Chronicles of Ellery Ivan MD

Entry #44

It’s July 1, 2024.

Reflecting on the many activities I had this (half) year, I realized the many chances I had to speak this year in front compared with 2023 or 2022.

To recall, I believe I had six opportunities to share and speak in front.

March 12, 2024 – Career day talk at the Toddler Town Playschool, Inc. One of the hardest to present and speak in front of toddlers. I had to innovate and get their attention.

March 20, 2024 – Closing Remarks for 1st Premio Excelso en la Trabajo of the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine – Zamboanga Peninsula Chapter.

April 16, 2024 – Presentor, School of Medicine Ateneo de Zamboanga University Curriculum, Benchmarking visit of College of Medicine, Visayas State University.

May 18, 2024 – Opening Remarks for the 2024 Strategic Planning for the Internal Medicine Training Program.

May 29, 2024 – Opening Remarks for the Testimonial Dinner for licensed physicians from School of Medicine Ateneo de Zamboanga University.

June 20, 2024 – Presenter, Department of Science and Technology Region IX (DOST-IX) and Zamboanga Consortium of Health Research and Development (ZCHRD) 6th Research Summit.

Another realization, I should work on having a great pose while doing my speeches. I think my photos all of my photos in my previous engagements were horrible. Well, I do hope I get more chances and get better along the way.

Entry #43

A busy week in the previous and coming week, and now down with the flu.

I can take this time to appreciate the value of rest and recuperation.

Rest. I need this.

PS.

This was written over a month ago. I was just to weak and too tired to open my computer and post this.

Entry #42

A few days ago, I learned that a good friend of mine had a miscarriage. She lost her fetus, child…her baby. No words can and will console for the lost.

What can a doctor do? Explain to the would-be parents? That’s not an option, both the mother and father are also doctors. And they are not searching for a medical answer. They are asking why it happened?

Can they blame God? I certainly hope not.

So, again how do you console the lost of a love one?

I don’t know actually. No answers will be found here.

However, as a friend, I will listen.

Listen to them talk, rant, grieve and pray with them should they wish.

Entry #41

It’s official. I’m closing the chapter on #100daystooffload.

While I really wanted to at least finish the task to create 100 posts in a year’s time, the sad reality is I simply was not able to or was not as committed enough to finish the job.

I skewed with the actual rules by extending the year and just opted to do 100 posts instead.

It seems and feels like an eternity.

So…

I decided to just skip it. And post as much as I can, when I can. And who knows this might even make me to write/journal more.

On a side note, I also realized that it would be also practical to note/count the actual number of post done. I decided just to convert my “Day X of #100daystooffload” to “Entry#X”.

I delivered the Closing Remarks for the 1st Premio Excelso en la Trabajo of the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine – Zamboanga Peninsula Chapter. The following was the content of the speech.

Good evening, everyone.

In closing the , we are reminded that occupational medicine plays a crucial role in ensuring the health and well being of workers in diverse industries. We shall answer the call of the PCOM National President, Dr. Ana Sofia Fajardo to preserve, promote, and protect the health of the Filipino Worker.

We will also challenge the members of the Zampen Chapter to answer the call of Dr. Phil Pangilinan to be represented in the 2nd Occupational Medicine Week celebration in Cagayan de Oro City. We would also like to thank the members of the chapter for their dedication and commitment to the field of occupational medicine.

Lastly, we recognize the legacy that gave birth to the Zampen Chapter. We thank the good Lord that we have exemplar leaders like Dr. Jovencio Padilla, who dedicated their lives for the health of the worker and for the advancement of the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine. Maraming salamat po.

Good evening once again to all the members and guests.

This speech was delivered on March 9, 2024 at the Garden Orchid Badjao Room during the 1st Premio Excelso en la Trabajo of the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine (PCOM) – Zamboanga Peninsula Chapter. This event also marked the 1st Founding Anniversary celebration of the local chapter.

Just finished answering 432 questions in 24 hours (time included all needs like sleep and eating); in preparation for a very vital exam. I tried to finish those questions to help me build my endurance and I think there is still room for improvement.

It still for needs for improvement to reach my desired score. I believe learning comes from feedback and rereading.

I’m writing this to commemorate a milestone. And a chance to relax my mind even for a few minutes.

Day 40 of #100DaysToOffload. Find out more about it here.

As it turns out, my favorite word is “chronicle”. This was according to a friend of mine. A fellow writer and a far superior weaver of words from ideas and imagination.

Thought-provoking indeed!

It just makes you think of the habits and bias one has. In any case, I do love chronicling from time to time.

Day 39 of #100DaysToOffload. Find out more about it here.

Achievement unlocked. Successfully changed the CMOS battery of a Gigabyte G41MTS2 model (yes, its an old old motherboard and it is still working).

Tools prepared:

  1. 1 small flat (straight) screwdriver

  2. 1 Lithium Battery CR 2032 (coin shaped)

Things to do: (this may vary per motherboard, please consult your motherboard manual)

  1. Turn off all peripheral devices connected to the computer.

  2. Disconnect the power cord from the AC power source.

  3. Remove the computer cover.

  4. Find the battery on the board.

  5. First note the orientation of the positive and negative terminal on the battery.

  6. Remove the battery. Using the screwdriver, gently pry the battery free from its connector.

  7. Wait at least a minute then replace the old battery with a new one. Note the correct orientation of the terminal. For this model the positive terminal is visible or is on top.

  8. Put the computer cover back on.

  9. Plug the computer and all devices back in.

  10. Power up your computer and set up the proper system date and time.

#DIY

Day 38 of #100DaysToOffload. Find out more about it here.

Last duty of the year, two patients in respiratory distress. One was intubated and the other one expired. I was swamped with patients at Emergency room. I realized it must be one of those last duty syndromes. Never the less, it was a good thing I had a breather and got to get a photo of the night.

It reminded me the tranquility and serenity of the night. I had the chance for a few minutes to look up, feel the fresh air, and thank God for the vastness of the universe and for the blessings and graces I received.

This is my 8th year as a physician; 1 year practicing as an Internist and despite all the difficulties and trials in 2023, I’m still thankful for the blessings I received this year. I am thankful for the patients who shared their lives with me. I have learned much from them and I hope I was able to heal their ailments. I am thankful for my mentors for their sharing life lessons with me, everything beyond the medicine life. I am thankful for the handful of friends who stayed in my life. We don't need much many friends, just a few trustworthy ones. I am thankful for my wife and small family. And I hope that in the next year it would grow some more.

I don’t know where I’m going next year, but I hope it will have elements of new beginnings, living well, laughing often and loving much. May God give me the courage to serve, the compassion of an emphatic physician and the competence of outstanding doctor.

Happy New Year Everyone.

Day 37 of #100DaysToOffload. Find out more about it here.

Today, I learned about the different species of genus Plasmodium.

When I was studying Nursing. I learned that there were four different species of Plasmodium.

This changed when I studied medicine, around 14 years ago. I learned about the fifth, Plasmodium Knowlesi. I learned about its history and how it was discovered. Even how it was named.

Today, I learned that are two morphologically identical sympathric species of P. ovale, curtisii and wallikeri.

It made me realize just how science and knowledge is expanding in Malaria.

And yes, doctors should always update and read.

Day 36 of #100DaysToOffload. Find out more about it here.