Medicine and Motherhood

By Maricor Gin Edma

“What can be more noble than the service of healing?” It was a curious question.

She was silent, paused a bit but answered honestly. “I really don’t know. I believe being a doctor is noble in itself, but experiencing motherhood right now, I realized that I can sacrifice a lot for another human being. And I think it’s noble.”

More than just a calling.

It was her childhood dream to be a doctor, to wear the white coat and be able to serve her fellow countrymen. “Others think it’s cliche, but I was very young when I decided that I wanted to be a doctor. Being a sickly child, I had my frequent visits to the pediatrician and that inspired me more to be just like her. Ever since, it has been my childhood dream.“ She laughed.

Currently, Vanessa Lumacang is a Senior Clerk. She entered the halls of XUJPRSM last June 2016. She knew it will be hard, but she was determined. She has prepared her heart and mind. However, God braced her for another surprise. Motherhood!

“Do you have any regrets?” I asked.

“None at all,” She replied without hesitation. “I consider this a blessing and a challenge! There are a lot of sacrifices, but I know all of these are temporary.”

Despite criticism.

As she strugged her way through medicine, she gracefully carried not just her load of books but also a life inside her waiting to be born. It was not typical in fact, it was a burden for those who were not on her shoes. Yet, she brushed off the negativity.

“How did you juggle medical school and pregnancy?” It was a question everyone would love to ask. “I listen to my body. When I wanted to eat and sleep, I do it. I never pressure myself. I know others think pregnancy was a disadvantage for me because I’m a student. In the same way, my parents wanted me to stay at home for a while until I gave birth. I refused!”

“What made you decide not to stop school?” I continued.

“ I followed my heart. For me, it’s a waste of time. I told my parents that I can do it. I made a choice and they supported me.” She answered.

Her greatest inspiration.

Soon, Vanessa will be receiving her diploma. Her dreams are almost within her reach but for her it already came true. “If you have to choose between Medicine and Motherhood, what would it be?” It was a serious question, but she answered it with her heart.

“Can I choose both? Because I would choose both,” She paused for a moment. “To be a doctor was really my dream and I never considered motherhood as a hindrance. In fact, it became my greatest inspiration. My son is now part of my dream. Right now, every sacrifices I am making is not only for myself but also for my child and his future. ”

Presently, her son is already 2 years of age. Though time and distance have been separating her from him, she has always been determined to pursue and reach her dreams. She wanted to reach the finish line and finish it strong and proud together with her parents and her son.

I asked her if she could offer any words of wisdom. Instead, she ended the interview with her favorite qoute. It was her mantra in life.

“Remember why you started,” she smiled. “Because it will help you reach the end when you lose your way in the middle.”