Physicians & Passions

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.

Dr. Maxine Mejia, MD

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.”

Dr. Klarc Gontinas

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.”

Dr. Julie Ann Roa

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.