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Like Maridel, going abroad is far from her mind as she says she will practice cardiology “in the place I love best” – Southern Mindanao. They have become successful doctors and had they wanted to, they have long gone abroad, where bigger opportunities abound. But these barrio doctors, already heroes in their own ways, have decided to stay and serve their countrymen.

Such is the collective description of these young medical professionals who are undergoing subspecialty training under the Bagong Espesyalistang Doktor Para sa Bayan program of the First Gentleman Foundation, Inc. (FGFI).

Dr. Maridel Orata-Gorospe, a second placer in the 1999 licensure exams for nurses before taking up medicine where she subsequently graduated cum laude, says she plans to go back to her birthplace in Calamaniugan, Cagayan after finishing her fellowship training in nephrology, a branch of internal medicine that deals with kidney diseases.

“It has always been my desire to become a doctor and nephrologist. Many have asked why I didn’t go to USA or other countries to work as a nurse. But I always tell them – I am happy working in the Philippines . I’d rather serve the Filipinos than other nationalities,” Maridel proudly declares.

Like Maridel, working abroad is far from the heart and mind of Dr. Jean Alcover, who vowed to serve Southern Mindanao after her training in cardiology.

Jean says the FGFI’s scholarship program “perfectly matches my desire to pursue more knowledge and experience in the field of Cardiovascular Medicine, as well as my passion for teaching.”

“Also, it offers the perfect chance for me to pursue my love for learning, service and teaching in the place I love most – Southern Mindanao,” the native Davaoeña adds.

Maridel and Jean are only two of the 31 doctors undergoing the Bagong Espesyalista subspecialty training launched by First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo in July 2006 to help new doctors achieve two to three years of training in a specific line of medicine.

The third in the series of programs introduced by the FGFI to bring quality medical care to far-flung communities by helping educate competent and dedicated doctors, the Bagong Espesyalistang Doktor Para sa Bayan provides financial support of P20,000 monthly stipend, book allowance and free medical equipment to selected Philippine General Hospital-trained subspecialty fellows.

After finishing the subspecialty training in their chosen field of medicine, the Bagong Espesyalista scholars will serve in the countryside for at least two years, addressing the country’s need for barrio doctors in remote communities.

The Bagong Espesyalista came after the Bagong Doktor Para sa Bayan medical scholarship program for poor but bright medical students, and the FGFI’s support to the Department of Health’s Doctors to the Barrios program.

“Having already given young doctors unqualified support that has taken them thus far, what is another two or three more years to give, to take them farther to gain the necessary advantage and competence, and help them secure a more established professional standing as doctors?” FGFI president Juris Umali-Soliman says of the Bagong Espesyalista program.

A Bagong Espesyalistang fellow, Dr. Ramona Abat, who had trained in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, is very grateful for the support she received from the First Gentleman.

“Through this program, I was able to see how much the foundation cares for the Filipino people by ensuring that doctors trained in advanced knowledge and skills in different fields of specialization in medicine will be available to provide service to people who have limited access to such medical care,” she says.

Another Bagong Espesyalista scholar, Dr. Cindy Canceko Llego, said the First Gentleman’s grant had provided her the “impetus” to continue doing and bringing quality medical specialization in Northern Mindanao.

“In this area, there is only one other developmental pediatrician. I am glad I will be able to help and augment the need that is ever-increasing,” Cindy says.

“One great honor” was how Dr. Thaddeus Jose Bayana describes his being chosen as one of the recipients of the program.

“I feel very proud to be part of this endeavor. While undergoing my fellowship training, there is now a heightened sense of direction since I am now given a proper venue on how to be of service to the community and its adjacent provinces upon my return,” says Thaddeus, who is training as pediatric neurology.

He adds that in Cagayan de Oro where he is practicing, there is only one child neurologist. “Needless to say, a large majority of these patients come from the financially-challenged sector of our society, and I believe I would be a good answer to their needs.”

Dr. Chariza Halun, who is in training for Medicine-Pulmonary, says being part of the Bagong Espesyalista is an “opportunity to serve.”

“Everyday I have to remind myself of my purpose in life: service. I know I can’t change the world but it gives me great joy to know that even in my own little way, somehow I am doing something to make the lives of poor Filipinos I meet better through quality medical care,” she explained.

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