February 27, 2022 — Twenty-two residents, trainees, and fellows of the UP College of Medicine – Philippine General Hospital Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology marked the end of their years of rigorous clinical and academic training at the country’s biggest government hospital in an online closing ceremony held last February 27, 2022. It carried the theme Yugto, which represented the personal and professional growth of the graduates who faced complex and unpredictable challenges during their training in a time of a global pandemic.
Vice President Maria Leonor ‘Leni’ Robredo was the keynote speaker and she highlighted the overarching issues in health inequity, making note of the extraordinary sacrifice of healthcare workers, especially in this crisis. “Nakakahawa ‘yung tapang ninyo, ‘yung selflessness at dedication ninyo in pursuing your passion and fulfilling your mission. I hope you stay the course and serve where it matters most.” That statement certainly rang true for this batch as 17 of them will be practicing outside of Metro Manila.
While medical frontliners are just getting a breather after two years, Robredo noted that the threat of more surges might drain their spirit. “But here you are instead, showing us that this generation is always responding to the worst of times with the best in [you],” she added. She encouraged them to take in all the learnings, missteps, failures, small victories, and best practices today that will make them better doctors and persons tomorrow.
Department Chair, Dr. Efren J. Domingo welcomed the graduates to the event and recognized the 74 faculty members for their unselfish sharing of expertise. “We encourage [you] to always come back and visit us anytime. Let’s discuss your careers that will soon trailblaze the entire Philippines,” he said.
Chancellor Carmencita Padilla took the opportunity to share the most important lessons the graduates learned during their training, based on her interview with some of them. Among the responses were: to recognize the truly important things in life such as health, faith, and family; realizations about personal growth, service to people, and trusting God; and learning the value of time and making the most out of every moment, situation, or opportunity.
“Amidst all this, you emerged victorious but humbled,” she said.“At dahil kayo ay nagtapos sa UP Manila, nawa ay gamitin ninyo ang inyong lakas, talino, at puso upang bigyan ng mas masiglang buhay ang ating bansa, lalo na ang mahihirap nating kababayan, ‘di lamang bilang espesyalista kundi bilang epektibong lider ng ating komunidad.”
“Hopefully, as you leave the Philippine General Hospital, you bring with you the lessons imparted by our patients to us—compassion, care, and dedication to the calling of being good doctors,” PGH Director Dr. Gerardo Legaspi intoned.
UP College of Medicine Dean Dr. Charlotte M. Chiong reassured them that their experience in PGH is equal to none because the training they received is truly remarkable. “Your service to our patients, repeatedly placing patient care before your own safety, will remain to be always remembered.”
Responding on behalf of the graduates, Dr. Serines Virian D.C. Decano-De la Paz pressed her fellow graduates to always uphold their values and ideals and make a stand. “In cases where women’s rights are under attack, women are abused, or they are denied access to reproductive healthcare, education, and economic opportunity; may we defend women, advocate for women, and fight for women!”
A ceremonial Passing on the Key of Responsibility was done by Dr. Lou Dominique D.L. Aguinaldo who gave the key to Dr. Patrick Jose Padilla as Chief Resident. Dr. Romelyn April P. Imperio-Onglao (lower left) passed the Key of Responsibility to Dr. Glaiza De Guzman as Chief Fellow.
Special awards were also given to members of the department who showed exemplary performance through the years. The Dr. Gloria T. Aragon Memorial Award was given to Dr. Stella Marie L. Jose (left), and Dr. Jean Anne B. Toral (right) received the Dr. Rosario Isidro-Gutierrez Annual Research Grant Award. The Dr. Julita R. Jalbuena Research Awards for Residents and Fellows went to Dr. Koleen C. Pasamba and Dr. Cialuj Teza A. Agbayani-Cruz, respectively. Dr. Lou Dominique D.L. Aguinaldo was recognized for her Outstanding Performance as Chief Resident.
The induction of the graduates as new members of the UPCM-PGH Alumni Association Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (AADOG) led by its president, Dr. Filomena S. San Juan.
The PGH Department of Ob-Gyn is in its 114th year and is the only hospital department in the country with nine (9) divisions or sub-specialties: Gynecologic Oncology, Obstetrics and Gynecologic Infectious Diseases, Reproductive and Infertility, Trophoblastic Diseases, Family Planning, Sexual Health Services (newest), Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, Ultrasound, and Maternal-Fetal Medicine.
Anne Marie D. Alto
Erratum: A ceremonial Passing on the Key of Responsibility was done by Dr. Lou Dominique D.L. Aguinaldo who gave the key to Dr. Patrick Jose Padilla as Chief Resident, not to Dr. Onglao. Dr. Romelyn April P. Imperio-Onglao passed the Key of Responsibility to Dr. Glaiza De Guzman as Chief Fellow.
