Question Answered
The frequently asked question to me lately is that~ why am I currently taking up Medicine despite having a Doctoral degree already? For 6 grueling years, I studied Optometry at Cebu Doctors’ University, took and passed the Licensure Examination for Optometrists.
Being of service to my fellowmen especially to the underprivileged is one of my heart’s desire. After becoming a full-pledged Optometrist, I worked at the Eye Referral Center, Laser and Eye Bank of Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center and at the same time a Staff Optometrist at the Larrazabal Eye Group, Mactan Doctors’ Hospital, also a part-time Clinical Instructor of Cebu Doctors’ University College of Optometry.
The greatest motivator why I chose Medicine is my family who also devoted themselves into public service by being part of a Healthcare Team in my beloved hometown. I grew up in a small town (Claveria, Masbate) in Bicol Region, wherein there’s only 2 government employed Physicians for the whole town, no private practitioners and people don’t have access to quality Healthcare. At a young age, I became aware of the disappointing system. That fact alone drives me to commit to my passion of becoming a Physician someday. My vocation will not end as an Optometrist, but also a Physician as well for me to be able to address more health concerns in the community.
Whenever people ask me why Medicine, I just smile towards them and give them a superficial answer, but deep inside I know it’s always “for the love of my country and for the greater glory of God”.