#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. :)

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. :)


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.

#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. :)






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!)


CHRISTMAS 2014

Christmas decors at home! :')
There is no reason for you not to feel the Christmas vibes!!!

My baby Ashley occupied her new favorite spot at home!

My  bestie Eloi and I, having our own Christmas party!
More Christmas party with you, girl! Love ya! x
(photo c/o Eloi)


A complete 15B Family Picture
during the 15/16 B Christmas Party at Jan Ray Amargo's place!

A Simbang Gabi will never be complete
without this traditional, and my personal favorite, puto bumbong!

Never in our whole lives did we have a real family reunion.
I mean, we were from a small family.
This year was different.
My dad's first cousins invited us to join their family reunion, and asked us to join every year!
I guess, there's a first for everything!
Hooray for our very first family reunion!

Christmas Eve 2014

Ohana means Family! Merry Christmas from my family to yours!!!

It is impossible to forget about you...
Christmas visit to my eldest brother, my grandparents and my ninong! 

Christmas gifts :')

Merry Christmas, everyone!
And have a blessed and prosperous New Year!!!

Medicine Week - Just For Tonight (JFT) : Glam 2018

DAY 1 of Med Week : Opening Program
DAY 2: Mr. & Ms. JFT

Batch Picture after the Mr. and Ms. JFT event!

With my favorite girls in med school!
(l to r: me, Adele, Yssa & Trish)

Dinner at Giligan's with my Med food buddies!
(l to r: Chants, me & Adele)

Day 3: Just For Tonight (JFT)

With my hair stylist and make-up artist, my bestie Eloi!
Thanks for doing it for me! :*


(l to r: Yssa, me & Trish)

with my twin brother (kidding, he's older), Kuya Ardin.

Obligatory whole body picture with Eloi! Lol.


Group 15B represent!
(l to r: Chantey, me, Mico & Den)

Free scramble and popcorn!
(l to r: Kuya Ardin, Eloi, me, Chantey & Den)

Another obligatory selfie because she went home early!

Broadway production!
C H I C A G O

GLAM 2018


Almost complete Group 15B photo.
Could not find Karla and Aseel at that time. :(

Gwapo kasi ni Mico eh. Dami nagpapapicture! Lol!

Our own post-JFT party @ Draft Molito!
(l to r: Mico, Trish, Adele, Yssa, Chants and I)

After my group's drinking session at Draft, we went straight to Carmelo's,
and look who went by: my two best girl friends, Eloi (again) and Angel!

It was such a memorable experience.
I just cannot wait for next year's JFT!