Just got back

Just got back from an exhausting 3-day convention at the PICC. As always, we had to commute back and forth from QC to Pasay since we didn't have a sponsor for an accomodation at a nearby hotel, and as usual again, the food wasn't so great. I dunno why every year it's the same old Via Mare. The lectures were..hohumm... and for the good ones', well the second you arrive at the function room it would be full, so goodbye good lecture. The PPS convention isn't something I look forward to. It's more of an obligation for me. The only reason why attend, is to see old friends and collegues (sounds lame, but true). Our oathtaking for diplomacy took place on the last day at Sofitel, so another reason to attend. Nevertheless, it turned out alright.

Laser or not to laser?

Yesterday my dermatologist friend called me up and asked me if I wanted to attend a "demo" for a laser machine she was planning to purchase. Yea, hair removal, skin rejuvenation, acne, etc.. and hell yea! for no cost! So, I had the hairs on my feet removed (you know the ones on each toe? yea, those) Anyway, the demonstrator first cleaned each toe with water then zapped away. Oh yea, the laser looked like it was made of glass, measured around 1 cm x 6 cm (width x length) and emmited a fierce bright white light with each zap, so sunglass precaution people! (it's provided!) so in short, small surface area coverage only, but that's okay! this procedure shouldn't be hurried. As I was saying, after the demonstrator "zapped" my toe she asked me if the pain was tolerable so as the heat. It felt like a rubberband prick that was hot. For a first timer I would rate it 2.5 (scale of 1-5). There was a little stubble left afterwards, but it could be removed painlessly with a tweezer, so no prob!
Overall, i loved it. It was a hassle-free procedure. No medications before or after the procedure, just some sunblock for procedures done on the face.
Great!

It started at 8:00 am part 2

owkei..., let me just add pala that my third panelist also asked about weakness of both extremities in a 5 yrs. old boy. Oh boy... my favorite ... out of all the subspecializations, it had to be neurology!! Geez.. like, how lucky was I??!
So, after the exam, we headed for Trinoma, had lunch, watched Fools Gold. I didn't enjoy the movie. It didn't relax me, which I thought would. I was waiting in vain. I felt weak, my muscles ached, which was surprising since we were sitting half of the day. It was like a work-out after a long time. We finally decided to just go home. We thought some strolling around the mall would do us some good but it didn't. 4:30 - 5:00 pm, on our way home, I recieved a call from a collegue/friend I haven't heard from in years. First thing I thought, "why would she call?" but at the back of my mind, I sort of knew why! I picked-up and she greeted me with an enthusuastic "CONGRATULATIONS!" What a relief!!
Finally, I am a Diplomate! Whew!

It started at 8:00 am

March 30, 3:00 in the morning, I suddenly awoke, with a nagging feeling in my gut, thinking..today is the day..today is the day... I tried to go back to sleep but I couldn't. 5:00 am, stood up and made myself a cup of coffee and drank in silence. 6:00 am, preparation time, 7:00 am, I was on my way to Kalayaan Ave. I arrived at the PPS building at exactly 7:30 am. On my way up, that nagging feeling in my gut was now accompanied by palpitations and tremors. I entered the waiting area, signed in and waited to be called. The other examinees were quietly reading. I, was staring into space. 8:00 am, we were called by groups, 15 examinees per group. I was included in the first group. We were given 3 panelists/examiners and 20 minutes each to answer their questions "intelligently". How do you answer that? My first panelist, an infectious disease specialist from a prestigious university in Manila asked about Meningococcal Meningitis vs. Meningococcemia, prognosis, pathogenesis, etc. I was shaking, as in literally shaking. My second panelist, the outgoing president of our society, asked about Dengue Fever. I thought it went quite smoothly. My third and final panelist, a known nephrologist from one of the largest pediatric centers in Quezon City asked about Dengue Shock. I couldn't tell whether or not I was answering "intelligently". She just stared at me the whole time I was talking.. more of like a blunt/flat affect. No "ok" or "alright", not even a "yes" or "no". No gestures of approval or disapproval either. Geez, how intimidating... I wanted to cry and laugh at the same time. While waiting for my collegues, one of the examinees approached me and made small talk. She asked how it went and who my examiners were, then said, "OMG... 2 sa mga examiners mo, si Dr. ____ & Dr. ____ nambabagsak... naku, pray ka nalang" What the...??!! Ok, I was feeling low.. she made me feel even worse...

to be continued...

One Day at a Time

Today is Easter Sunday. Give praise to the risen Lord!

My blog was previously entittled "Trial & Error" all because I recall all the trials I went through and all the errors I made in my life regarding my profession. Initially this was supposed to be more of a "rant & rave" blog (well, whose blog isn't, right?). Did I mention that being a doctor was not my plan? Well partially, but not wholeheartedly... The more reason to rant and the more reason to complain why being a doctor sucks but then I thought why make a big deal you're already here :D And to think, if I didn't want to become a doctor in the first place, why am I practically killing myself right now reviewing for the final step in achieving diplomacy? odd..

Let me just share my thoughts be it as a doctor or not. Acceptance is the first step towards happiness.