Consult Online Now!

Hello everyone! So this blog post is somewhat special, since this isn't just a new post, but I'll be sharing a new feature of my blog as well!
Yes, you read it right! A NEW FEATURE!!! (Just one of the many things I'm updating in my blog!)

So, what is this new feature that you can see in the navigation area? This is the CONSULT ONLINE feature! So let me talk about this now!

Since we’re currently in an enhanced community quarantine, and my clinic is currently closed (and I have taken a month off from hospital duty), I have decided to have a telemedicine account via Medifi.

Medifi allows you to consult your physician (who has a Medifi account, of course) ONLINE whenever you have non-emergency cases. Again, NON-EMERGENCY cases only. If medications will be given, e-prescriptions will be provided, and rest assured, they are accepted by our local drugstores. All you have to do is download the “Medifi for Patients” app, and just follow the instructions. You can basically chat, send photos, and voice and video call your doctors! You can even ask for medical certificate if you need one!

You might be wondering...
Is online consult enough? 
Well, online consult will NEVER replace a personal consult with your doctor. Doctors cannot do your physical examination online. However, there are cases that can be easily diagnosed even with just the history of the illness. Of course, we'll advice you if your concern requires a visit to your doctor, but rest assured, we'll do the best that we can with your concerns.

Now, the next question is, how much per consult? 
Well, it depends! Medifi has two features:
1. Consult Now
In Consult Now feature, all Medifi doctors online at the moment will receive your request for a consult (regardless of their specialization), and the first doctor who will accept the request will be the one to assist you. The price for this is fixed at Php699 (quite pricey since you will be directed to someone available at the moment. It's like an express lane!)

2. Ask A Specialist
In this feature, you get to choose your own doctor, and the price for this one varies. For example, you have a skin problem, and you want to consult a dermatologist, you can do this by going to Ask A Specialist portion then Medifi will show you the list of dermatologists available with their corresponding rates. This, however, won't assure you that your chosen doctor will reply to you right away. Your chosen doctor might not be available at the time of consult, but Medifi will notify them about your request. (Don't worry, you won't be charged until your doctor accepts your request!) Most patients who choose this feature are those who want to have a "follow-up" with their doctors. They've consulted before, and just want to update their doctors regarding their previous consultation.

What is my take on these features?
Well, as always, the customer is always right. You have the right to these options, whatever you decide, it's okay. My take on this is it depends on your needs. If you feel like you need to consult right away, then choose CONSULT NOW. If you feel like you can wait, or maybe, you want to consult your own chosen doctor, then choose ASK A SPECIALIST.

If your concerns are for GENERAL MEDICINE, then you can choose me under the "Ask A Specialist". I am currently a General Medicine Practitioner (no specializations yet), and I can handle various cases such as cough, colds, abdominal pain, headache, diarrhea, etc. And the good thing is, I am always online (especially now that we're in a lockdown), which means you don't really have to wait that long. Plus, you won't pay as much as you will in "Consult Now" since my consultation fee is only Php300-400 (Medifi adds a certain percentage in our consultation fee, but I promise, 400 is like the maximum fee already!)

How will you pay?
Medifi currently only allows debit card and credit card for the payment.


So, there you go! If you want to consult now, then go to "CONSULT ONLINE" in the navigation area, or click this!

This is my way of helping the other frontliners. Through this, patients won’t congest the ER for non-emergency cases and, in a way, will lessen patients’ exposures. 

If you have other questions about this, don't hesitate to comment down below.

Thank you and stay safe!

XoXo,

Darlene Angelica U. Dayandayan, RMT, M.D.

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Good Bye, Med Online Diary!

Hello everyone!
As most of you know, I had a separate blog for my med school journey, which was
http://medonlinediary.blogspot.com. Since I'm basically done with med school, and a new chapter of my med life has begun, I realized that it is better to just maintain only one blog, which of course, will be my personal blog.

I've decided to shut down my Med Online Diaries blog, and my blog posts there will be transferred here SOON (that's a promise!)

Currently, the link is still accessible, but it will be in private already. (I can't delete my blog right away since I'm still on the process of transferring my blog posts from there to here.)

This isn't really a good bye, alright? I'll just close M.O.D. to make my personal blog better. (I swear, I'm in the process of improving this personal blog already! I can't wait for you guys to see the updates!!!)

Thank you so much for your understanding and for reading my blog posts! 'Til next time!

XoXo,

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I'M BACK!

Oh wow. I haven't opened my blog for almost 4 years?? I missed writing here so much - rambling about med school and other random things.

You may be wondering how I was doing for the last 4 years.
First, I'm no longer a medical student.  I am now a LICENSED PHYSICIAN (finally!). If I'm not mistaken, my last few posts were about the first quarter of my third year in medical school. Well, I've been through a lot since then. I had my clerkship, which of course, the most challenging and tiring of my medical school days. I also had my senior internship after my graduation, which was actually, almost the same thing as clerkship, but with more free time, yet with bigger responsibilities. And, of course, I had my boards - the Physician Licensure Exams, which was the highlight of my 2019, the year I struggled the most. I hope from there, you'd understand why I wasn't able to update this blog anymore.

Aside from the description, I'm going to update the other sections of this blog such as photos, D's escapades (which was under construction for so long, LOL!), add new contents or new blog layouts, perhaps?

Moving on, as I said earlier, I'm now a licensed physician. You may be wondering, how come I decided to return to blogging when I'm supposed to be busier now? Well, after passing the board exams, newly licensed physicians have various options. Some went to residency right away, others went to moonlighting, research, etc. Well, I, myself, decided to have a year off first (to not drain myself), and went to moonlighting up to the last quarter of this year, then I'll start with residency. So basically, I have more free time than those who are currently in residency.  Another reason maybe is because we're under enhanced community quarantine now due to COVID-19, and my clinic temporarily closes.

To make sure I'm gonna update this blog regularly, I've decided to post every Wednesdays again like what I did with my old blog: My Passport (which was still up btw, LOL).

I hope this blog still interests you! Topics I'm planning to write about include:

• What I'm going to take for my Residency Training (a little update about my MD life, how I made my decision on what I'm going to take, other choices for specialization, etc.)
• What I'm currently doing during my year off (detailed things I do in moonlighting)
• Skin care products I'm currently using (Skin care has become a hot topic nowadays, maybe because of numerous vloggers promoting/trying different products, plus, I received a number of questions about skin care products on my “Contact Me” section)
• Physician Licensure Exam tips! (Oooh, I'm excited to write about this!!!)

And if there are other things that you want me to share, you can always drop by my comment or contact me section! 

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#AskDarlene 2

1. What do you usually do during your free time?
As medical students, we barely have free time. Which is why, every time we have a "free time", we make the most out of it. I spend most of my free time bonding with my family, playing with my pet, blogging, and watching series. :)

2. What are your favorite series?
Grey's Anatomy, One Tree Hill, Gossip Girl, How I Met Your Mother, The Vampire Diaries, Pretty Little Liars, Awkward...and the list goes on, and on... :)

3. 5 things you can't leave your house without? (in order)
Cellphone, hanky, money, keys, watch (and to add, umbrella, most especially during rainy season).

4. Favorite chocolate/s?
Hmm, this is hard.. I'm a certified chocoholic. I guess my favorite ones are Reese's, Mars, Ferrero Rocher :)

5. Do you smoke? 
Nope, and never! :)

6. Talents you wish you have, or maybe something you want to try?
Photography and calligraphy 

7. If you weren't in med school, where will you be?
If wasn't in med school... I'll still be in med school. :P Hahaha. Sorry, I don't know. I never thought of that! :)

8. Favorite piece/s of jewelries, and why?
The pair of white gold earrings my mom gave me when I passed my first year in med school
My Pandora bracelet since it signifies different aspects of who I am. :)
Love Bracelet - unique
Charriol bangle from my cousin Eunice

9. Read your post about your specialization dilemma, have you decided now? If not yet, what is/are the specialization/s you feel like considering? If yes, what?
I still haven't decided what specialization to take in the future. I somehow able to manage  to set it aside this "dilemma" first. I still consider Surgery and OB, though, but idk, it's really hard to tell. :)

10. Favorite love quote from a movie?
"To let true love remain unspoken is the quickest route to a heavy heart." - Warren Peace, Sky High

11. Hi, im the same person who asked about your favorite love quote from a movie? How about all-time favorite movie quote (if not the same as the one you answered for the love quote)
"The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it." - Rafiki, The Lion King

12. I heard you are fond of reading novels... First novel you've read?
The Princess Diaries Series by Meg Cabot <3 

13. All-time favorite movie/s?
Harry Potter 1-7.2

14. Whose blog is your most favorite?
Saab Magalona <3 #BlogGoals, lol. 

15. As a child, who was your favorite cartoon character?
Elmo from Sesame Street!! And I still love him up to now, btw. ;)

16. Favorite "nakakaiyak talaga, bes" movies?
If Only, Hachi: A Dog's Tale, A Walk To Remember

17. Do you play any musical instruments? If yes, what, and what pieces can you play?
Believe it or not, I do know how to play the piano and the guitar. My brothers and I took piano lessons for123456789 summer, lol. But later on, I realized piano wasn't for me, so I decided to take guitar lessons, thinking it might be the right path for me (char!). Eventually, I realized it wasn't just piano which wasn't for me, lol! Later on, I figured  out where I really belong when my dad saw my drawing book, and he and my mom decided to enroll me in painting lessons one summer. <3

Anywaaay, going back, for piano, I know how to play Way Back Into Love, My Heart Will Go On, and Killing Me Softly.

18. Biggest achievements so far?
Graduating from college, acceptance in Medical School, and becoming a RMT. :)

19. Favorite subject in high school? In college? In post-grad?
From grade school to high school, my favorite subject was Math. In college? Parang wala? But I enjoyed Clinical Microscopy the most during my internship. In med school naman, hmm, wala rin 'ata. But I enjoy Surgery. Enjoy ha, wala akong sinabing I do well, hahaha. Wala lang, amazing lang talaga. :)

20. What are you doing now, then after?
Right now, I'm answering your question, which is probably the last question I'm going to answer for this batch of question. I'm gonna try to sleep now, since it's almost 5AM, and I have to wake up "early" later since I need to continue studying for my evals next week, huhu.


← #AskDarlene 1

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#LifeInMedSchool: Mentor-Mentee Session No. 1

From Surgery SGD to Pedia Ward Work @ DLSUMC - OPD to Case Discussion with Dr. Jindra Tetangco to FINALLY meeting our mentor.

Finally, we met our amazing and very inspiring OB-GYN Oncology mentor, Dr. Angelito Magno. 
Innah and I tried to meet with him 2 weeks ago but unfortunately, he wasn't available. When I first entered his clinic, I thought I won't have anything to say. Sobrang pagod na kasi talaga. Na-drain na 'ata ako sa Pedia Ward Work namin. I was actually hoping that meeting with him would just be fast. But when he started to talk, and shared his experiences, I totally forgot how tired I was. He got my attention when he said, when he was choosing his specialization, he knew he won't be an internist, because he likes the surgical field. And, just like him, my heart right now is in the surgical field. His choices were OB-GYN and Surgery. Sobrang amazing niya lang. He's only 35 years old, but he has accomplished so many things. He's an OB-GYN Oncologist, plus he had an advanced training in laparoscopy outside the country. Aside from that, he has published several studies/reviews not just locally but internationally. He actually encourages us to do the same, as early as now. He is a Lasallian doctor who had his internship, residency and fellowship at Philippine General Hospital.

Of all the things that he shared, what struck me the most was this:

When he said this, I realized how true it is. Hindi talaga matatapos ang pag-aaral ng medisina. After we graduate, may residency pa. And for some, after magtake ng specialization, may mga magsusub-specialization pa. There's just too much to learn in this field. You can never say you know everything about it. In Doc Magno's case, he's going to take a Master's Degree. And for sure, it won't end there. Kaya talagang nakaka-inspire 'tong si Doc.

When I got home, I realized how much I want to be just like him someday. Siguro, not totally like him na mag-sub-specialize sa Oncology since Onco isn't really my thing for some personal reasons. I just like how determined and dedicated he is. Siguro, if not like him na OB-GYN Oncologist, I'll find another field that will match my skills and capabilities. :)

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Specialization Dilemma: How to know what specialization suits you

I've always wanted to become a doctor, just like my parents. And I'm happy everyone in my life wants me to be one, too. Siguro nga, kahit teachers and classmates ko noong grade school, ineexpect na nila na maging doctor ako in the future.  I remember when I was a kid, people would ask what I want to be when I grow up. I would say, "Doctor, po." Then they would tell me, "Siyempre, susundan ang footsteps ng parents, diba?"

When I was filling out my college application forms, my dad told me that whatever I do in life, he and my mom will just be there to support me. Kahit ano pa daw ang ilagay kong course, go lang, basta magiging masaya ako. Of course, without a doubt, I chose a pre-med course. I took up BS in Medical Technology. I never saw myself doing anything but medicine. Alam ko, ito talaga path ko. I mean, hello? Kulang na lang noong bata ako, pilitin kong tumanda ako agad para maging doctor na,  no joke. :)

So when college was almost done, and it was time to apply for medical schools, I got excited. I mean, ito na oh. Med school na. As for those who haven't read my other blog posts, I applied for 2 universities - University of Santo Tomas and De La Salle Health Sciences Institute. Yup, I only applied for those 2 universities. UST, of course, was a choice because this is where I took up my pre-med. DLSHSI, on the other hand, is where my mom took up Medicine, plus, the environment, just makes me feel like home. To cut the long story short, I am a third year medical student now at DLSHSI.

Few days after my third year in medicine started, they said we need to choose a mentor. To be fair, our adviser allowed us to choose 2 specializations, and from that, she will assign us a mentor. I saw a lot of people have their own choices already. And there I was, clueless of what I want to be. I asked myself, ano na ba nangyayari? Ang alam ko lang, I want to be a doctor. But what exactly do I want?

I get so jealous of people who know exactly what specialization they want to take. As I said earlier, my parents are both doctors, and it should be easy for me to choose what specialization I want. Pwede naman, na same na lang sa kanila, diba? But it wasn't. My mom's an anesthesiologist. While, my dad's a family medicine. Growing up with a mom who's an anesthesiologist made me decide to not be an anesthesiologist, not even making it as a choice, lol. My mom's schedule has always been busy. 'Yung tipong, nasa mall na kayo, but we have to go home cause there's a patient. But don't get me wrong, my mom is still the best. She never misses any important event in my life. She knows her priorities. Never niya sinabi na di siya makaka-attend ng graduation ko, o kaya wala siya sa birthday ko. She gives us her time, kaya on my part, iniintindi ko na lang talaga siya pag may times na may lakad kami, pero di na natutuloy. On the other hand, medyo, di naman ganoon ka-busy yung dad ko. Hawak niya time niya, which is why, yung dad ko talaga nagvivisit sa amin weekly sa dorm. Sometimes naman, kasama mom ko. Anyway, my dad's specialization is pretty okay. Ako lang ata ang hindi okay sa specialization niya? Hahaha! I don't know, but in med school, parang 'di ko ata kasundo ang Commed, lalo na sa exams?  LOL. So basically, my parents' specializations are out of my choices. When I was in my second year med, I actually listed my choices, pero until now, wala pa rin akong napili talaga. Nababawasan pa ata yung mga nasa choices ko. My mom would say na kung ayaw ko daw ng anes, mag OB-GYN  daw ako. But, I would tell her, on-call din yun, e.

Anyway, here's a list of my criteria for choosing a specialization.

I know, while reading the list, you can think of anything you can suggest me. Ang dami ko lang talagang kontra, I think. Hahaha. Let's go back to Anesthesiology, only number 3 met the criteria. If Family Medicine naman, number 3 does not meet the criteria. So yes, they are both ruled out.

Pediatrics, well, aside sa on-call din naman siya, I just can't be in Peds, cause of what happened to my eldest brother. I hate seeing kids getting sick.

IM. People have already suggested Nephro and Gastro. With Nephro, I think I don't like seeing dialysis patients. With Gastro, hmm, I think it met the criteria, pero idk pa rin. I'm not even sure if I like GIT modules here in med school. So, maybe I can include it in my choices.

Surgery. I think, I like Surgery. Ang cool kasi. BUT,  a.) On-call, yes. b.) Surgeons have their clinics, too. c.) Does procedures in the OR, obviously, yes. On-call + long years of residency + I'm left-handed (I think it'll be harder for me? Haay, excuses. LOL!)

OB-GYN, ito talaga pinupush nila eh. But on-call kasi, that's what's preventing me from choosing it. But, when I see it, being in OB-GYN, is like, witnessing life. I mean, we witness life naman whatever specialization we take. Yung giving of life siguro since OB-GYNs give birth. And yet again, di ko pa talaga alam.

And the list goes on. I think whatever specialization you suggest me, may masasabi akong BUTs. :(

How will you know what specialization suits you?

Is it already late that I don't know what I want to be?

Is there a chance I'll know it when I do my rotations in 4th year?

PS. I chose OB-GYN and IM for the mentor-mentee activity in class, and I was assigned with a OB-GYN consultant. I just hope he can help me figure things out. :)

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MED ONLINE DIARIES

Hello, everyone!

I finally set up a new blog about my journey in medicine (aka. #RoadToMD).

If you wish to see and/or follow it,

just click this.

Thank you!!!

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First ever Ward Work

I just had to post this. 

Photos taken from today's PD ward work!!

Group 18 with Doc Atienza

(From l to r: Maiza, me, Rachelle, Alexander & Doc Atienza)

I've got to admit, I was kilig when this photo was taken. It feels like little by little, I'm getting there.

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#AskDarlene 1

1. Do you believe in fate?
Yes!! :)

2. What color do you wear most frequently?
Pink, green and black. :)

3. What's your course? :)
I'm currently in my third year in Medicine. Took up BS in Medical Technology as my pre-med course :)

4. Whats your favorite song of all-time?
Good To You - Marianas Trench
All Good Things (Come To An End) - Nelly Furtado

5. favorite fast food chain/s?
Jollibee, KFC & Greenwich

6. What's your favorite color?
Pink & green :)

7. What's your lippie?
I'm not a fan of lipsticks! But I love using lip balms. My favorite ones are Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm and Lip Ice's mentholatum . :)

8. favorite number?
17 and 26

9. what's your favorite scent?
Sweet Pea by Queen's Secret, Incanto Shine, and South Beach from Paris Hilton's collection :)

10. What's your lotion? hahaha
I love Marks & Spencer's China Blue lotion (Floral Collection) - this is the one I use everyday. Also, Tresor by Lancome :)

11.You have pimple-less face !! What do you use? hi.. :)
OMG! Seriously? Maybe you haven't really seen me!! I always get pimples every exams (which is like, almost every week) Anyway, I use several products, and I'm happy, they're all effective! :)

Morning:
a. St. Ives Apricot Scrub as my facial wash
b. Nivea Refreshing Toner (blue)
c. Pond's Flawless White BB+ - it serves as my moisturizer, face powder and concealer all at the same time! I apply this after using the toner :)
When I get home from school:
a. Pond's Pure White (black; the one with activated carbon + Vitamin B3) as my facial wash
Before bed:
a. Nivea Extra White Repair as my facial wash
b. Nivea Refreshing Toner (blue)
c. Healing Cream c/o my dermatologist - this is kinda sticky, which is why I only use it at night! But this is VERY effective. Lol.
These are what I use everyday, but whenever I get a pimple, I use Oilatum soap and Eskinol Pimple Fighting toner. :)

→ #AskDarlene 2

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Photo blog entry: Highlights of my 2014!

JANUARY

First night out with Sir Jerwin, Sir Jhay
and my UST and Calayan co-interns
Bride for Rent - Racks - Music Bank kind of night!

FEBRUARY

Eunice's 18th!

Birthday salubong with the fam!

My 20th birthday, spent at San Juan De Dios Hospital PM duty.
Thanks to my group, Group 7, for the surprise!

Last day (night duty) at SJ!
Last day of internship!
Thank you to my first and second in, JR and SJ, for a wonderful internship!

MARCH

Thesis = CHECK!
All OTs and working for thesis after sleepless night duties were all worth it!!!

Post-birthday surprise c/o my college friends,
and post-birthday dinner @ Dad's Kamayan Saisaki

Post-birthday celebration with the boys at home!
All-night videoke + inuman with my SJ staff!

Baccalaureate Mass 2014
Pyromusical: Frozen's Let it Go
UST Tradition: Arch of the Century Exit

APRIL

Darlene Angelica U. Dayandayan
BS in Medical Technology
University of Santo Tomas

Graduation Day!
 Thank you to my family and their unconditional love and support.
 I wouldn't be able to make it without you, guys! I love you!

MAY

Ilocos Tour with my family and Pantoja family!

JUNE

New school year, new school, new friends, new classmates, new environment,
Hello MED SCHOOL!

JULY

Too proud! Finally, got my nameplate! :)

AUGUST

Just like the old times!
Inuman + karaoke night with Angel, Eloi and Jhojo!

SEPTEMBER

My favorite highlight of my 2014 would be my graduation.
 But I guess, the best gift I've received this year was
when I passed the board exam for the medical technology.
Proudest achievement, so far.

Proudest parents threw me a simple RMT celebration at home! :')

OCTOBER

Sem-ender party with my favorite people in med school,
groups 15 and 16 B!

Oath taking for the newly registered medical technologists
at the Philippine International Covention Center

UST Testimonial dinner for the new RMTs
 at the UST Main Building Civil Law Lobby

NOVEMBER 

My very first JFT (Just for Tonight)
 at De La Salle Health Sciences Institute

DECEMBER

Christmas party with my awesome med school favorites, group 15 and 16 B!

After 2 years, I finally got to spend my Christmas at home again!
Indeed, a  merry Christmas! :')
(Christmas 2012 was spent at the road and at the mall because
 we had to drop my brother at the hospital for his 24-hour duty.
For Christmas 2013, I spent my Christmas at the hospital
since it was my turn to experience my 24-hour duty at the hospital!)

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