Index title:  EESTONILO’s MAR [06-03]

MAR Title: TEACH US DOC!

Date of medical observation: April, 2003 

NARRATION 

                        My brother an ortho-surgeon and his family decided to migrate in Quirino province. Together with his wife-a pediatrician they put up a medical clinic. At first he was not surprised that very few was seeking consult since they were new in the place, but later on it is becoming bothersome. Luckily he was able to land a spot as a medical officer in one of the district hospital; at least he has added income to support his family.

            In one of his duties, he had a male patient came in with one leg covered with clothe, the patient was febrile and as he exposed the leg its size was doubled due to swelling and pus oozing from an ulcerated wound, my brother later found out that the patient had a history of fall and was being handled by a “hilot”, it was too late to save the mans leg and my brother was left with no option except to amputate. In one occasion, he was told that a vehicular accident occurred near the clinic, and many was injured, he is not aware of any other ortho-surgeon around the vicinity so he was expecting some patients will come over to seek consult…to his disappointment not a single patient came.

The next day, he found out, that again many of the injured patient sought help from the same “hilot” that handled the patient that he amputated. After several days, patients did came in, 2 of them with fractures managed with leaves, straw and some sort of rituals. He was surprise that there are still some who would rather go to these traditional medicine he then realized that its time to reach out and be a teacher. Together with my sister in law, they gave an effort to conduct basic first aid seminars. The outcome of the seminars, remains to be seen, whether the people accepts it or not?  Only time can tell.

INSIGHT (Physical, Psychosocial, Ethical) (Discovery, Stimulus, Reinforcement) 

As doctors, we are often expected and respected as someone who knows better, in most instances, we are often ask about anything, and our opinions accepted simply because we have the title. We live in a society that doctors are looked upon with such dignity. And I think we owe it to these people to help out and share what we can in order to improve their quality of life thru health education. It doesn’t have to be formal seminars or lecturers, our daily encounter with them is a chance. As long as we do care…being a teacher is one of our extended jobs. 

Proverbs 16: 20-21 “Pay attention to what you are taught and you will be successful. A wise mature person is known for his understanding. The more pleasant his words, the more persuasive he is”.