Tanya Corinne S. David, top graduate of the University of the Philippines Manila for 2022, first summa cum laude in BS Applied Physics, and scholar of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), plans to serve the nation professionally and pursue further studies in the young field of Medical Physics for national development.
Medical Physics uses physics principles in disease prevention, diagnosis (ex. diagnostic imaging), and patient treatment. Most practitioners are found in hospitals, in radiation safety and protection, and in assessing radiation devices or equipment.
David says that as technological advancements in medicine often take advantage of physics concepts, the Philippines will greatly benefit from medical physicists as this specialty is very rare. Though the COVID-19 crisis will eventually end in due time, the threat to good health never ends. Good foresight in good governance recognizes medical physicists as a must-have; in keeping up with the trends of quality care, in the advancement of hospital facilities, and in universal healthcare.
A UP education taught her that excellence is never enough to be heard. For Tanya, true development requires dealings with politics, social media, and other communication aspects. To solve societal problems and issues, she strongly believes that collaboration and information dissemination are crucial in doing something that matters to our country.
Tanya traced her success in life and passion for physics from childhood. Born as “a child of two engineers”, their upbringing and abundant support gave Tanya a straightforward path to walk upon. The consistent attitude of making the most out of the present allowed Tanya to thrive, asking questions where and when it mattered without shying away. In seizing the moment with available resources through professors, parents, batchmates, and alumni; Tanya knew that a great support system is necessary to be more successful in life. Investing in the community encouraged a striving heart from within. Eventually, both hard work and the community helped Tanya earn an academic success etched in UP Manila’s history.
Primarily a kinesthetic learner who learns best by doing rather than the traditional visual and auditory methods, Tanya recalled that lack of classmate interaction and the asynchronous way of learning modules as the most difficult challenges amidst the pandemic. To cope with stress, Tanya looked at the bright side, relaxing via online friend groups, playing games, and doing hobbies at night.
Tanya’s top six tips for students are: 1) be proactive in seeking help from colleagues and superiors; 2) don’t be afraid to have fun with your friends (in moderation); 3) explore your interests beyond your intended profession; 4) do assignments and projects ahead of time by dividing the task into smaller tasks, spread out throughout the allotted time, 5) take advantage of the professor’s consultation hours; and 6) discuss assignments and projects with your classmates.
A UP education taught her that excellence is never enough to be heard. For Tanya, true development requires dealings with politics, social media, and other communication aspects. To solve societal problems and issues, she strongly believes that collaboration and information dissemination are crucial in doing something that matters to our country.
At present, Tanya is searching for scholarships to fund her master’s degree in Medical Physics, eyeing a university overseas for their extensive curriculum in radiation oncology and diagnostic imaging. Tanya hopes to bring back the skills to the Philippines after finishing the course.
Haziel May C. Natorilla
