Doña Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Medical Foundation, Inc.

College of Medicine
Calanipawan Rd, Tacloban City
Department of Pediatrics
NAME: CABELLO, QUENEE JOYCE L.
PEDIATRICS JOURNAL INSTRUCTOR: DR. ALLENE JOY RAS-ARTIAGA
DATE: September 5, 6, 9, & 12, 2022

Title: Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses

Reflection:

I first encountered Dr. Ras during her online lecture with us back in Med 2. I also witnessed her give a very
motivational and informative talk on Childhood Immunization in the community through an APMC event where I was
invited to be an emcee. I have truly admired Dr. Ras since then. Her passion for service and dedication to deliver
healthcare to the community is so inspiring that I also want to be like her in the future.
Her approach in discussing the IMCI was very relatable and
practical. We used an IMCI handbook as reference which was very
comprehensive and designed to catch the attention of the reader. The
concepts were presented in an organized and systematic manner which
allows us to get a glimpse of how to think when we are confronted with
a patient having concerns such as diarrhea and other common illnesses
in the community. I appreciate how Doc simulates the community
setting by giving examples of scenarios where we can apply the
concepts and also encouraging class participation by asking volunteers
to demonstrate how to do certain procedures such as using a MUAC
tape, proper breastfeeding, and also asking random questions which is
favorable to the students because we get a chance at having additional
points. Looking back when I was still a PHA in the community, our MHO
taught us IMCI so we can assist in the consultations because there are a
lot of patients who come in the RHU daily, but she was only 1 MD. To
address the lack of manpower, she tried to equip her Nurses (and me)
to learn the basics of IMCI, but I was not confident enough. I wanted to
help see patients but I could not do much because I feel I lack the
knowledge and skills, but now I am blessed to be given the opportunity to pursue this dream, gain the skills I need - that
is enough drive for me to push through the daunting challenges of med school.
Although Dr. Ras makes it look simple, I am overwhelmed by the amount of information that we need to know
and all the values that we need to take note of especially because in handling pediatric patients, there are age-specific
interventions. It is very meticulous and takes up much study time to master. Good thing that we were able to get a
glimpse of how these concepts are applied in the “real world”. I guess that is the essence of having guided lectures so
that we will be able to appreciate the concepts and look forward to using these knowledge to help patients in the future
and not just merely for passing numerous difficult exams. But don’t get me wrong, Dr. Ras encourages us to read our
books and she emphasizes the importance of studying.
Aside from that, Dr. Ras also shared with us some information that are not typically taught in school, such as the
role of PhilHealth, how MDs play a crucial role in medico-legal cases such as VAWC, and also mental health counselling.
She also shared with us how her patient paved the way for her published research which is one of her most prized
accomplishment as it not only gained her to be in the spotlight but also used it to help inspire young students to keep
striving to be great physicians.
Being a doctor is not only being confined in the hospitals or clinics. This profession can go beyond borders to
provide holistic service to the people, and not just merely treating their diseases. If we have the heart to help others, it
will show in our actions. And we must start from where we are now.

Pediatrics I Journal | 1