tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187255092012-01-24T16:37:20.733+08:00Work like you don't need money. Sing like no one's listening. Dance like no one's watching. Love like you've never been hurt. Live like it's heaven on earth.MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.comBlogger1081100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-49106464708067321042012-01-22T13:29:00.001+08:002012-01-22T13:29:07.391+08:00

The goal to healthier us (that is, Chuy and I) started early last year. I can't remember exactly what triggered it but we just realized that we were not invincible. We are just as vulnerable to different lifestyle diseases if we don't do something about our health. For starters, we exercised regularly and vowed to decrease red meat in our diet, among other things. That meant I had to come up

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-6158769691657053362011-08-01T08:51:00.007+08:002011-08-01T09:21:40.862+08:00

Gone were the days when I can stay up to the wee hours of the night and get to work just in time.Last Friday, my girl friends and I decided to meet up in our favorite tambayan back in college. All throughout the night, we were feeling nostalgic and tried to compare what happened during our 'college days' with that night. Which made us come up with a list. Well, technically, it was me who sorted

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-77261204831948581812011-05-15T21:08:00.006+08:002011-05-15T21:31:30.768+08:00

This blog is probably my longest existing online 'thing' (aside from my Yahoo e-mail address). I like trying anything new online. I remember convincing my med school classmates to make their own Friendster accounts so that I'd have friends the first time it came out. When everyone had one, I deleted mine. I also remember creating a Multiply account for sharing of pictures and blogs. But that too

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-33176291680507313542011-05-12T15:37:00.000+08:002011-05-14T04:41:38.879+08:00

After 2 years and 2 months, I was back in a rural community in April. I was reminded again of the things I love about the barrio and the things that I didn't like so much. I missed the laid back life, the warm people and most especially, the food. So in pursuit of the best things in that rural community, best things to eat that is, Ave and I tried the highly recommended 'eateries' in the area.One

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-23889361874661183562010-10-19T20:35:00.004+08:002010-10-19T20:45:59.954+08:00

I miss reading blogs.As I was printing some of my posts to be used in my learning portfolio, I realized that I really miss reading blogs of some of the amazing blogger/people I know online. Although I haven't met most of them in person. Reading personal blogs sort of brings me to another world.It cuts my preoccupation of my own life. It diverts my attention to funnier and more important stuff. I

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-64502966275012357472010-07-13T10:16:00.010+08:002010-07-13T11:52:25.335+08:00

Photo from hereI always thought that my profession is difficult. But once I took several subjects at the National Teacher Training Center for the Health Professions of UP Manila, I realized that teaching is as difficult, if not more difficult. Of my meager experience as a pre-school teacher 14 years ago, I already knew that teaching is probably one of the professions that has the greatest social

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-19456697560289404972010-03-25T17:08:00.004+08:002010-03-25T17:45:03.910+08:00

Photo from hereTwenty five days and not a day goes by that I didn't have to worry about how my patients will buy their medications. It's not enough that I have to worry about how I will make them well. But in this country, worrying about the availability of their medication is a major part of a physician's life. At least, for those working in government hospitals.Last week, I had a patient in

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-39064326720983545642010-02-12T20:27:00.004+08:002010-02-12T21:10:54.899+08:00

Photo from hereIt was going to be hard. I knew that. But I didn't know it was THIS hard.I chose to rotate at the Supportive, Palliative and Hospice Care unit of our institution this February for 2 reasons. First, it's only 28 days (2-3 days shorter than your regular month) and I will be done with it soon. There's just something about palliative care and terminal care that makes me uncomfortable.

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-48442281641427174932010-01-17T17:15:00.004+08:002010-01-17T17:36:51.316+08:00

They loved it! I couldn't believe it, my Tito and cousins loved the tacos I made for them. Lately, I've been into tacos. From the tacos of Pancake House to as far those of Camalig's Restaurant in Pampanga, my craving was making Chuy crazy. That before he left, he asked me to just make it at home.And so I did. Here is the result.The highlight of the afternoon is my Tito's stress over the crumbling

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-16743953941202896532010-01-10T19:02:00.003+08:002010-01-10T19:27:22.011+08:00

Photo from hereAfter attending a research summit today, I realized several things. First, primary care in the country needs major make-over. I was seated right beside a Malaysian primary care physician. He was surprised that I was training in a hospital. He asks, "You practice primary care in a tertiary hospital?" Yeah, that made me think. Primary care should ideally be outside hospitals. After

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-65897663852804105802009-10-14T17:11:00.004+08:002009-10-14T17:36:57.100+08:00

One of the interns rotating in our Department asked me if I was a former Doctor to the Barrio. I answered yes and asked how she knew. She said that she read some of my articles these past couple of years. I said thank you but that question led me back to my life there which ended exactly a year ago.I miss that life because it's the exact opposite of some of the things I go through here in the

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-67804876145471780802009-08-25T22:13:00.006+08:002009-08-25T23:03:35.677+08:00

I spent the long weekend with Chuy in Jakarta. This being the 2nd time for this year, I did not call Smart customer service because they (always) tell me, whenever I call before an out of the country trip, that it is AUTOMATICALLY activated when you are on a postpaid (which I am).Let me start this 'mad' story by telling you that I have been a subscriber of Smart since 2000. That makes it about 9

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-53709613899777420532009-08-05T10:32:00.005+08:002009-08-05T10:39:09.408+08:00

Photo from HERE.

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-27808411715787560922009-07-27T20:10:00.006+08:002009-08-05T10:27:16.956+08:00

Dermatology has never been on top of my 'like' list. For one, I always thought is was just skin deep. Secondly, skin lesions/rashes gives me goosebumps, ergo, the creeps.So when I rotated last June in the Dermatology section of our Institution, I only had one thing in mind, get over it as soon as I can.The first day, mission accomplished. I saw several patients already and I know that the agony

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-62361664009773073762009-06-02T21:20:00.005+08:002009-06-04T23:01:25.572+08:00

Issues, issues. Sometimes, don't you just wish that your brain stops working so that you don't have to think about these things? I have too many things running in my head that you I feel very tired when all I did these past 30 minutes is sit... and think!Issue No. 1: I was quietly studying when something caught my attention online. I couldn't get over it. Gathering from what I learned from

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-17758261867564041422009-04-06T00:23:00.006+08:002009-04-06T01:43:25.694+08:00

Photo from HERE.With everything that's going on in my life right now (everything meaning residency), the only things that I can do online, on a regular basis, are check e-mails and update my status in Facebook. I know, I know, it's a no brainer but it's a nice break when what you do all day is think, think and think.In relation to that, FB inspired me to make lists. Lists are fun, easy to do,

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-59588923539513251832009-03-23T22:09:00.005+08:002009-03-23T22:28:55.907+08:00

This is exactly how I looked when I realized some few minutes ago that my last entry dates back to.... more than a month ago!What happened?Well, there are patients to see, duties to attend to, conferences, lectures, intern's matters and EBM (evidence based medicine) , among other things.Much has happened in the past month. But I guess, what I remember most is my 'frustration-turned-accomplishment

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-33368926537289737712009-02-10T20:19:00.006+08:002009-02-16T19:39:32.243+08:00

Last Saturday, our Family Lecture Series was a workshop on Art Therapy.Art what? I know, I know.At first, my mind couldn't comprehend how in the world did Family Medicine cover art therapy? I know from my undergraduate course that you can use art to teach and as a therapy to some behavioral and psychological conditions. To actually heal a physiologically ill patient with it is another matter.With

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-12188595229699146692009-01-18T10:48:00.002+08:002009-01-18T11:33:24.362+08:00

Are you a doctor of the sick or a doctor for health asks one of our consultants. My seatmate uttered, what’s the difference? One said, isn’t it given that we are a doctor of the sick? In my mind, I have a difinte answer, I am a doctor for health, or at least, trying to be one. What’s the difference? Humongous. Big. But one it not entirely better than the other. Just different. Yes it is

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-3327896962679310252008-12-13T11:36:00.003+08:002008-12-13T11:42:51.089+08:00

I am grateful because...I have Chuy.I am healthy.Most members of my family are healthy.I have a job.I can say, write and do what I want without being shot or sent to prison anytime.--Owe Linapuhan this post.

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-92101733554102202702008-12-12T22:38:00.003+08:002008-12-12T22:46:34.669+08:00

One thing that I fear happening, once I go into training, is this -- no time to write/blog.I see it starting to happen. Of the few remaining free days that I have, all I want to do is read, sleep and spend time with my loved ones (not necessarily in that order). No time and energy to blog. But my mind is bursting with words waiting to be written down.My mind wants to blog but my body can't. I

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-54740081776398487732008-10-29T09:45:00.009+08:002008-11-03T08:23:45.188+08:00

Fifty-seven days to go before Christmas!One of the major tasks prior to this much-celebrated Holiday involves gifts. Of course, the are other tasks like decorating, planning parties and summing up all those annual reports (since the New Year is a few days after Christmas). But we all have to admit that gift (giving or receiving) is a big part of the celebration and with it comes a lot of work (

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-47262829854993201832008-10-26T19:57:00.011+08:002008-10-27T17:41:51.643+08:00

Christmas equals giftsGifts warrants a listA list with wishes or namesWhy not turn this into a game?Gifts from far and nearMost you can see, some you can hear.Wishes that are tangible,some impossible.4x4 to drive for my father,My lolo and lola to live longer.Plasma TV for my Honey,I just wish I have the money.My wish for our President,a bottle of truth seruma robe of transparencya mile of

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-59029860834356542072008-10-24T18:00:00.001+08:002008-10-26T20:52:40.185+08:00

“Your case is reportable.” The day when your doctor tells you this is probably the day when you should start praying and if you already are, pray harder. A reportable case means that your condition is so rare that it is worth reporting in a journal (at least, for non-infectious cases).Last Wednesday, I have seen my othorhinolaryngologist (ORL or ENT to you) for the nth time due to my

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-41738469174038458572008-10-23T15:54:00.004+08:002008-10-23T16:29:37.974+08:00

Hindi ko nakahiligan ang mag-forward ng e-mails, chain letters at gawin ung mga tags sa blog ko. Pero sa araw nito, di ko natiis na di magre-post. Gian in his YM today, have this status message: Ang pag-ibig parang imburnal, nakakatakot mahulog at kapag nahulog ka, it's either by accident of talagang tanga ka.It caught my attention that I asked if I could re-post/re-use it. He said ok and that it

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-74706491779801677952008-10-18T20:03:00.005+08:002008-10-23T09:59:34.236+08:00

Photo from here. It’s only 69 days before Christmas! Have you already made your Christmas list? Christmas is the most celebrated holiday in the Philippines; time where most Balikbayans come home; longest holiday in the Filipino calendar; and definitely the most colorful and well lit season of the year.But Christmas is always brighter when we celebrate its true meaning -- giving yourself (or part

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-19866009629742657392008-10-16T09:23:00.006+08:002008-10-16T11:28:46.162+08:00

Reminds you of the candy?I could very well have made it because I am a true blue cry baby - with or without the candy. I cry about absolutely anything and everything.To illustrate, I cry in almost every Maalala Mo Kaya episode that I saw way back in College. To illustrate even further...Top 10 things that makes me cry:ChuyPag napagalitan (I know! You would think that at this age, it won't matter

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-78865204696716726472008-10-12T22:24:00.009+08:002008-10-17T21:23:05.874+08:00

Please watch QTV 11's Proudly Filipina, hosted by Ms. Charlene Gonzales-Muhlach, this Friday, Oct. 17, 2008 at 8.30 pm. Re-run on Saturday (NOT sunday - sorry) 2.30 pm.It's about a day in the life of a doctor to the barrios - me.By the way, pardon the hibernation of this blog. I am currently in a 'big' transition stage. Will update the blog once I get a breather.Send me an e-mail at merricherri@

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-11628038262426315632008-09-12T13:36:00.012+08:002008-09-19T10:04:12.846+08:00

Who ever said online booking was convenient?A week ago, I decided to book, my roundtrip ticket to Tacloban, with Philippine Airlines (PAL) online booking. Thinking that this would be more convenient since I am still in Ilocos Sur, won’t be going to Manila anytime soon and the ‘nearest’ PAL office is in Laoag, Ilocos Norte. Laoag is a good 5 hours away from my area and this gives the word ‘

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-67650485037927122322008-08-31T19:21:00.009+08:002008-08-31T20:20:23.491+08:00

"Iloilo Representative Janette Garin, a physician, said her bill was centered on educating the public on reproductive health and allowing couples to choose between natural and artificial family planning methods."Now, what can be wrong with educating the public and allowing them to choose? Really.Prudence MD invites us to share our views on The State of Reproductive Health Care in the

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-14657276988541350522008-08-16T13:41:00.005+08:002008-08-16T13:49:55.031+08:00

Perfect way to end my stint as a doctor to the barrio. Read on....Youngblood Barrio 101 By Che Zablan Philippine Daily Inquirer First Posted 01:38:00 08/12/2008 You would feel the same way if you were me 20 months ago. I was a Manila-educated, Tagalog-speaking, newly licensed physician sent to a remote, fifth-class municipality

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-62294343818029779972008-07-28T17:45:00.005+08:002008-12-11T08:39:13.570+08:00

I just recently finished this great book by Elizabeth Gilbert: eat pray love. It's a good read especially for women trying to find meaning in it all. And more.Since I barely have over a month before the toxicity of pre-residency, I have been searching the web and newspapers for good books to read.Can you suggest any? Except for horror-suspense, anything will be appreciated.

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-23830351985701203602008-07-20T19:51:00.005+08:002008-12-11T08:39:13.737+08:00

Ano ang batayan para ang isang tao ay matawag na bayani? Jose Rizal. Andres Bonifacio. Emilio Aguinaldo. Ninoy Aguino. Ito ang mga bayani na pinaparangalan natin taon taon. Dahil isinugal nila ang kanilang buhay para sa bayan at para sa mga Pilipino. Pero naisip ko minsan, kailangan bang mamamatay ka para ikaw ay matawag na bayani?Ang larawang ito ay galing dito.Tingin ko naman, hinde. Buti na

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-39951723931958538452008-07-06T19:10:00.009+08:002008-12-11T08:39:13.894+08:00

I used to mind being called Doktora. Now, I could care less.The transition happened when I was an intern assisting in a cholecystectomy. My very noble task: retract the liver. After a few minutes into surgery, I was asked to scrubbed out. I couldn't retract well and the surgeon was having a hard time because of me. My male group mate replaced me and he did a great job. This incident, another few

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-84560449934943217822008-07-06T14:12:00.005+08:002008-12-11T08:39:15.094+08:00

Food is one of the many things I am always proud of my Kapampangan heritage.This was already discussed here. But to illustrate more, let me tell you about this not so ordinary weekend. Let me introduce you to the 'out of the box' Cabalen food that we grew up with.Menu for Sunday lunch: Kamaru and tugak. That would be cricket and frog for you.Crickets cooking in vinegar and salt at your left,

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-24255445475317635652008-06-29T12:14:00.004+08:002008-12-11T08:39:15.338+08:00

One month is almost over and I can’t help feeling sad. Another month ending brings me closer and closer to closing another chapter of my life. In 3 months time, my life as a doctor to the barrio will end. As much as I could, I try to document it. Take pictures of patients who see me at least once a week (sick or well), chat longer with pedia patients or even drown my eyes with the scenery

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-75551223263511516842008-06-15T17:10:00.013+08:002008-12-11T08:39:15.600+08:00

ER Generation. Doctors in our generation would definitely know ER, the TV series. It has become not only a part of our boob tube schedule in high school, like Friends, but for most of us, it has influenced our decision in becoming MDs.Personally, it has catalyzed my dream of becoming a doctor.Number 1 fan. Since we didn’t have cable then, I religiously watched the TV show every Tuesday on Channel

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-47357683722940203452008-06-12T10:33:00.005+08:002008-12-11T08:39:15.718+08:00

Nagkaroon kami ng meeting sa Local Health Board noong nakaraang buwan. Sabi ni Mayor, "Doktor, umattend ka ng meeting ng Liga sa June 10. Doon mo sabihin ang mga plano mo sa Health.""Sige po Sir." Pero ang nasa isip ko, liga?!? Ng basketbol? Bahket? Anong gagawin ko dun?Dumating ang June 10, kinausap ako ng Presidente ng Liga, si Kapitan B. Ah, Liga ng mga Kapitan pala. Un ang tawag. Minsan, di

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-29356335392987733692008-06-06T10:59:00.003+08:002008-12-11T08:39:20.109+08:00

In remote areas, health service delivery is almost always challenged by inaccessibility. And THIS barrio is not an exception. Farm to market roads takes too long to get done. Or even if they are done, they are done haphazardly that they don't last long too. But that's not what this blog is all about. It is about what an health advocate can do if faced with the same challenge.BHWs watching an E

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-76642767172153185552008-05-31T10:51:00.004+08:002008-12-11T08:39:20.342+08:00

Why do I blog?Because I like to document my life. I have this crazy dream that someday, I might be a little famous or die in a really 'heroic' way, that is worth covering on TV, then people will start reading about me. What a better way to chronicle everything than a journal right?Or even if I don't become famous, I like to record the events in my life or bottle up my feelings and thoughts

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-36160803258137804852008-05-29T15:19:00.016+08:002008-12-11T08:39:20.577+08:00

In the 18 months that I have been in this barrio, I thought I've ridden it all. This barrio being an upland municipality with 2 big bodies of water in it, Amburayan and Bakun River, it's pretty easy to believe that I have tried almost every possible land or water vehicle here.Yes, name it. I have tried the amphibian-like custom made jeepneys, jeepneys that are fully stuffed inside and out,

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-82192899246492272992008-05-25T14:02:00.007+08:002008-12-11T08:39:20.940+08:00

Our province is known for it's tocino, sisig, halo-halo, Cabalen Restaurent, h-less dialect and Lito Lapid. When I tell people that I am a Kapampangan, there are only a few things that are usually asked. No. 1. Are you related to the President. (No. Thank God for that.) No. 2. Where in Pampanga? (It's capital.)No. 3. Do you know how to cook. (Yes.)Nasi. Some kids learn karate or swimming

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-19289352239936099372008-05-23T19:20:00.015+08:002008-12-11T08:39:21.081+08:00

When asked by colleagues, who are interested to get into the Doctors to the Barrios Program, if being a DTTB is ok, my answer varies. It depends on my mood, recent experience or how I know the person asking me. But my reply usually ends with, 'But it all depends on what are your intentions in joining the program.' Followed by, 'If you want to get in for the money, forget about it.' I believe

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-39724794967567789152008-05-10T09:38:00.011+08:002008-12-11T08:39:21.281+08:00

Picture from Sandra Sunnyo LeeThis is a tale of a HE and a SHE who did things differently but ended up teaching me some of the greatest lessons in life.She was a developmental pediatrician. He was a surgeon. They couldn't be more different than day and night.She has a ready smile for everyone and encouraging words to students (despite your hanging off the cliff grades). When your answer is wrong,

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-24041282201821259032008-04-27T19:49:00.011+08:002008-12-11T08:39:21.390+08:00

Heto ang isang daan at isang dahilan bakit mahal ko ang Pilipinas at ipinagmamalaki kong ako ay isang Filipino. Arce DairyAlibataAlilemAlimangoAnak (THE song)ANCAndres BonifacioAng TV!AvenetoAyala AvenueBalutBanaue Rice TerracesBarongBaro't SayaBatibotBatuteng Tugak (frog with ground pork)BayanihanBoracayButandingCamiguinCardinal SinCesar Montano (bilang aktor at di bilang politiko)Charise

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-11698234121788422442008-04-21T21:27:00.012+08:002008-12-11T08:39:21.537+08:00

Sick citizens lead to a sick nation. No doubt about that.With the Philippines facing numerous healthcare issues, from low budget to overly expensive health care, from brain drain to underpaid and overworked health care workers, the front liners are now here to offer pieces of their minds. photo courtesy of Lyle Lahey Editorial Cartoon The 6th edition of The Blog Rounds tries to give light to the

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-68588568597257545332008-04-20T19:09:00.011+08:002008-12-11T08:39:21.719+08:00

Not your usual. No, I am not discussing the very low annual health budget (which is only 2% of our annual budget!), brain drain, overworked and underpaid health workers, the skewed priorities of our politicians, or the corruption that debilitated the healthcare in this country. For I bet my right, and even left arm, my fellow health care workers will discuss these in their own post.In this time

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-73805062661373358622008-04-12T08:22:00.023+08:002008-12-11T08:39:21.868+08:00

A few weeks back, there was this CNN special where Dr. Sanjay Gupta discussed the health care system of the USA and how it pales in comparison to that of the other countries like France, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and Italy. USA? Paling in comparison? What about OUR health care system? Would it look utterly anemic or deathly pale in comparison then?France, according to the World Health

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-45839770515291080092008-04-11T21:35:00.016+08:002008-12-11T08:39:22.881+08:00

Summer has always been my favorite time of the year. Primarily because it's hot and I can take the heat. Hahaha. No, I mean, I can really (really) take the heat. I have very low tolerance for cold, much less, for getting wet. I bring jacket/cardigans/coats anywhere, especially at nighttime, because it gets too cold for me. But I have very, very high tolerance for heat. So in summer, I don't have

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-46471129664282635122008-03-30T07:27:00.013+08:002008-12-11T08:39:23.158+08:00

Seventeen months ago, my friends and family thought I was losing my mind. In fact, there was a brief moment when I thought of the same thing. Imagine giving up a comfortable life in the city just to be sent to a remote, unknown area in the Philippines?How I felt that time can never be described more perfectly, or should I say more accurately, than what I wrote in October 2006 in this very same

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-24792395133635343152008-03-26T10:14:00.006+08:002008-12-11T08:39:23.326+08:00

I have never been really sick ever since I went to medical school. Except for a few times I had trangkaso, not-so-often asthma exacerbations (which I have learned to manage well) and that minor surgery I had during internship, I could say I am pretty healthy.Now, I think, I am sick again! I have tinnitus -- that ringing in the ear, like there is a sound playing in your head, and only you can hear

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-63510791932720730352008-03-20T10:57:00.005+08:002008-12-11T08:39:23.376+08:00

I have learned to 'detach' myself to most things in the past years. After reading Tuesdays with Morrie, I practised this over and over again. As a rule of thumbs, as long as I have dwelt on it for sometime, I can practically ignore it afterwards.But there are things that are just hard to let go.They say that those you love/care for the most, can hurt you bad, or probably worst than anyone. This

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-42371604522170427652008-03-16T12:33:00.010+08:002008-12-11T08:39:23.562+08:00

How would you feel if you were a small fish in a river thrown out into the sea, alone? Whatever it is that came into your mind, that is how I felt 16 months ago, when I was deployed in this barrio. Name it – fear, isolation, excitement, apprehension, I felt it. But the scariest part, as a physician, was being isolated from your seniors or colleagues, whom you can turn to, if you were in the

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-49770991223818712082008-03-09T20:20:00.004+08:002008-04-20T16:16:04.966+08:00

Have you ever wondered what caused the demise of some of our former Presidents? I myself never wondered until I became an MD. I mean, come on, all they ask you to remember in school is the date of death, except maybe for some who had controversial or extraordinary causes of death.Like for example, Pres. Marcos, whom we all know, suffered from an auto-immune disease Systemic Lupus Erythematosus,

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-75125000740599528062008-03-09T12:58:00.009+08:002008-12-11T08:39:24.115+08:00

I can compare my stint as a doctor to the barrio to my first experience of crossing a hanging bridge. Growing up in the plains of Central Luzon, then maturing in the busy streets of Manila doesn't leave much room for crossing a hanging bridge. The closest encounter I had with crossing one was in Subic, 6 years ago. And that was a fake hanging bridge. Meaning, it was built only for fun but not as

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-7564409521666186242008-03-08T22:25:00.008+08:002008-12-11T08:39:24.574+08:00

Here is a much-awaited event for bloggers, especially, medical Pinoy bloggers. Bone MD spearheaded it and the guidelines, etc are posted in his very interesting blog The Orthopedic Logbook.For those of you interested, just visit the site and get to meet and join the first ever Blog Carnival of Pinoy MDs.I wish I have enough time to enumerate the other bloggers, some are even known internationally

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-75397038586378465912008-03-02T10:43:00.011+08:002008-12-11T08:39:25.254+08:00

The reality that in exactly 7 months and 18 days, I will be leaving this barrio, scares me to death. No, not because I don’t want to leave but because of the fact that by then, I really, really have to face the freaking reality that I either have to go into residency or… go into residency.I have always known that I will have to do that… eventually. Two years in the DTTB program only delayed the

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-35805139503651765002008-02-02T09:50:00.001+08:002008-04-24T16:48:44.431+08:00

If anything can go wrong, it will.Yesterday, our Mayor asked me to go to the regional office of DOH. To look for a missing part of an x-ray, which is non-functioning in our RHU for the past 10 years.The day started out really good because I got a free ride going to the DOH office in San Fernando, La Union. This is an hour and a half ride from our barrio. But as expected, I didn't find the missing

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-53136039973636363022008-01-20T13:02:00.001+08:002008-12-11T08:39:25.490+08:00

There are patients who are just remarkable enough that every physician remembers them, either for good or not so good reason.In my case, my RHD (that would be rheumatic heart disease) patients are unforgettable because they are only 2 and they come to the clinic monthly, for Penicillin injections. Not to mention that they are both boys in high school, what a coincidence.These two patients both

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-34411512715774089182008-01-04T11:50:00.001+08:002008-05-23T20:36:18.684+08:00

I don't have a sweet tooth. That's why people are usually surprised when I don't like chocolates as much as other people, I don't normally crave for something sweet after dinner and ice cream and cakes are not part of my comfort food. Last night though I couldn't help but search out this dessert place, highly recommended by my good friend Apple. She was raving about it so I took my other friend

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-46371464899594603522008-01-01T12:17:00.001+08:002008-12-11T08:39:25.723+08:00

I just had to post this one forwarded email, by Teacher Carol from our UP FLCD egroups. I can totally relate. PLANNING AHEADAuthor Unknown The best gift anyone can give me this new year is a planner. I like planners because I am a planner.I like thinking ahead. I like being prepared.I get a high from being on top of things.But some things are beyond planning. And life doesn't always turn out as

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-9466730317388492932008-01-01T01:11:00.000+08:002008-12-11T08:39:26.671+08:00

It's been a while since I've been to an amusement park. In fact, I can't even remember the last time I've been to one. Now that I have more free time than I can handle, I treated my cousins to Star City.I know, I know. Star City is like more than 10 years old but for my 7 and 9 year old cousins Joeven and JV, Star City can never be too old for them.This is probably my 3rd or 4th time in this

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-72799278493271808022007-12-23T21:31:00.000+08:002007-12-23T21:33:15.304+08:00

Your 1996 Theme Song Is: Who Will Save Your Soul by JewelWho will save your soul when it comes to the flowerWho will save your soul after all the lies that you told, boyWho will save your soul if you won't save your own?What's Your 1996 Theme Song?

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-42212035247946502452007-12-22T12:42:00.000+08:002007-12-22T12:46:42.391+08:00

It's been a while since I've blogged. It's like I was infected with some sort of a virus. I couldn't even write about anything anymore.Where's my mojo? Gotta get my mojo back since I have more than 2 weeks of vacation. What must I write about? Christmas? Ewwww. Any suggestions?

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-31356696455546942452007-09-26T09:11:00.000+08:002008-12-11T08:39:27.971+08:00

Being my first ever travel abroad and no. 6 in my 10 things to do for 2007, I just had to write a blog about my Bangkok trip with two of my girlfriends, Angie and Ria.Team Pilipinas/PhoenixIt was apparent once we got to the airport that we were traveling with 2 big groups of people. First one was from the Phoenix Publishing House and 2nd was the Dragon Boat Team of the Philippines. It is funny

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-50792291635606644022007-08-18T12:32:00.001+08:002008-05-23T20:49:56.700+08:00

In the past weeks, my spirit is really down because of some problems I had regarding my benefits from the LGU where i worked. For sometime, i felt like every working moment is hell. I've never felt this way since internship and i hate that feeling -- that you are only working just to work.But since I've always had high standards especially in my profession, even though it's taking me so much

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-63825454971353246302007-06-07T18:04:00.000+08:002008-05-31T00:58:27.192+08:00

If there is one experience that I will never forget from the studying at the state university, it is falling in line. Every iskolar ng bayan, especially from Diliman, will totally agree with me when I say nothing, and I mean nothing, can beat the long registration lines in UP. So I was really disappointed when I was asking people how to go about getting a passport from DFA. Everybody replied, "

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-19958730082645617162007-05-06T09:52:00.000+08:002008-05-31T00:58:27.193+08:00

When i was starting med school, one of our professors in Ethics said that what doctors must learn to have is EMPATHY, NOT sympathy. Then she went on the explain that the difference between the two is point of view. Empathy is putting yourself in the patient's shoes. It's like seeing the world in his point of view. I thought, easy enough. I just realized now that's where the easy part ended.My

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-14753563883793761342007-04-14T20:25:00.000+08:002008-12-11T08:39:30.135+08:00

I am a quasi-OC. Meaning, i can be extremely organized in some aspects of my life, but a total mess on some. Like, when it comes to out of town trips, parties or get together, you can trust me to organize it, be it in a day or in a month. I can organize a weekend dinner or a baby shower for a friend from anywhere in the Philippines. So it was not surprising that I actually had our

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-26383294479864020462007-04-05T14:44:00.000+08:002008-12-11T08:39:33.217+08:00

At 3pm, I officially became a Tita to my very lovely niece Helena Chloe. She is the first apo sa tuhod in my dad's side of the family.--I am the eldest apo so it was expected that I should the one who should have gotten married first, gave birth first or at the very least settle down first. But to my Dad, Lola and Lolo's disappointment, I didn't do any of that. My cousin actually beat me to it.

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-2161452896832236402007-03-09T14:40:00.001+08:002008-05-23T20:47:58.290+08:00

When people ask me what I do, sometimes I lie. I say I’m a writer, or a mountaineer or a cook, depending on my mood.Ever since I went into med school, especially when I started going on duty in the hospitals, my name instantly changed to Doc/Doctor, just like everybody else in my class. And naturally, that name stayed when I passed the boards.Being a physician is one of those professions where

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-10699563249076732602007-02-21T18:16:00.001+08:002008-12-11T08:39:34.012+08:00

Language has always been the most difficult part of my stay here in Ilocos Sur. As I’ve mentioned in my previous blogs, I don’t understand a world of Ilocano, much less use it.I knew that I could have been more effective if I speak and understand Ilocano. Sometimes, I get really frustrated because I cannot get my message across to patients. Like how in the world could my interpreter, usually a

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-32291814718894126312007-02-14T17:30:00.000+08:002008-12-11T08:39:34.420+08:00

They say there is a first time for everything. True and I’ve never done so many firsts in one day until I got here in Alilem.It was the town fiesta last weekend and unlike any fiesta that I have witnessed, fiesta here is a municipality-wide affair. Every single person in this municipality participates, which includes the municipal employees, which by the way, includes me.I vowed never to put

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-54561986404458787462007-02-06T20:00:00.000+08:002008-05-31T00:58:27.196+08:00

At 6 pm today, I almost shouted at a patient’s mother. The clinic was already close; I was writing my blog and trying to de-stress myself through writing when somebody knocked on the clinic’s door. I went to see who he was. She was a mother with her 4 year old son whom I have seen and diagnosed with Acute Respiratory Infection last Jan 29. I asked what the problem was and she answered, “

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-43573720706871313142007-02-06T18:00:00.000+08:002008-12-11T08:39:34.819+08:00

Dusk was my favorite time of the day. In fact, I even wrote about this in one of my blogs. Was because ever since I started working in Ilocos Sur, I started to hate it.It was my favorite time of the day since I love night time. I am crazy about the sun set, the darkness that covers everything unpleasant or ugly and the mystery that it brings. Also, dusk signals the end of the day. End of toxic

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-22041798924287373832007-01-21T09:03:00.000+08:002008-12-11T08:39:35.999+08:00

Alilem, Ilocos Sur My goal: cross all the hanging bridges. So far, nobody could tell me exactly how many are there in Alilem.

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-40643648531348384342006-12-30T19:18:00.000+08:002006-12-30T19:28:53.311+08:00

Admittedly one of the funniest Pinoy movies I've seen in my lifetime, not to mention its good quality. Go and watch it.

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-73362673681832657642006-12-30T07:45:00.000+08:002008-12-11T08:39:36.558+08:00

The longest bus ride that I ever took, prior to my current job, was with my friends from med school when we had a North Luzon tour. I took longer land trips but usually in our family car and my dad driving. So long roads trips by bus are fairly new. I frimly believe that God makes me go through this long bus rides to test my patience, because I am a very impatient person.Since November, I take

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-51670376410238021802006-12-25T20:25:00.000+08:002008-05-31T01:00:46.735+08:00

I never thought I would survive without TV, nor internet, for over a month until I was deployed in Ilocos Sur. I couldn't believe it myself but it's true. I went for an entire month without watching House or CSI.I realized that I could go for an entire lifetime without TV provided I still get to talk to my family.TV, just like any material thing in my life, is dispensable. It is the intangible

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-68437490673155135222006-12-02T21:36:00.000+08:002008-05-31T01:01:24.407+08:00

I've never been so happy to be home. For the past 3 weeks I have been in Ilocos Sur where everything is... inaccessible. Can you imagine, the jeepneys that travel downtown are scheduled? The last jeepney to go uptown (that's my barrio) is at 5pm?BUT, they have lots of hanging bridges and rice terraces. Will upload pictures next time. I'm just happy that I can watch TV tonight.

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-30444970200815197352006-11-09T11:04:00.000+08:002008-05-31T01:01:50.141+08:00

We went on a 3 day orientation in DOH Region I Office in San Fernando City, La Union. Here are some of the funny/confusing things I found in the City. They had a mall named CSI. It is about 10 kilometers from the Poblacion and in the middle of nowhere. On our way there, my colleague Girlie and I were starting to worry when we started to see mountains on the sides of the road. This mall with give

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-1161011589620668132006-10-16T21:33:00.000+08:002008-05-31T00:58:27.202+08:00

In two days I am going on a predeployment seminar on the Department of Health's Doctors to the Barrios Program. I just realized this morning that this has got to be the craziest thing that I ever did in my lifetime and I am scared.On a personal level, I am scared that I get deployed in a far away land without even a mobile signal and I won't be able to text my family and friends. I am not afraid

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-1158943200458619582006-09-22T23:55:00.000+08:002006-10-16T23:10:55.447+08:00

We took our oaths last Sunday, September 17. As expected, the outside of PICC was really congested. Luckily, I entered with Angge and some of our batchmates, Lui, Audie and Sharma so the slow-moving line wasn't as bad as I thought. We even had fun taking pictures.As always, the entrance was so congested that getting in was already tiring. We should have come a lot earlier but early means more

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-1157623479947849192006-09-07T17:35:00.000+08:002006-10-16T23:10:55.367+08:00

This morning, I accompanied my sister to the authentication office of the Office of the President. Once you enter the gate, there is a sign, under the seal of the Office of the President, that says 'NO FIXERS.' The sign is comforting cause after all, this is so near Malacanang and I was relieved to know that next to UP, there is at least one government institution that is not infiltrated by

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-1156913189214860352006-08-30T11:36:00.000+08:002006-10-16T23:10:55.283+08:00

Yesterday, I got a much awaited, longed for license number. Yes, it is only a 6-digit number but in the world of physicians, you are as good as a quack doctor if you don't have your license number. In two years or so that I have been doing clinics, you can imagine how excited I was when I got my license number yesterday.This 6-digit number signifies more than that. Personally, it represents my

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-1156744933343925262006-08-28T13:38:00.000+08:002006-10-16T23:10:55.218+08:00

I woke up this morning with a headache. I usually get that only when I sleep really late.I sleep late, meaning at about 1 or 2am, only when no. 1. I drank strong instant coffee or houseblend from any coffeeshop; No. 2. There's a rerun of house, CSI or any of my favorite TV show; no. 3. I took an afternoon nap; or No. 4. Something is bothering me.Since I didn't do any of the first 3, I guessed

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-1156474978875231592006-08-25T10:33:00.001+08:002006-10-16T23:10:55.149+08:00

Thank you for showing me that true love does exist. Thank you for making me see that love doesn't make the world go round but it does make the ride worthwhile. That was my first ever toast in my rookie stint as a maid of honor for our friend Monsi and her hubby Topet. There is just something about wedding that makes you cheesy and giddy. Yes, even for a pseudo-cynic like me. This picture here

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-1156415476910429682006-08-24T17:23:00.000+08:002006-10-16T23:10:55.027+08:00

Surreal but nice -- that was what Hugh Grant said to Julia Roberts when she asked him how he was taking the fact that he was dating her, a superstar. It was only now that I actually understood what he meant. No, I am not dating movie star but I just became a licensed physician! Finally!I still cannot believe it. As I wrote about 4 months ago in this very same blog, this exam is the BE ALL and END

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-1147061704815795452006-05-08T12:12:00.000+08:002006-10-16T23:10:54.966+08:00

I will be in signing off temporarily from the net in the next 3 to 4 months. I'm gonna miss writing here.

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-1146581806434580022006-05-02T21:52:00.000+08:002006-10-16T23:10:54.905+08:00

During our post-graduation out-of-town trip to Batangas last weekend with my groupmates, we played this game where you get to pick a card with a question which everybody will answer. My favorite card was the one which asked us to give our top 3 dream jobs. Since we were all doctors and almost doctors in that group, it was already given that it would be dream jobs aside from being doctors (that is

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-1145615843257034562006-04-21T18:22:00.000+08:002006-10-16T23:10:54.783+08:00

My cousin JV just had his 6th birthday last April 19. Yes, he has the same birthday as Erap. I'm writing this entire short blog about him because you know what his birthday wish was? To quote him, "Sana bumait na ako at di na ako bulol. " I laughed so hard that I wish that I could go back to that age where the world was smaller, more simple, and happier. Imagine if we all had the same birthday

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-1145549063793855772006-04-20T23:31:00.000+08:002006-10-16T23:10:54.722+08:00

I am Merry Cherry and I'm a potential alcoholic but a certified TV, internet, coffee addict. Presently, I am under a self-imposed rehabilitation. Watch less and less of the tube. I'm doing it gradually that is why I am giving myself at least 4 hours a week now for American Idol, CSI and Grey's Anatomy, and maybe a little Seinfeld. Ok make that 6. By May, I can cut it down to 2 for AI.Study more

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-1145274417688433432006-04-17T19:05:00.000+08:002006-10-16T23:10:54.657+08:00

Yesterday, I almost cried.After spending two great days with my entire family, I had to leave early in the morning to go on duty at the Anesthesia Department. I have done this like a million times but it becomes more difficult to do it as I go along. What makes this one different is that I just spent two ultra-fun days with my entire family and they are not leaving Pampanga till the end of the

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-1144521418202141472006-04-09T02:30:00.001+08:002006-10-16T23:10:54.578+08:00

As far as I can remember, I always had dark circles under my eyes. The cause of these is multi-factorial. First, it is genetic. My Dad has them and the law of nature says that I just have to inherit them. Secondly, I never had curfew since I was a kid, so I was so used to sleeping late that after many years, I acquired these dark circles. Now that I go on 24-hour to 36-hour duties, they are

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-1143467475336515402006-03-27T21:05:00.000+08:002006-10-16T23:10:54.441+08:00

They can hurt you but they can't stop the clock. (Surgical Recall)I couldn't believe myself when I looked at my planner this afternoon and realized that there are only 10 official duties left in my internship. That is not counting the make-up duties I still have to complete due to absences nor lates. To think that almost a year ago, I was whining about toxic duties and even thought of quitting.I

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-1143112007844967652006-03-23T17:51:00.000+08:002006-10-16T23:10:54.381+08:00

For the past week, we have been seeing psychiatric patients on out patient basis. These patients range from agitated and restless to catatonic and hysterical. Let me categorize them to give you a better light of what we deal with every day.The Depressed. I could not believe the number of patients who come for consult because they are utterly sad or depressed. There are patients in this group who

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-1141303046786007912006-03-02T19:35:00.001+08:002006-10-16T23:10:54.319+08:00

I have never liked Neurology nor Neuroanatomy even during med school days. The human brain is so complex that I can't even begin to describe the spinal tracts, pathways, blood supplies, etc. Thinking about them gets me butterflies in the tummy. I can't even figure out how my mind works, then how am I going to figure out other people's minds? Yesterday was first day in Neurology department. I

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-1140438646025548092006-02-20T19:30:00.000+08:002006-10-16T23:10:54.173+08:00

I was paying for my photocopied questionnaires after my clinics this afternoon when a man suddenly approached me and stretched out his hands asking for coins, "Barya lang po." I was really surprised by the outstretched hand so I looked up. I was even more surprised to see a middle-aged man, who looked clean and strong enough to work, asking me for coins! As a response, I gave him that

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-1139543788490463222006-02-10T11:53:00.000+08:002006-10-16T23:10:54.107+08:00

It the past two months, everything that I have written in my previous blog Nasyonalista were slowly crumbling down. They were slowly drifting away from me little by little. I have to blame it on my ultra benign schedule because I got to do a lot of thinking, see more of my family and friends, more so than usual. In other words, I got time to hear my dad convince me to go abroad or my working

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725509.post-1139299976220072872006-02-07T15:51:00.000+08:002006-10-16T23:10:54.044+08:00

They say that an idle mind is the devil's workshop. Could be. But really, when you have so much free time in you hands, you just tend to think about anything and everything under the sun.I was having my community medicine in the past month. For a medical intern like me, that would mean 30 days of no duties, no sleepless nights and no toxicity in my schedule. I wake up at about 7am, see several

MerryCherry, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11402833861371385399noreply@blogger.com0