When the mission is away, there the MHAM mission-carrier is always on its way…
A Medical Mission composed with twenty-four dedicated physician-professors and aspiring physicians highlighted the whole day event of the “Pasko sa Kabukiran” in Barangay Calidngan, Carcar City last November 30, 2016.
Started at eight-thirty in the morning until noon, the Free Medical Clinic was part of the MHAM CM’s Community Extension Services’ institutionalized programs to partner communities. This year, an upland barangay in Carcar City were the recipients of the mission- a commitment and legacy that MHAM continuously upholds to, throughout the years.
A cheerful server makes WEAREMHAM happier…
Selected students mostly from the Student Council and Senior Clerks joined this year’s significant mission as part of their exposure and an opportunity for them to have a glimpse of their future field in the real world.
For a 27-year old aspiring doctor and the current Student Council Executive Vice President Geemarlyn Omar, being part of the Medical Team was one of her remarkable experiences this school year as a third year student. Omar, who is an Undergraduate in BS Zoology and a Post Graduate in MS Biology from Zamboanga del Sur, earnestly desires to help the people in her locality especially those who cannot easily access to health facilities due to financial constraints.
“It was very heartwarming to be part of the MHAM team because it allows me to be exposed to the community. And as an aspiring doctor it served as a venue for me to apply what I have learned much more in far flung areas, and not just in a typical hospital setting”, said Omar in an interview.
Always ready to serve: MHAM CM Student Council Officers
On the other hand, a lone Interventional Cytophatologist in the country, Dr. Annette Salillas performed the Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy with Thyroid Masses to two grateful Calidngan resident-patients. Such was just part of the many services that the MHAM doctors carried out their mission and duties bounded with profound dedication.
BEFORE: Dr. Annette Salillas with one of her patients on Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy with Thyroid Masses
AFTER: A grateful resident-patient after having been treated on Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy with Thyroid Masses
During the half-day Medical Mission, there were 100 slots given to adult patients while 100 slots for children as well.
“A good giver is a good medicine” (MHAM students on their mission)
While it is a reality that access to treatment is normally limited outside the city, the cost of medications along with the distances that residents have to travel to obtain care have been answered as the Calidngan patients were provided with free medicines and multivitamins aside from the free medical check-up.
Being the youngest and lone full-time MHAM doctor-professor, Dr. Jan Michael Lao always reminds himself that the purpose of being a physician in the first place is to serve.
“Every Medical Mission serves as a venue for the application of medical knowledge especially on the part of the students and an opportunity to offer free services for free for practicing doctors. Despite of our busy schedules, this has been a notable moment to show compassion to the poor and to serve them without counting the cost. It is always a venue to unite students and professors for a cause and to help the less fortunate. Moreover, the mission was the best opportunity for the student-interns to assist and work with their mentors”, said Dr. Lao in a separate interview.
Dr. Jan Michael Lao and aspiring doctor Michelle Lu with a Calidngan resident-patient…
Aside from the Free Medical Clinic, a feeding program was also provided for the Calidngan school children followed by a thousand boxes for a thousand children known as the Shoe Box Project from MHAM students.
Mentor-Mentee moments…
MISSION POSSIBLE: Dr. Axel Elises and Dr. Allan Librando with their patient…
In a season of joy and thanksgiving, MHAM’s Medical Mission in Barangay Calidngan was one of the year-end community extension services but most of all, it was a symbol of hope to humanity- an unceasing service to Cebuano masses. In the midst of such thousands who needlessly suffer from illnesses that can be so easily avoided, a life-saving to life-changing Medical Team can alleviate human suffering, bringing hope to the less fortunate. Young and old alike, the mission is always possible, simply because WEAREMHAM! (Ana Liza L. Abao)