Leave A Legacy

Another thing that Dr. Philip Cruz mentioned during the Appreciation Dinner last night at the Mabuhay Manor (again, I will post an entry later about this) during our discussion with PeDRO's Founder Mr. Dela Vega and his nephew is that his drive to pursuing medicine is "Making a Difference.... Leaving a Legacy".

In Dr. Willie Ong's book: "Survival Guide For Doctors", he mentioned in one of the articles there that everyone should have.. someone to look up to.. someone to inspire them, a mentor. And last December 11, the last hospital where our group rotated to give out free toys is the Dr. Fe Del Mundo Medical Center Foundation

I frequent Wikipedia in light of Dr. Ong's advice of looking for people to inspire me and continue giving me the drive of becoming a doctor in spite of the ordeal that I have to withstand. One of the people I usually search for is Dr. Fe Del Mundo.... --- First Woman to Enter Harvard Medical School, First Filipina who founded a Pediatric Hospital, Made an Improvised Incubator made out of Bamboo, Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service, National Scientist, Elizabeth Blackwell Awardee, Outstanding Pediatrician and Humanitarian by the International Pediatric Association, BRAT diet, DOTS program... --- who, during her 90's was still very active in the practice of medicine and pediatrics.

Then... to my suprise, my ultimate suprise... God has blessed me the privilege of meeting the person I have been reading about. Dr. Fe Del Mundo, now 98... on her bed, frail but still feisty. Honestly, I went teary eyed in awe.. the woman who has changed the face of not only Philippine Medicine, but of the entire Medical Institution is here in the same room with me. Our group handed her a blue stuffed bear and we could see her nonverbal cues of appreciation. As we were getting our photos done, she suddenly spoke: "Balik kayo sa pasko bibigyan ko kayo"... then we all laughed. At her age and stature, she still has her humor, who during her twilight years, have endured some of the greatest trials in life, and still be able to put other people especially children, her priority.

I guess this is what Doc Philip meant... being able to leave a legacy... a "pamana" for the future generation. And Dra. Del Mundo was able to accomplish that, and more. May God Bless Us All!

More About Dr. Del Mundo - from FEU

More About Dr. Del Mundo - from PCIJ