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Blogs from PIDrU Members

The Road Less Traveled…

6/20/2011

1 Comment

 

  Hello Everyone,

It's been awhile since I chimed in here at our Yahoo groups. The original plan was for me to write on the blog of our relatively spankin' brand new PIDrU website. But since I'm not tech savvy enough to do that, I figured I'd write here in our Yahoo groups first and hope someone with the know-how would take pity on me and put this on our website blog later so it can hopefully reach more people.

I rarely write on our Yahoo groups. Like many of you, I have half a dozen e-mail addresses and because of that I get to check my Yahoo one maybe once in two weeks. I do try and get caught up with PIDrU news but hardly give my two cents worth – just happily remaining silent while I read everyone else's emails. Maybe it's because I don't have much to share when everyone else is talking about the MCCEE, MCCQE1 & QE2, CaRMS, OSCE, etc. Don't get me wrong, I feel very exhilarated when I find out that there is still so much hope, so much inspiration, so much generosity among our PIDrU founders and members. It does my heart proud to know that those who have succeeded in getting licensed/relicensed here in Canada try very hard to give back and pay forward their blessings to our newcomers and recently landed immigrant kababayans.

I've just found it a little harder to relate to the busy email chatter, since from the time I arrived in Ontario, I never really had any intentions of getting relicensed and practicing as a medical doctor in Canada. However, I do know that PIDrU is not just about encouraging our fellow Filipino immigrant medical doctors into getting relicensed in Canada. As a fortunate and grateful recipient of the amazing support that our founders and members have given, I know that PIDrU is absolutely more than just that. Arnell, Vic, Bong, Philip, Ben and so many of our PIDrU proponents have not only been a source of inspiration to all of us but have been instrumental in helping many of us get settled, network, find jobs, and even occasionally become a source of emotional support. It just feels great to know that when you need help, the members of PIDrU are there to rally behind you.

I've often wondered how I'll ever be able to give back and pay forward to others who come to PIDrU, knowing that I am not of the mind to pursuing a medical license here in Canada. On the few occasions that some of our newly arrived kababayans were referred to me for advice or tips on how to get employment, I felt some gratification sharing my experiences and what I did know, always hoping that I was of some help in my own way.

A month or so ago, I shared with Ben, who is a great friend of over 25 years, news of recent blessings I received. Ben, who I'm sure was very happy for me, almost immediately encouraged me to share my news to the rest of the members of PIDrU. I thought he believed it should provide some inspiration out there to others like me who are determined to take a career path different from medical practice and let them know that success can also be achieved on this road less traveled.

Not that I believe my news is much of a success already, but it heartens me to finally get started on a career path that I've longed for since moving to Canada. I immigrated to Canada over three and a half years ago, not knowing anyone but Ben and his supportive family. It didn't take me long to realize that knowing Ben, his sisters and their families was a blessing in itself which was more than I could hope for. Ben introduced me to the members of PIDrU, who immediately welcomed me with open arms and gave me guidance and support. With persistence, I was able to find two jobs in two months. I started working part-time in Clinical Research during the day and teaching Human Anatomy in the evenings. Because it was a strain to hold two jobs for long, I reluctantly gave up teaching and remained in Clinical Research which was the more practical choice. I moved to a different company after a year and a half, but still stayed in Clinical Research for another two years.

In the last Clinical Research job I had, there was a requirement to train others periodically, which made me realize how much I missed teaching and the world of the academe (I was an Assistant Professor in two departments in St. Luke's College of Medicine before immigrating to Canada – the Surgery and Anatomy departments). So for the last year or so, I was applying like mad for teaching jobs in different colleges and universities in Ontario, trying to catch a break and get back into the academe. I was interviewed many times in the last year – at McMaster, Wilfrid Laurier, University of Waterloo, and University of Guelph – many times to the second, even third, interview, but later almost always losing out to a candidate who had taken their Masters/PhD from the respective university I was applying at. Many times, I just lost hope. The frustration and desperation would get to me and for some time I would just surrender. I kept praying for a break, but figured I'd never get one if I stopped applying. In the end, I realized that maybe I was too ambitious and it would be wiser if I applied for a Masters Program, go back to school instead, start from the bottom so to speak, and get my foot in the proverbial academic door.

Since my pre-med undergraduate degree was a Bachelor's in Psychology, the logical choice for me was to attempt getting into a Masters Program in Psychology. There were so many to choose from, but eventually after much deliberation weighing in my interests, the practical aspect of opening for employment prospects in the future, and trying to envision myself and my happiness several years down the road, I finally decided on applying for a Masters Graduate Degree Program in Community Psychology, which was only offered at Wilfrid Laurier University. After gathering more information in my target program, I found out that since I had an advanced degree (my MD of course) and if I were willing to take a couple of courses at the Masters level, I was actually eligible to apply for the PhD Program in Community Psychology. To cut a long-running story short, to my delight, I was eventually accepted into the PhD Program!
The Community Psychology Program is about community mental health and well being, social justice and responsibility, cultural acceptance and diversity, and civic involvement and engagement. It would give me an opportunity to do research and advocate for immigrants, refugees, people seeking asylum and other populations in need. It would allow me to work on access barriers to health and social services, listen to the voice of the marginalized, and possibly address the issues plaguing new immigrants. For the first time in a very long time since I immigrated to Canada, I was finally excited about starting something that I was very passionate about.

Within the same week of receiving this piece of good news, I also found out that I was accepted as a Lecturer in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Guelph! I never stopped applying for academic jobs the whole time I was waiting to hear from my PhD Program application. And just when I was ready to finally give up on taking a crack at teaching in a university setting, I finally get the break I've been waiting for a whole year. Even better news was, apart from the opportunity to teach Pharmacology in the coming Fall term, I was informed that there's that prospect of teaching more courses in the coming terms, and that they were hoping I take on teaching Distance Education courses in the near future.

Come September then, I will be wearing many hats in the academic setting: PhD student, research and teaching assistant (that's how I'll get a stipend from the university), and course lecturer. Of course, these events mean I will have to take a pay cut for a few years, but the financial set back is something that I am quite happy to accept.

I guess the whole point of sharing my thoughts in this email to everyone is that if in your heart you know that getting relicensed and practicing medicine in Canada is not the thing for you, you can still aspire to pursue something you really want to do even if you are middle-aged. Having persistence, more so, hope and faith, are virtues we all should hold on to. Onward and forward, PIDrU.

Sincerely,
Rainier

1 Comment

from Marissa Lagman-Bartolome

5/3/2011

2 Comments

 
Re: PA career path: caution... Posted by: "Ana Marissa Lagman-Bartolome" marislb@gmail.com Mon May 2, 2011 2:48 pm (PDT)

Hi everyone,

I know I have not been visible for the past year at PIDRU. I am really sorry
for that as my residency is quite busy and work can be quite overwhelming
most of the time.

As I was reading these emails, I felt that I should let you guys know that
you are not alone in this journey. PIDRU esp Ben and the rest of our
organizers will always be with you for guidance. I would like to let you
know as well that I am always here in case you need advise or any help I can
offer to help you get into the system.

I am hoping i can give more of my time with PIDRU once I am done with my
residency (which will be June 2012 God willing!) and the Royal College exam
in May 2012. (Please pray for me!). I know it is quite a long training since
child neurology is 5 years but with God's help I am surviving.

All of you are also in a way helping me go through my training because you
serve as my driving force to go through a lot of the tough times the past
years and for that I thank all of you.

Be strong and have faith! Please let me know how i can help and I am just an
email away.

Thanks again and keep the faith!

Marissa

2 Comments

from Elmer and Liza

4/5/2011

0 Comments

 
Dear Vic, Jun, Melissa, Roel, Arnell, Carlos, Pinky, John, Bea, Chloe and everybody else-   Thank you for opening up to us. As newcomers to Canada, we can empathize with you. Thank you for the encouraging and inspirational words. Salamat sa information. If you are a Sound of Music fan like us, keep in mind- When God closes a door , He opens a window.
0 Comments

from Jun Estacio

4/5/2011

0 Comments

 
Re: From PIDrU: Re: Career Path - there are many options
Hello to all ka-Pidrus,         I was reading all your e-mail at work today after I was told by Carlos about them.  Yes, it's very difficult to leave Philippines with our precious profession and come to a country where nothing matters much when it comes to our education/training/experiences back home.  That's why we have to endure any kind of work just to be able to support our family.   I too have my own share of struggles and difficulties but with strong faith in God you keep going with the strength he provides. After all, wala kang ibang maasahan dito kundi siya lang (you're faith in him).  I believe there is a time for everything. It may not be the time yet for you but it will come. When I started here in Canada I even worked as a factory worker for a while, then chelation technician now I am working as a study coordinator at same hospital as Carlos but different sections.  My work provide an opportunity to mingle/collaborate with some of the best doctors in the world just like Carlos has mentioned       But just like food, I still crave to go back to  medical practice again someday. I also  remember what Drs. Bong and Chi Lapena had told us before, no matter where you are now or  what  kind of work you are doing today, always do your best but also mindful at the same time of  your ultimate goal. Mahirap talaga lalo na sa umpisa  pero with our strength and faith in him you can make it.   Jun Estacio
0 Comments

from Roel Cobarde

4/5/2011

0 Comments

 
Re: From PIDrU: PA career path: caution...
Hi mga Ka pidru, I was touched by the series of emails in the group. Yes it is true, it is hard to get integrated especially if you do not have connections and you are lost in the maze.  Ang gagaling nila mag-english...hehehe and ours are purposeful ones. That's one of our disadvantage.  Just remember they are also in that maze. Canadians are obliged to disclose most information...so aside from inside info everything is in the website. I encourage everyone to just read through their websites and explore it. The info is there. It just needs to be read. I am really amazed by how their grads can search through a website. That is just my advice. Presently, I'm in nursing and planned to stay there (seems I'm in a fellowship), if no other opportunity knocks. I am looking forward to retirement. I did not concentrated everything to healthcare thus I also studied financials as part time. After all most of our dreams can be solved by the Loonie. What counts is what you keep and how you manage it. It may be your calling who knows. roel
0 Comments

from Melissa Espino

4/5/2011

1 Comment

 
Re: From PIDrU: PA career path: caution...
Being an immigrant in Canada is tough. But whatever reason we have for coming (or planning to come)  here, we have to live by the choice we make. That reason may very well be at the top of our priorities otherwise we would have gone back to our practices in the Philippines. I know a couple who left after 5 or 6 months stay because they can't endure doing odd jobs.   Look into different colleges that offer alternative careers in healthcare. You may find something that will suit you well. Sleep specialist, research associate, lab technician, ultrasound tech, practical nurse (or reg nurse)... US techs make a lot of money (hint hint). We just have to accept the fact that we're not doctors here (not yet, at least). I can't help though in naming the good colleges. I am only aware of Michener Institute, George Brown, Trios.... However, knowing someone is the key.   Like many, I am struggling to become a MD in Canada (almost giving up) but I am fortunate to have nursing as pre-med and the College of Nurses of Ontario accepted my medical education as "further education" and after passing the exam, I am now a Registered Nurse in Ontario. Word of caution though for anyone with nursing education who are about to come to Ontario, you might want to rethink your province of choice. Maybe go to Manitoba or Saskatchewan were foreign nurses are recognized AS SOON AS THEY LAND, so I heard. But prepare for brutal winters.   It took me 1 year to get approved to take the exam (during this time, I prepared for and took EE and QE1). Having no experience as a nurse in the Philippines and no nursing education in Canada, I can't seem to get employed in a hospital. For 18 months now, I work in a fertility clinic west of Toronto as a RN. Though my experience is limited to infertility, the eggs, the sperm, uterus, cervix and vajayjay, I am happy where I am and what I do. On the other hand, I am not paid very well. Heck, my US tech is paid alot more!!! However, I have my own office and I see patients first-hand. I have independence but all orders come from the doctor/s, of course. Who's to complain, right? I am still hoping to get in the hospital, I will be taking some courses and a clinical enhancement course soon to hopefully boost my chances.   For Nursing, look up the Canadian Nurses Association website, follow the links to the specific province you intend to go. If you're still in the Philippines, get the info/application package already, just let them know that you're still in the process of applying for immigration with so and so time frame to land in Canada. Take note of the recommended reviewers in the website. When reviewing, think how your nurses would respond to certain clinical situation. The Canadian Registered Nurse Exam is so different from NCLEX. The questions and choices are more practical than clinical. Check out the "College Documents: Standards and Guidelines" of the College of Nurses of Ontario. The docs are a bit boring but they will help in answering exam questions.
I still get teary-eyed thinking about my frustrations of not practicing. I am looking for practice partners for NAC OSCE. Anyone interested to practice somewhere west of Toronto? Maybe meet up in Mississauga? Though, I will be okay to go to downtown TO once or twice a month.   Mabuhay tayong lahat. Naway maging manggagamot tayong lahat sa Canada. Let's bring our knowledge, skill, professionalism and empathetic nature to Canada.
1 Comment

from ChLoe

4/4/2011

0 Comments

 
Hi Bea!
You made me cry. I'm also thankful to be part of PIDrU. I also believe that God used it as an instrument to help me find the work that I am in right now.
Thanks for all your inspiring stories and encouraging words. This goes not only to you but also to all the other ka-PIDrUs who made their share.

0 Comments

from John Duque

4/4/2011

0 Comments

 
Well done Dr. Padua! Kahangahanga ka, hopefully your story can serve as an
inspiration to a lot PIDrU members who are also finding it tough at the
moment.
0 Comments

from Pinky Padua

4/4/2011

2 Comments

 
Hello Everybody!

A lot of you have been here for sometime now and somehow found a way to make
things work for you. It may not be in the field of being a Medical Doctor but
in the field of science just the same and others as well. Some have been here
the same length of time and have not really found there niche yet and are still
searching. Yet, there are those that have just arrived, been here months, been
here a year maybe or two and going through fire. I understand that. I know it
isn't easy. It hasn't been easy for me either. For those who are here with
family, good for you. I came with my son and was trying to find my way here and
yet was going through real horrid personal difficulties(what it is is of no
consequence). Each day hurt the worst than the last and I am talking emotional,
psychological, and spiritual as well. I found PIDrU through the same people who
are members here and I got invited to join. It was and still is the best place
to start and I developed acquaintances first. They directed me to try out the
school Robetech Institute. I did. I took Medical Lab. Assistant/Technician
which weirdly they call an upgrade for us. What a laugh right! But, if you
look at it that way you wont get anywhere. So, I had to remove that mentality.
I know who and what I am and that is all that matters right now. I was sent to
a placement as part of completing the course and it was there that I finally met
the same people I met online in PIDrU (Dr. Philip Ng and Dr. Tony Sajul). They
truly are the most wonderful, kind and supportive people ever!!! I could not
have been happier and luckier to have met them! Right after my placement was
done and I received my diploma I got a call from the President of the school who
is the owner as well. She asked me to work with them...........I accepted.

I have been here less than a year. I have been in Canada 11 months on the 17th
of April. I am a Plastic Surgeon who has trained as well in Internal Medicine.
I too finished Law. This is all back home and I was doing well in my practices
and money was never a problem. I left for probably the same reasons most of you
have---- our children. Now the same school I went to to "upgrade" took me in as
Faculty Member and part Admin. I did not apply I was called by the President of
the school. I do not say this to "make-yabang" NO NOT AT ALL! I was at the
point before that I thought I had just thrown my life away and all that I worked
for. It is true that God never takes you to the point where you start crying
blood (dramatic? yeah but true). Then all of a sudden things started to change
for the better. It is not the best until you become who you are, we still are
all physicians, but I am not complaining.

I know it is hard for some of you, it still is for me, maybe alot of you want to
quit. DONT! You have the STRENGTH and the FAITH of a HEALER. If only that hang
on to it and move positively!

Take care all of you. Come to Robetech I will be there maybe I can help.

GOD BLESS YOU GUYS AND GOD SPEED!!!!

Bea( I am known as Maria Padua there)
2 Comments

from Carlos

4/4/2011

1 Comment

 
Dear all: I am one of those ka-Pidru whose fortune hasn't arrive yet. Though I applied once in 2006 but failed to get in. I Currently work in one of the most prestigeous downtown toronto hospital as Research Coordinator (proud to say) that gives me opportunity to explore the interesting world of clinical research and the chance of working with people whom I only met in our medical text books long before. Medical practice is still at the back of my mind, and it will never be out of my mind. However, realities in life sets in, priorities that we chose the moment we decided to stay and live here in Canada. These are facts of life. If I may say once again as we often hear from Ben,Arnell, Lani, Bong n Chi, et al. "Never lose hope in finding the right path, sooner or later you will be there working as a medical practitioner".- Carlos
Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network
1 Comment
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