Sunday, December 17, 2023

Throwback: History of my almost 10 years at the VSMMC PETRO Research Office

I was already on dialysis then when I applied at VSMMC. 


Everything started when I was hired June of 2014 by our Medical Center Chief as Training Specialist but was subsequently assigned to concentrate on research among the residents. I was just going solo in a small office. Had no secretary then. But lots of support from Dr. Celia Mabalatan, our Chief Training Officer who took me in the Training and Research Division (former PETRO) and Dr. Beth Espinosa. With my presence Dr. Marian Denopol now concentrated on research ethics and she was also helpful showing me the ropes. This was in the early stages where we were making adjustments for VSMMC Ethics Committee to get the higher level of accreditation with a separate office and full support to its members.

I first spent some time putting up a process for submission of researches and made several submission forms, a technical review form, prepared VSMMC to submit abstracts to the Herdin database, and made a Manual of Format and Style which is being used until now. 

One of our early guidelines for submission prior to becoming PETRO.

I felt since the research culture was not yet fully established, it was better to let them write the proposal, the "long cut" style and when they have mastered it, it is easier to write the publishable "journal style".

2014 was spent on preparing for planned upcoming seminar workshops the following year, helping establish the Ethics Committee, preparing VSMMC for DOST PCHRD visits to becoming a research consortium member and undergoing research trainings from DOH.

CVCHRD visits VSMMC prior to becoming a consortium member.

As planned with Dr. Mabalatan, the research proposal making workshop series started for residents year 2015. This was one of our earliest research proposal making workshops in 2015 showing Research is fun. At first, it was just me and Dr. Mabalatan for the workshops.


one of our earliest proposal hearings May 2015

First Case Report or Interesting Case Poster Contest for VSMMC Residents (Sept. 25, 2015)

1st prize VSMMC Oral Research Presentation Contest 2015

We won the CIM Research Contest that year (December 2015), which began a series of wins annually in researches presented outside VSMMC. 

One of our early proposal hearings or defense by residents as initiated by Dr. Celia Mabalatan, our Chief Training Officer (2016)

and it was during the time when Dr. Espinosa went abroad.  I was fortunate to have Dr. Nelson Elle join us and finally I have someone to help me in the Research Office training residents and reviewing research papers. 



But there was a higher calling for Dr. Elle, and he had to go to Bohol to become the Chief in one of the government hospitals there. (He is also starting a good research program there with one of our VSMMC resident graduates and their colleagues.) In his place, I was able to bring in Dr. Joan Danes with valuable experience coming from the DOH. 







This was from a 2014 Research Training when Dr. Danes was still in the DOH7. Who would have thought we will be teammates years after.

Was designated as Assistant to the Chief Training Officer
Organogram showing designation

Meanwhile, we continued with our contests and winning tradition.


During one of the DOH trainings conducted in VSMMC, Dr. Nene CaƱal brought up the idea of having a big collaboration with VSMMC and thus... the DOH RO7 or the CVCHD Research Congress was born! And every year and we have this big event. We were suddenly founders of a historical event!
 
The 1st DOH RO7 Research Congress took place August 2017 but on the day itself, I was admitted to a hospital because of fever.

But life must go on and aside from the DOH partnership, we were set to join the consortium.

This paved the way for VSMMC to become a member of the consortium, CVCHRD or Central Visayas Consortium for Health Research and Development and ever since VSMMC is actively participating in CVCHRD meetings and activities.

VSMMC as CVCHRD member (Region 7 Research Consortium Membership)

Invited our current DOH secretary Dr. Ted Herbosa (not yet secretary that year) to the 2nd DOH7 Research Congress as Keynote Speaker (August 2018) and was finally able to attend the event itself.

We also care for researches done by other employees in VSMMC like the nurses... and latter the Allied Health and support staff.

The first Research Proposal Making Workshop for Nurses. (Oct. 26, 2018)


And to serve as model to the residents, we bravely participated in research contests and won not as co-author but as main author!


First Research Proposal Making Workshop for Allied Health and Support Personnel.

(Feb. 8, 2020)


We also conducted the VSMMC's First ever 3-minute Pitch to Policy Makers Contest based on completed researches by residents in 2020, perhaps the first training hospital in Cebu to hold such activity and here were the winners:
1st Place: Dr. Karen Isabel Liao (Pathology Dept.)
2nd Place:  Dr. July Rose Alameda (OB-Gyne Department)
3rd Place: Dr. Leoncio Tajon (Orthopedics)
This was held last December 15, 2020.

Introduced to VSMMC the inclusion of a librarian, statistician and research assistant to the Research Office staff plus one Medical Officer.

Got in just in time before I had my stroke in 2021 during the Covid19 pandemic. I was lucky now to have a secretary/assistant: Ms. Fruive Mae Bongbong and she made everything easier. We also had OVID and Turnitin.

We continued Training activities with our Research Online Workshop.

And then stroke hit me.

For a time I was sidelined. I even had bleeding from my kidneys requiring several bags of blood transfusion.

In my absence, the team performed in the best way possible and since I cannot afford a real award, and I would just like to give this special appreciation award... I am very much grateful. 

And despite my mobility challenges, continued to work and supervise the Research Office with an increasing population of residents and fellows... and fortunately continue to get accolades for our residents researches.

Introduced the inclusion of CNU VSMMC medical students to the DOH 7 Research Congress Research Presentation especially since they are DOH scholars; and invited speakers to the latest CVCHD Research Congress which talked about the National Institutes of Health (NIH) among other topics.
With my former Parasitology teacher, Dr. Vicente Belizario who is also a former NIH Executive Director. He mentioned that "he just can't refuse the invitation of his former student".

I do not know where my future brings me next. After almost 10 years in my institution, entering VSMMC when I was already on dialysis, God has protected my brain somehow from the ill complications of hemorrhagic stroke. I even believed Citicoline might have even enhanced my cognitive performance. Hahaha.

I see myself as the Xmen's Professor X...Don't let my wheelchair fool you.

I end with a famous line of Professor X:

"Just Because Someone Stumbles And Loses Their Way, Doesn't Mean They're Lost Forever." (X-Men: Days of Future Past) 


Friday, May 29, 2020

Addressing COVID-19-related stigma and discrimination



The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the best and also the worst among people.  Talking about worst, discrimination and stigma against certain groups have been observed locally and globally with some of the cases ending up in the news. As mentioned by the UN Secretary General, "... the instability and fear that the pandemic engenders is exacerbating existing human rights concerns, such as discrimination against certain groups. 

Among the discriminated groups are healthcare workers.

COVID-19 motivated stigma and discrimination has now become a hot issue that needs to be addressed.

For this weekend's tweetchat (May 309 PM Philippine time), we shall discuss the following:

T1. Can you give actual example/s of discrimination or stigma by you or other persons related to COVID-  19?

T2. What could be the reason why COVID-19-related stigma and discrimination happens?

T3. What could we do to stop COVID-19-related stigma and discrimination?

We invite everyone to participate in this relevant online conversation. Do not forget to include the hashtag #HealthXPh in your tweets for this discussion.

Saturday, October 12, 2019

How do you solve the problem of vaccine hesitancy?

Tonight October 12, 2019, 9 PM at the #HealthXPh tweetchat, we will be talking about vaccine hesitancy.

You have already probably heard on the news about the Measles outbreak this year and polio resurgence in the Philippines. Vaccine hesitancy is cited as one of the reasons.

Join us tonight to discuss the following:

T1. What are the causes of vaccine hesitancy and how do we address or counter it?
T2. What is your opinion of "no vaccination, no enrolment strategy" for children in public schools?
T3. In social media, what can we do to promote vaccination?

Together let us help the government and the world solve the problem seen as a global threat to health.

1. What are the causes of vaccine hesitancy and how do we address or counter it? T2. What is your opinion of "no vaccination, no enrolment strategy" for children in public schools? T3. In social media, what can we do to promote vaccination?

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Uratex Orthocare: Finding the one bed mattress for my aching back

Finding the one is not easy. The same case with my bone aches and my wife's aching back. Dialysis often takes a toll on the bones just like ageing. And we were on the lookout for that bed that will be easy on our backs. Been researching on the net until I came across this event by Uratex.

You see, Uratex I learned has been making beds for 50 years already and they launched a new celebrity endorser for its products, its first ever. And he is a Cebuano -- Matteo Guidecelli.



Matteo when interviewed also said he has found #TheOne sharing it is nice to go home to something comfortable waiting. And the commercial launched also that day conveyed well what Matteo was saying.

In that same event held in SM City Cebu Northwing, different beds were displayed and there I found my one.

Orthocare, a bed for those with back pains. I tried it and fell love with it. So me and my wife actually bought it at a 20% discount. The discounted prices according to their sales persons will be up to July 26 in SM Home Department and in the exhibit area in Northwing.



The bed is all foam with no springs by the way. Very thick but very comfortable to lie into. Well, if you really find the #OneforU, you will never let it go.

.

Thursday, February 15, 2018

A tribute to my Cebu Bloggers Society family as they celebrate their 10th anniversary



It is the 10th anniversary of my Cebu Bloggers' Society Family! And the trusted organization of the best Cebu Bloggers will be celebrating it in style with a Gala Night at the Cebu Parklane International Hotel on March 3, 2018 with McDonald's Philippines as event partner. Can't believe it has been 10 years already.

Several years ago, I was watching this fun, dynamic group from afar through their website and I was immediately attracted to join them.

I was not a dialysis patient then and I knew nothing about blogging except for an early attempt at it on Friendster. And boy I learned a lot from this group regarding blogging and social media.

Members were not just my Facebook friends. They became family.

You might think they care only about their blog views or number of followers. But they do care. They care about the places they go to. They care about everything Cebu. They care about the people. No wonder Hearts Day is also CBS day.

I cannot forget this Christmas gift-giving we had at the Missionaries of the Poor way back. I served as Santa Claus and the rest were bringing cheer to the elderly and children housed in the facility. I cannot forget the smiles of everyone that day.

Events were we are invited to cover became moments for bonding.

Each event is a fun and educational experience.  I became a well-rounded person (not just literally).
Because of Cebu Bloggers Society, I became "techie" and this help me in keeping up with my young students. My networks expanded. It was not limited anymore to my line of work or profession.

I became proficient in using social media which proved to be useful later when I got sick.

Fast forward to the present. I am a hemodialysis patient trying to educate and inspire fellow dialysis patients using social media.  I am part of #HealthXPh and #DialysisPh . I add to the voice of many dialysis patients out there. I use blogs, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook Live and other social media tools for my advocacy.

Despite my condition, I remain upbeat, positive and active offline and online And Cebu Bloggers Society is a big part of why I am able to do what I do online.

I may not be able to attend many events as I use to. But in my heart, Cebu Bloggers Society remains to be a part of me.

Happy 10th Anniversary Cebu Bloggers Society!

-----------
The Cebu Bloggers Society 10th Anniversary Gala Night is co-presented by Cebu Parklane International Hotel, our official venue partner, AirAsia, our official airline partner, SkyWaterpark Cebu, our official waterpark partner, and Oppo, our official smartphone partner.

Have some cravings? You can now order your food and groceries online with https://www.honestbee.ph/en/. Just download the app and have them delivered at your doorstep.

Cebu Bloggers Society 10th Anniversary Gala Night Patron
We thank our patron sponsor, BigSEED PR and Events for introducing the Cebu Bloggers Society to their partner brands.

Gold Sponsors

Megaworld, the country's leading real estate developer and No. 1 business process and outsourcing (BPO) office developer and landlord in the Philippines PLDT Home, home’s most powerful broadband Ayala Center Cebu, the premier shopping, dining and entertainment destination in the South

Silver Sponsors

McDonald's

Bronze Sponsors

Starbucks Havaianas This event is powered by Smart. For more updates on the CBS 10th Anniversary Gala Night, check out our social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram , using the official hashtag, #CBSat10.   #CBSForever #CBSat10

Thursday, May 4, 2017

CebuMD or DocBuboy of Earth-Two

This is me, a superhero in an Alternate Universe or Earth-2.....Just kidding.

When Pinay MegaMom MD put out the call for blog posts to start TBR or The Blog Rounds 3.0 and when I saw the topic was about the Alternate Universe, I got excited to blog again even though I know I am having a busy week. Something about the words "Alternate Universe" just gets me going. Must be my being a Marvel and DC universe enthusiast (Isn't it obvious from the photo?). In both of these fantasy worlds, many popular stories are based on a parallel universe setting. And that includes my favorite Flash TV series where you have characters jumping from one Earth to another.

Well anyway, let me imagine myself in another parallel universe. What would I be? I hope not a bad guy (cause often in Flash, the good guys on one universe become bad on another.)

OK. OK. I'll just answer the writing prompt by Pinay MegaMom MD...If I were not who I am now, I would have been a (blank). It is actually tough to fill in this blank. Because there are a lot of possibilities I could end up being. Let me explain.

You see I have many interests.

I love music. I can see myself as a composer. I actually composed 3 songs that are not yet publicly introduced. Two love songs, one religious song.

I made the latest musical arrangement for the Cebu Institute of Medicine (CIM) Hymn including the "voicing" part of the hastily assembled choir of around 10 to put a modern twist to the song. I enjoy being part of the backup vocals whenever a makeshift band performs. For one time, I recorded a version of myself singing Christmas songs doing the tenor, bass and melody like Ryan Cayabyab did in his Christmas album. I miss my days in the choir. Incidentally, one of our choir members back in the province did pursue a musical career -- Raymund Marasigan (of Eraserheads, Sandwich, etc.).

I love listening to musicales. I could very well be the Music Meister of the DC universe. Hehe.

I also love art. I love to do sketches but I do not have time to do so. Okey, here is one sample.
I used to draw in my notebook making my own comic characters (usually ninjas) or draw Voltes V and let my classmates read my "Voltes V comic book" or my "ninja comic books". Some of my classmates during the elementary years thought I will pursue Fine Arts in college even. But it was not meant to be.

Believe it or not, performing on radio or TV is in my blood. My aunt was the first or original Flordeluna (Remember Anna Liza's "rival" Janice de Belen? My aunt was Flordeluna before Janice de Belen got the part in TV.) . An uncle was a TV director. I love shooting videos. I once made a fun music video for my dialysis support group.

And with a little make up, I can be an action star...

Did you watch my latest movie with Vin Diesel and the gang? (Lol.)

I almost became a chemist. My first two years in college were spent in the BS Chemistry course. My parents graduated as chemists. Most of my siblings are chemical engineers. Chemistry is in my blood. (I composed a rap song for the periodic table anyway, to help me memorize it.) I actually love Chemistry. I love explaining the different kinds of bonds, bond angles, stoichiometry, synthesizing compounds during an exam, balancing equations, etc.

Education and teaching is close to my heart. One of my masters degree is on health professions education and I have been teaching ever since I finished my medical degree. I help start the Google Educators Group in Cebu. I can purely be a teacher in another world.

In an alternate universe, I can possibly be a travel and food blogger. I used to be very active attending blogging events, tasting food and reviewing products. One of my most memorable is a staycation in Crimson Resort in Mactan. If I was not on dialysis, perhaps I will be actively exploring the different tourism destinations in our country.

I could possibly be a dog enthusiast. I love dogs and I support the cause of dog rescuers. My Instagram profile pic is that of my dog Bacter who died a few years ago. Even wrote about a pitbull named Princess and the cause of Island Rescue Organization (IRO) of Cebu in Yahoo 5 years ago.

So in different Earths or in Earth-2, I could simply be a musician, or an artist, or a chemist, or a teacher, or a food and travel blogger, or a dog enthusiast.

But God has a different plan for me I guess. My health condition brought me to this patients' advocacy of mine. It lead me to #HealthXPh and #DialysisPh. Instead of Chemistry, I decided to pursue Medical technology in preparation for Medicine which I eventually finished to help me prepare and better understand chronic kidney disease.

I realized God has not taken away all the possible me's I could have been with my kidney condition. In fact, God is so generous to allow me to be all of the above (well, except the Jason Statham part) so I could better reach out to fellow patients like me.

Given the choice, Earth-2 or Earth-one? I'll take this Earth's version of me still.