Jonathan L. Ventigan FCH 250.2 Introduction to Community Medicine Reflection Paper on the Rotation in Brgy.

193 I did not really know what to expect of Brgy 193. I did not have very high hopes for the public health system of this country, not especially at the primary care level. I suppose because whenever I picture a barangay in the city, I always think of urban dwellers living in poverty and despair. That is why Brgy 193 was such a pleasant surprise. Ate Raquel and the other BHWs were doing a splendid job with theyre patients and the barangay. In fact, they didnt need our help at all in running the health system of the barangay. I was probably expecting to work in some teaching capacity but they probably taught us more than we taught them. We taught them about prostate diseases and childhood TB but they taught us about dealing with patients, dedication and diligence. It was really inspiring. Despair does not run through Brgy 193 as volunteers like these BHWs were doing their part to help the community with their problems. It was a first hand view of empowerment. Now I know that it can also be done elsewhere. I also got to meet some patients, one of whom had advanced breast CA. Now I saw where the patients in PGH come from and why they sometimes dont seek medical attention until the end. We were able to visit her in her unguarded moment at home and saw first hand her anxiety and helplessness. Going to the community allows you to see your patient in the proper perspective. I guess those are the two most important things I learned in this rotation. They are simple things but I will treasure them very much.