Meet Ateneo’s new doctors
In September, the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health (ASMPH) received the highest passing rating in the 2019 Physician Licensure Examination (PLE), with all 133 takers successfully passing the board exam.
This is the batch who, in their second year at medical school, made a full –length film on the social determinants of health. It was not a school requirement but a year into their studies, the batch felt the need to share what they learned and what better way to do it than through a film. Their collective reflections culminated in “Mga Kwentong Tsubibo.” A year later, they experienced another first: the death of a batch mate.
Through it all, they never gave up. True to its “No Atenean Left Behind” mantra, Batch 2019 carried on and bravely faced the challenges that came their way.
Meet 4 members of ASMPH’s Class of 2019—all newly minted licensed physicians—as they share stories of life in medical school, lessons they’ve learned and the next steps in their journey as doctors.
Dr. Diandra Lourdes Cembrano
Applying for Orthopedics Residency
I grew up around health professionals and the influence to be in the same field has always been there. After college, it seemed like the most logical step. It was a recurring question as I was going through my journey in medical school. In retrospect, it seemed as though I was living out the question rather than trying to answer it. I allowed myself to go through it and ended up discovering my “why” along the way. I pursued medicine because I like the human experience that comes with it. In my Philosophy class in college, we talked about encountering the “face of the other.” It’s easy to be amused by the science in medicine, but when I find myself face to face with another person, say a patient, it gives me another reason to do better.
School administrators and faculty were constantly reminding us that our preparation for the board exams does not start a few months prior to the actual exam. It starts with our first day of medical school – every lecture, case discussion, patient encounter, and practical exam prepares us for the board exams. Our review classes serve as a refresher and confidence booster. Ultimately, what will really prepare us in our practice as licensed physicians are our morals and knowing one’s self, being aware of what kind of doctors we want to be.
Dr. Karl Francis Chan
Placed 9th in the 2019 Physician Licensure Examination taken on September 2019
I'm fortunate to have been given this opportunity, to what I refer to as the 9-year crucible. I have learned many things but one that has stuck with me is the Ignatian principle of indifference. From it, I’ve developed endurance which allow me to thrive as a learner. For me, the Ignatian principle of indifference is when you accept wholeheartedly and with gratitude your givens: the things you have no control over, your luck and misfortunes, etc. Not everything has to be a struggle. When people ask me how I study, they expect tips and tricks, what color of highlighters I use (I don’t) but what works for me may not work for you. What really matters, I think, is the mindset and this is a habit that we need to nurture.
In this crucible called med school, I learned to refrain from using the word ‘later.’ If I can do it in 5 – 10 minutes, I’d do it now. We tend to underestimate what we can do in a short time but those little things build up. And sometimes, even idle times build up.
Dr. Breann Katrina R. Chaplin
Incoming pre-resident, Obstetrics & Gynecology, The Medical City
“No Atenean Left Behind” has become a way of life for myself in thriving through medical school. It wasn’t about being the best individually, but being the best as a team, as a community, as one school. I knew I could count on my batch mates and schoolmates for help just as they could count on me. But I think the highlight was journeying with our upperclassmen as they took on the board exams and eventually receiving the same love and care from the ASMPH community when it was our turn to take the exams. More so, “No Atenean Left Behind” was never just about the board exams. It is a sense of timeless inclusivity and belongingness— a safe haven you could always come home to. I think having been a part of that throughout my five years in medical school didn’t make everything easier, but it made everything I was working hard for worthwhile.
Two years of clinical clerkship and internship have put me to the test, no doubt, and the board exam preparation was the cherry on the top. It took perseverance, focus, and determination to have made it this far. And with that, I can say I’ve indeed grown to become a stronger person. Also, if you failed to prepare, be prepared to fail. The board exam is an imperfect test but it isn’t an impossible one. Preparation is key and it begins the moment you begin medical school. Although you cannot study and remember everything, constantly reviewing and reading counts for more than you think! Lastly, have faith. Cliché as that may sound, it is what has gotten me through almost everything in life. Faith in God and faith in myself, because the first step in achieving anything is believing you can.
Dr. Jerahmeel Aleeson L. Mapili
Placed 6th in the 2019 Physician Licensure Examination taken on September 2019
Incoming Resident, Philipine General Hospital- Internal Medicine
Medicine as a science is already difficult but knowing that you have a whole community – students, interns and even alumni– to cheer you on makes the load lighter. ASMPH has created an environment which foster genuine care for one another, allowing each Eagle to flap their wings at their own pace without the pressure of being left behind. Everybody knows that regardless of their pace, they all belong to one flock.
Nothing has really changed about me and my life since I topped the boards. My outlook on grace, gratitude and giving back just went a notch higher. Topping the PLE was not about me but about the people who have helped me attain it. I owe it to all of them.
We have been trained to heal and transform lives but beyond every sick person is a wounded health that needs its own healing. I hope to contribute to both the healing of the patient and the system.
