From nursing to NYITCOM: A Filipina physician’s quest for DO excellence

The path of medicine is the most challenging, yet also the most fulfilling path that I have tread in my life. Throughout my years in health care, my dedication to this career and to my patients has taught me to never stop learning and to never give up on my dreams.

I was born in a small town in the Philippines. My path to medicine started when I experienced several childhood illnesses, including dermatological conditions and tuberculosis. This early experience nurtured my curiosity and love for science. During my treatment, I wondered why I developed the disease, why I needed medications for half a year and why I felt isolated from my friends. I began to understand that a robust health care system is one of the foundations of a prosperous society and that health is indeed a precious gem that each of us should protect.

I continue to carry this belief today. One of osteopathic medicine’s central tenets is promoting the healing of the body and maintaining health, and I know that this is something I want to live by for myself and for my patients.

Laying my foundation

Before medical school in the Philippines, I worked as a nurse for several years assisting with childbirth, taking care of newborns, responding to the stroke codes and monitoring patients in the intensive care unit. As a charge nurse, I participated in several research programs to improve the drug delivery system and the response to stroke codes. This phase of my life enabled me to see each health care personnel’s role and broadened my understanding of the health care system. I appreciated the hands-on care and conversations with my patients and enjoyed my time as a nurse, but I realized that I wanted to better understand the human body and disease pathology.

I finished my medical degree from West Visayas State University College of Medicine in Iloilo City, Philippines. Afterward, I worked in a government hospital serving poor communities in the Philippines. In these environments, resources are very limited. These years helped me to become resourceful and innovative in my management approach. I remember using coffee container caps as part of an ostomy flange, and cardboard served as a splint to immobilize body parts. I mastered the art of counting IV drip rates without IV pumps. Treating patients with limited access to laboratory and diagnostic tests strengthened my clinical acumen and problem-solving skills. When I practiced in better-equipped settings, it made me appreciate being able to provide the best care without compromise.

Crossing continents

After passing the board exams in the Philippines, I was offered an opportunity to immigrate to the U.S. My immersion in a new culture was an exceptional experience. I became a nurse and worked in the medical/surgical ICU and endoscopy units at the Albany Medical Center in New York. I learned to navigate the U.S. health care system, the culture and the English language. Working in different roles in a hospital setting built my character. It taught me humility, resilience and excellence, as well as the conviction that each member of the health care team plays a crucial role.

I was able to see a world full of people with diverse backgrounds and different beliefs. The experience helped me realize that I wanted to continue training in a diverse environment and contribute to a diverse community.

Serving the frontlines

In March 2020, I was a frontliner at a COVID-19 site in Albany. Then, I moved to the New York City area to respond to nurse staffing issues. I became a travel nurse at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and worked with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Health (DOH) to provide vaccinations to the people of Queens.

My work during the global pandemic showed me that each person is a unit, consisting of the body, the mind and the spirit, with every aspect working in tandem to allow us to function. My work also allowed me to see firsthand that our bodies are capable of self-healing.

I worked at my hospital on a prolonged shift and was infected with COVID-19, but I recovered. Throughout my time in medicine, I have tried to support my immune system through exercise, a good diet and a positive mindset.

Discovering osteopathic medicine

I realized that my medical beliefs were aligned with the teachings of osteopathic medicine. As my curiosity increased, I found my current school, the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM).

NYITCOM has really supported me in my career aspirations. I have learned osteopathic medicine, and I am very grateful for the opportunity. My goal is to care for patients in underserved communities and live a life of service while embracing lifelong learning.

I hope to be an osteopathic dermatologist someday, and I know that my training as a DO will enable me to provide excellent care to my patients that supports their body, mind and spirit. I am #DOproud.

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