forward all the blessings and be the Grace to other people’s lives by being an extension of God’s healing hands.”

“Honestly, I decided to go to medical school because it is my dream to become the first doctor in my family and to serve in my province in the future as a medical doctor.

For me, being a doctor is really a great and noble career.

In my 4 years in medical school, I can really say it is very challenging and it is not easy. It takes a lot of hardwork, patience, motivation and focus.”

AWAKEN THE BOOK LOVER WITHIN

Reading a lot of books in medical school is a must. We garner information with every page we open and with all the scientific seriousness we tend to overlook that books are meant also for adventure where authors present their books like gems waiting to be discovered and cherished by the world.

A night bird sings of blindness and fear (2018)

by Janina Marie River�

This is a story of a patient as she battles against a fatal congenital condition called Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM). She speaks of her struggles and how she had become not just a survivor but a conqueror that faced her condition with courage and strength despite of pain and sufferings and had become an inspiration of an unfailing hope.

How Doctor’� think (2017)

by Jerome Groopman, M.D.

A doctor’s mind can be a tool for greater things.

This book allows the readers to tap in the mind of a doctor and how he/she navigates the world of medical reasoning and sound judgments. He also pinpoints different aspects that could result to misdiagnoses and miscommunication with patients and how to avoid them. This is a work that could help improve medical practitioners and let patients understand how doctors approach their illnesses.

Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon’� journey into the afterlife (2013)

by Eben Alexander, M.D.

Attacked by a rare illness that leads him to a near-death experience, Dr. Alexander explained how the brain which he called “a machine that produces a phenomenon of consciousness” does even on the state of coma and marvels on the intricate and power of the human mind that strengthens faith and appreciates the existence of mankind.

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