Barrio

           

Doctor to the Barrios

                What is your idea of being a doctor?

                Have you ever seen the worst and most unfortunate people who do not even know what a doctor is? It makes you believe that there is really purpose for being a doctor. This is what I believe until I realized they are only as good as the medicines and the medical apparatus they bring.

                Have you ever experienced being in the barrio with no hospital, no clinic, nor medical supplies? They only use alternative medicines and some old-fashioned preventive measures like boiling waiter before drinking, creating toilets for personal hygiene practices, e.t.c. These are some hard times but they survived.

                They missed their loved ones during their stay in the barrios. They got worries that they might not provide for the needs of their family. They tried to work near their home. However, a doctor's salary in this country simply cannot provide well for their family. Thus, I though of working abroad.

              Based on surveys, Filipino doctors are one of the best doctors in the world. Their experiences have prepared them in caring for the sick.

                Despite all of these, they were hesitant to go abroad. They have seen the medical needs of our countrymen and they are humbled by their experience in the barrios. However, they also have a family to provide for.

                And so I go back to my questions,"What does it mean to be a doctor?"

                I am happy to tell you that there is no wrong or right answer to this question. A doctor is a doctor as long as he is able to provide the cure and care to any person that comes to him. As long as a doctor sees that he can provide care, without any harm in the process, he remains true to his profession.

                I am letting you decide which direction to take in the field you have chosen.