Let's talk about Medicine.

Filipino Thomasian pharmacist. Med student (soon). Future doctor. Follow me on my journey.

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Be aware! Know the numbers, know the stats! Raise mental health awareness in the Philippines. A good informative read.

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Note: This is not my blog entry! However, this gave me the heads up should I want to push myself to apply for UP Manila. Quite frankly, I once dreamt of entering UP Manila when I was in high school. Sadly, my smarts wasn’t enough. But I just think, my past shouldn’t hinder my future. I will try to apply there once again.

Thank you, Doc Ronnie Baticulon, for this enlightening piece.

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As promised, the visual (from News5) on the list of schools of Med that offers free education for AY 2017-2018.

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Here’s a MIMS link on the good news that came out recently regarding the CHEd subsidy for upcoming Medical Students. As a citizen of this nation, I just feel so happy about these things. I just think we are on the right track with this move.

Sorry about being gone for what felt like a month since my last post. Had a ton of happenings and outdoor activities (really following SDThompson on this one).

For those who aren’t into reading articles, I’ll look for the infographic or a visual on the schools that are within CHEd’s list that offers free education for Med students for the academic year 2017-2018.

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Read this article. It made me excited to share this with all of the upcoming Med students for this year and the next ones to come.

Honestly, Medicine excites me more than it scares me. However, a little fear also triggers the drive for self-preservation (philosophically)— which is a good thing. And like my favorite quote from one of my favorite movies, no good thing ever dies.

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Checked the sources a bit. I mean, is this true? This is an eye-opener to me in some way; however, I am still skeptical about it. To Filipino medical students out there, do these situations really happen?

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Classic.😂

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Doctor memes anyone?

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With different personalities and behavior come different learning styles. Here are the resources from a blogger known as The Wise Lark.

In her blog, she recommended using MSA reviewers in which I am not highly recommending. However, if you have that much time that you can review them thenwhy not? Aside from the MSA Reviewer, she has links of different helpful resources for self study. I honestly was not able to deal with everything. I do hope this would be of help.

Note: I tried ALL of the links in this blog. They all work! I am sorry in advance if these links won’t be of help for you soon. But as of May 2017, they lead you to the resources that you need to access.

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Memories of my NMAT

As I was reviewing the archives of my Tumblr blog, I noticed that I’m missing the content of my NMAT. It’s like the ground zero of all of this, so here’s a post I dedicate to my NMAT experience.

Keep reading

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A take of the NMAT through the eyes of a different person who shares the same dream as I do.

I hope this helps you! God bless!

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Physics Lectures: Khan Academy vs Crash Course?

When it comes to reviewing Physics, I really think video lectures are important in self study sessions. We need lecturers that present examples and diagrams to explain the concepts.

So by far, I think there are two resources I can recommend (based on the frequency of use pre-NMAT) — Khan Academy & Crash Course.

I dunno, the comment sections on Youtube videos can be both encouraging and hostile all at the same time. I can say the comparisons are inevitable.

The thing with Crash Course is that it provides a fast-paced lecture. There are tendencies that the whole concept of say thermodynamics is technically squeezed into 10 minutes. Another common remark is that Hank Green won’t be the host of the shows for Physics. Other viewers might find a different feel while watching the video without Hank on it. For the Philippines’ NMAT, some of the things discussed there are unnecessary (e.g. Calculus and integrals). What makes Crash Course a good resource is that its diagrams are good! Topics with respect to Capacitance, Resistance, Circuits, Fluid Dynamics, Bernoulli’s Equation, etc make great lectures.

Khan Academy, on the other hand, has this element wherein it has this professor feel— the lecturer would write, draw and explain the concepts on a rather slower pace than Crash Course. Their diagrams may be meh to others but it can be forgivable. The thing with Khan Academy is that since it offers a learning style that is slower (since the lecturer writes/draws while discussing), the diagrams and the handwritten equations are quite messy and all over the place. It can also be an issue for some of their videos to be boring.

Thing is… Either way, these are good resources! We can always have the power to rewind the lectures if we find it too fast and jump to the parts we want to immediately address when we are only looking for that specific answer/principle. Find the channel that suits your learning style. Besides, you can always mix things up.

I hope this helps you even just a bit. God bless in your review!

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On a personal aspect, this is alarming! I have seen this set of images and as a person who experienced depression— I experienced majority of it. Tough love (as we call it) has been a huge factor for the Asian parenting style. Also, the very take and feedback they get from mental conditions like depression and anxiety plays a gargantuan factor in their children’s response to their condition.

I do hope that parents would recognize the missteps they committed. Moreover, may this material aid them to catalyze their child’s journey to healing.

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Waiting for Academic Year 2017-2018...

I took the NMAT dated March 24, 2017. So basically this spells out that I have this November to say January (?) to apply for Medical Schools. So the next basic question would be “What’s next?”.

I have been a bum for almost 2 months now. Unemployed, technically broke and basically bored at times. I do my best to keep myself preoccupied with these activities:

1. Exercise!

Well, I grew fat ever since the NMAT. More food and chocolate intake with zero exercise really was detrimental to my figure. I grew a belly, inferred I was overweight and had appetite problems. So after ‘passing’ the NMAT (yep, made the cutoff for the schools I want), I decided to install the 7 Minutes exercise app and started my 30-Day Challenge. I also added up a few exercise regimen to the mix of what is set for that day. I am starting to flatten my belly and I feel more confident on how I look in terms of my physique.

2. Learn things old and new.

After the NMAT, I tried to review my Anatomy and Physiology textbook by Seeley. Made it to Chapter 3 so far… The reason behind this is that I really feel sloppy in those subject matters.

Then, I started putting my attention to Philosophy. I began going through Hank Green’s Crash Course Philosophy playlist as well as listened to Stephen West’s podcast named “Philosophize This!”. I fell in love with the subjects as well! It is mind boggling! It also helps me in understanding certain matters on God, religion, personhood, theories and their respective followers (Socratics, Cynics, Stoics, Skeptics, Existententialists, etc). They also focus on logic and reasoning… Putting up valid counterarguments. Sculpting the mind in order to prove or disprove beliefs.

3. Recently, I’ve been looking for a part-time job good for a year.

I am not into the financial aspect into this one. Not really into getting a high-paying job and eventually quitting it. I feel bad for that company to be honest. I have been searching for job openings that I could stay for a year before Med school. Lately, I have been considering teaching. Especially as either a professor or a secondary school teacher (Senior HS). Why?

Well, teaching is learning twice. I figure learning is best achieved when it is applied and attained somewhere aside from reading. I also see myself as a doctor who would then educate aspiring medical professionals aside from the usual responsibilities a doctor does 24/7. And just like Student Doctor Thompson, I want to enjoy doing things I want to try and do before going into Med school. If it is not possible, I guess I’ll look for some drugstores nearby and work full-time there.

4. Spend time with family as much as I could.

I love spending quality time with my family— most especially with my siblings. I just think when I get there, I would have significantly less time with my family each year I progress as a Medical student.

5. Keeping myself inspired and motivated.

Medicine is no joke. Honestly, I want to be in Med school MORE than I wanted it back then in college. I guess, the purpose of making me work for 2 years and having a minor depression are to at least know how I would be in my breaking points. See myself if I can be stretched in gamebreaking situations and if I can withstand it. I took time to think things through (for half a year almost) just to know if Medical school is for me. So I sought help from the best counsellor/s I can find (I found mine in Ateneo’s Center for Families aka CeFam). Help me out if I am making the right choices. Recalibrate myself for Med school. I also tried to reattach myself with people. Find mentors to at least aid me in choosing my path either as a pharmacist or a doctor. The journey was a blessing! I may screw up a ton of times in life. I got depressed and lost for quite some time. But I had no regrets I went through all of those things! Because now, I just wanted Medicine more! Sure, the unknown scares me as hell but I am more certain that I can work my way to becoming a doctor. And so I go through different blogs and videos that motivate myself to do what I need to do in order to achieve my dreams. And I am preparing myself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually for Med school. I do pray He would equip me with everything that I need.

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This playlist really helped me in understanding chemistry. Awesome graphical representations, concrete examples of reactions, and a full coverage of lectures. Oh, and please don’t hesitate to rewind the lectures quite a bit for those who find it fast-paced (that is why I am also hesitant to recommend Crash Course Physics). Nevertheless, Hank Green’s delivery of every lecture keeps you entertained; thus, it somewhat helps with how the lectures stick. I do hope this works for you as well. Enjoy!

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NMAT Experiences

During the NMAT, here are the things that I had no regrets doing. I just want to share them with you.

1. Arrive early on the testing site.

I got around 45 minutes earlier on the testing site. And mind you, the line getting inside St. Raymond’s Bldg (in UST) took me longer. UST at the time was populated by both takers and parents. Also, students will be coming from different parts of Luzon.

2. No cellphones!

Cellphones are strictly prohibited inside the testing site and room. What I did was I contacted a friend who lives nearby. I have a friend who lives in condo unit so I left my valuables there. Usually, your bags will be left outside.

3. As much as possible, don’t bring too many food items.

When I passed by all the security personnel, there were food items on the table that were left behind. Sayang lang. I also left my fave chocolate chipped cookies *sobs*. However, packed lunch is highly recommended. The fast food establishments around UST are jam-packed (and most likely other NMAT testing sites as well). I personally recommend bringing a Snickers or two with you (glucose for the brain).

4. Fall in line early after lunch break.

Expect lines to be long going back to your testing rooms. So I advise that you go back and fall in line as soon as possible.

5. Get a good night’s sleep.

I personally didn’t manage to do this. But please, try to get some sleep. Pretty self-explanatory…

6. Relax 2-3 days before the exam.

I did this and watched my favorite series, movies, etc. I didn’t review anything in those three days. I also managed to offer eggs and to write my intentions for St. Claire of Assissi to intercede. I also went out to walk around the city since walking is a form of relaxation for me.

So there you have it! I do hope this helps you in some way. I pray you have a great NMAT. God bless you!

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Hey, Tumblr. We’re back with another round-up for Mental Health Month. This batch o’ blogs are resources you can turn to and organizations you can rely on. The best part is that they’re so, so easy to access and utilize. Here are just a few of them.

Crisis Text Line (@crisistextline)

Crisis Text Line is free, 24/7 support. If you’re in crisis, please text 741741 from anywhere in the US. The Crisis Text Line will connect you with a trained Crisis Counselor. If you don’t need to use their services, consider signing up to be part of their services. All it takes to become trained in crisis counseling is a desire to listen and help others.

To Write Love on Her Arms (@twloha)

To Write Love on Her Arms started as a Myspace post. Since it took off, they’ve donated more than $1.5 million to treatment and recovery programs, granting funding to 73 different organizations and counseling practices. They have a pretty good repository for finding help, with listings easily found either by location or reason you’re seeking help.

The Trevor Project (@thetrevorproject)

The Trevor Project is one of the leading national organizations providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth. You can call their trained counselors at 1-866-488-7386, use TrevorText by texting “TREVOR” to 1-202-304-1200, or reach out via TrevorChat.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (@namiorg)

When it comes to making the world a better, more understanding place for mental health, NAMI (nearly) does it all. Across the US they educate to make sure people are getting the help they need, they advocate for public policy, and they listen. You can reach the NAMIHelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or [email protected].

It Gets Better (@itgetsbetterproject)

It Gets Better Project wants to create and inspire change for LGBTQ+ youth. While they do suggest hotlines to call for immediate help (like The Trevor Project), their primary objective is to spread the message that, well, it gets better.

If you don’t live in the US, you may haven noticed most of these are US-based resources. Don’t worry. We have you covered too.

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Honestly in the Philippines, mental health has been least in priority (in my opinion). Considering the stigma the depressed and the anxious get. I mean, seeing a psychiatrist meant you are nothing less than an individual that has lost it. Things like these makes many people have the access to measure your sanity and not your mental well-being. Another thing is the tough love parents give to their children who are afflicted with these types of conditions. It just aggrevates the whole problem rather than make them feel better about themselves.

To those who are in need of support, I encourage you to seek help through these means. God bless you!

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These are helpful study tips that can be used. It was helpful in my review as well. I do hope I can perform them in Med school. I am not quite sure if this is applicable. Hopefully, I can still do this when that time comes.