CEBU’S PRIDE
Am not from Cebu, but my family’s been staying here for almost a year now..and may I say I could pass an exam for the Cebu subject (if there is one). A self-confessed info freak, my senses are open about the knitty-gritty of living in Sugbu. From identifying objects in their native labels to reading between the lines in everyday conversations (in the Cebuano dialect, of course with translations to boot),everyday is a learning experience. What can I say? It really lives up to the “Queen City of the South” reputation.
Okay, nuff of the travel show-ish intro, I only get to blog when we go down from our humble abode in the boondocks – Gaas,Balamban. My husband and I have already spent 5 days here in Chong Hua Hospital because our kid was operated for his imperforate anus (yes, he was born without an anal opening, thus he excretes from a stoma protruding from his belly; not a very pleasing thing, but it’s better than sepsis.) The operation was successful, with greatest thanks to the Lord, he sent angels to help my son as well as guide angels to the most competent doctors (can be pitted against the best of Manila and the rest of the world, I think.) The dream team of Pediasurgery: Dr. Don Enrico Garcia, Dr. Gayapa and the rest of the surgery group (sorry for those I haven’t mentioned. I just missed info on the names, but I know God will reward you by being part of the successful operation, no matter how small the role may be.)
Speaking of, I would like to laud Dr. Garcia for his incessant care of patients. He may not be heralded as much as the other major doctors, perhaps could be attributed to his opting for a more low-profile status. But those who know him only have the highest regard for the great doctor. The first time we were referred to him, he struck us as very deliberate – he would carefully examine the patient, analyze intently and explain thoroughly the diagnoses, recommended care as well as treatment options if necessary. He would even illustrate for the patient to have a very good picture of what he’s saying so it doesn’t sound Greek. Also, the patient gets to decide well on what to do with his/her condition. As parents of a child who is quite differently-abled, knowing what our son is going through (or will go through) is important for us to decide which road will take with regards to his healthcare. Moreover, for a surgeon (whose profession is basically centered on doing healthcare through the process of cutting open the body parts), he is very far from being scalpel-happy (if there is such a term). He would help patients by informing them other options in treating the condition unlike other doctors I know who would be more than happy to slice a body open because that’s where they’re really known for. Dr. Don, as his colleagues and staff would refer to him, has the competence expected of a well-respected surgeon and the intelligence of a medical school dean. But what sets him apart and makes Dr. Don a cut above the rest, is his genuine concern. As mentioned earlier, he gives options for the patient to decide upon his/her capacity, whether it be financial, psychological, physical or whatever in undertaking treatment for the condition. He also sees to it that the patient is always in the know of the treatment progress, even if it means visiting confined patients in hours which should have been for his rest after a whole day of surgery. He also exudes delicadeza, making sure the patients are getting their time, money and effort’s worth in terms of healthcare -- truly living up to the hospital’s motto of Patient-Centered care.
We couldn’t thank God more for sending us a great doctor to care for our son. I hope this short blog will let people know that one of the country’s pride in the healthcare industry could be found in Cebu. No news item can match a real testimony of a person’s great deed.
Reactions to this blog are very much open!!!
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