HOW’S AND WHY’S: THE PURSUIT OF BECOMING DOCTORS FOR OTHERS

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.

Melanie Murillo Lim | Batch 2023

“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.”

Nathanael James Madronal | Batch Adams

“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.”

Grace Marie Aguilar | Batch Dilaab

“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.”

Noemi Grace Ingaod | Batch Astra

“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.”

Tiffany Ng | Batch Astra

“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.”