What advice would you give to younger medical students/people starting their medical journey and to people who may be considering medical school?

Medicine is arguably one of the more popular professions to pursue. Those who aspire to become a doctor have various economic, social, and personal reasons which have to be carefully examined. First, be honest with yourself. Are you really interested in becoming a doctor, or are your parents or relatives just pushing it on you? Do you feel that it is the path to becoming financially well-off? Some reasons may be valid, but being a doctor isn’t as glamorous and probably not as financially rewarding as you may think. The most important reason for applying to medical school should be an interest in medicine itself. Halfhearted applicants may get into the program, but many end up quitting because of the grueling load they encounter. Your passion for the field will be what carries you through 48 to 72-hour calls, seemingly endless exams, and what is almost literally a lifetime of learning. Once you have made your decision, focus on preparing for it. Joining your local pre-medical society can help you meet people with similar interests and provide you with various opportunities such as attending healthcare lectures and doing medical volunteer work. You can also consider applying as a research assistant or conducting your thesis on a biomedical interest. These will help prepare you for medical school in addition to enhancing your application.

For those who are already in medical school, congratulations! It is not an easy road but the journey itself can be enjoyable with the proper mindset. Here are some things to keep in mind.

1. Realize that you get back what you put in. The more effort you give, the more rewarding your journey.
2. Learn to develop good study habits early on. Time is a precious resource and you need to manage your time wisely.
3. Be friends with your batchmates and blockmates. Learn how to be a team and work with each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
4. Treat your patients respectfully and with care, as if they were your relatives.
5. Take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Eat well, exercise, rest when you can, and reach out to others during tough times.
6. Continue pursuing your hobbies or even learn new ones. Studying should not occupy 100% of your time. 
7. Make it a point to spend some of your free time with friends and family.
8. When you are feeling tired and discouraged, reflect back on your reasons for entering medical school and envision yourself five and ten years from now.
9. Take time to meditate and pray regularly for strength and guidance.
10. Learn to look for and to appreciate the small things that come your way. They may not be obvious but they are there. 

Making it through medical school may be the hardest thing you will ever do, but there are even times when consultants miss  and reflect fondly on student years when life was simpler. Enjoy your journey and good luck!

If you have any questions, feel free to message me at victoriagrace.dimacali@gmail.com.
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Victoria Grace C. Dimacali, MD, DPBO

By: Katrina Diane B. Puguan, Class 2024, Φ2020

Staying true to their advocacy, the Phi Lambda Delta Sorority held their 6th annual Children Fair last February 29, 2020, entitled Children’s Fair: A Galactic Affair. In partnership with Alay Kapwa Kilusang Pangkalusugan (AKAP), around 70 children from the community of Brgy. La Paz Makati experienced an exciting, space-themed, learning activity combined with fun, games and delicious snacks.

The event kicked off with opening remarks from Sophia Amabelle Fajardo De Chavez, current Sister Caritas of Phi Lambda Delta Sorority. Children were then able to explore different booths put up by our partner organizations, pledgers, and volunteers: U! happy events, Little Hands UP, UPM-OMAKE, UP College of Public Health Student Council, Sibol PH and Phi Lambda Delta Sorority. There were various fun educational booths such as a dental hygiene booth where children learned the proper way of brushing their teeth, a coloring booth that gave opportunities for the kids to express their creativeness, and an Ano-to-my booth where children learned about basic body parts. Other game booths added to the excitement such as the Face Painting booth, Rocket Blast game booth, and the popcorn and cotton candy booths.
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In the middle of the event, a theatrical performance of "Ang Paglalakbay ni Juanita: Leprosy, 'Di Mo Ako Kayang Talunin" also taught the kids social awareness and the value of acceptance, humility, and braveness. As the event came close to its end, a series of games were hosted: “Paalis na ang Rocket ship”, Calamansi Relay, and Jack and Poy war. The children were ecstatic as each winning team won a coloring book of their own. This enthusiasm was carried through a dancing session that highlighted the kids’ talents. Closing remarks were given by Ana Beatrice De Vera Constantino, current Superior Sister Exemplar. Later on, loot bags and food were distributed as the event ended with happy faces painted on the kids and volunteers alike.

By Pauline A. Alibin, Class 2023, Φ2019

​Last November 20, 2019, the Phi Lambda Delta Sorority celebrated the Golden Foundation Ball – the Sorority’s 50th anniversary at the Rigodon Ballroom of The Peninsula Manila. Sisses from all over the world came and celebrated the Sorority’s momentous milestone.
 
The program was hosted by Eri Neeman and the Sorority’s very own Lalaine Samson Quinan, Φ2018B. Two of the eleven founders, Dr. Zenda Biano Garcia Lat, Φ1969 and Dr. Anita Tuason Velasco-Paves, Φ1969 together with the Sorority’s first adviser, Dr. Eva Poblete, graced the Ballroom with their presence and launched the program with their Founders’ and First Adviser’s Walk. This was followed by Dr. Zenda Biano Garcia Lat, Φ1969’s moving speech about how Phi has grown from a group of eleven courageous women to a premier sorority with more than 900 members. 
 
As the sisses enjoyed the sumptuous dinner, Ana Beatrice de Vera Constantino Φ 2016, SSE 2019-2020, introduced the 50th Executive Council and showcased how the Sorority continued to uphold its core values of Excellence, Leadership, Service, and Sisterhood during the golden year. Each member of the 50th Executive Council also shared their past projects and current plans with the sisses to keep them updated about each office. The presentation was followed by a number of performances by talented sisses across various batches. The Phi Band and the Phi Choir serenaded the sisses with lovely songs while the Phi Tao Rin Pala Core (TRP Core) stunned the audience with their electric dance number.
 
The Sorority also recognized sisses who exemplified its core values of Excellence, Leadership, and Service. Sisses who went above and beyond their call of duty were awarded the Excellence award. Among those awarded this prestigious honor were Dr. Jennifer Co-Vu, Φ1996B, Dr. Marie Paz Anette David-Rubio, Φ1982A, Dr. Maria Antonia Esteban-Habana, Φ1984, Dr. Iris Thiele Isip-Tan, Φ1991, Dr. Eileen Malapaya-Manalo, Φ1985, and Dr. Geraldine Tong Zamora, Φ2005. The Leadership award was awarded to pioneers, founders, and catalysts of change who paved the way onto greater things. This award was given to Dr. Maria Luz Casimiro-Querubin, Φ1984, Dr. Charlotte Chiong, Φ1981A, Dr. Maria Angela Medina-Lavadia, Φ1978, Ma. Corazon Wilhelmina Kasilag Ochoa-Strattan, Φ1972, Dr. Lisa Prodigalidad-Jabson, Φ1989B, and Dr. Zenda Garcia-Lat, Founder of the Phi Lambda Delta Sorority. Next, the Service award was given to those who continue to selflessly provide sustainable service to the Filipino people. This award was given to Dr. Rhodora del Rosario Ocampo, Φ1983, Dr. Lourdes Inciong Publico, Φ1973, Dr. Josephine M. Carnate,  Φ1985, Dr. Josefina Isidro-Lapeña, Φ1977, and Dr. Belen Lardizabal-Dofitas, Φ1983B. Lastly, sisses from the UPCM Class of 1994 were called on stage and were recognized as the Silver Jubilarians, having celebrated 25 years as alumnae from UPCM.
 
At the end of the program, Ana Beatrice de Vera Constantino Φ 2016, SSE 2019-2020’s gave her closing remarks, which was followed by the sisses' renewal of rites. To conclude the night's festivities, the sisses sang the Phi Lambda Delta song in unison to honor the sisterhood that will always be deemed timeless and boundless in our hearts.
 

By Leslie T. Lim, ​Ф2019, Class 2023

By Maria Antoinette M. Valdez, Ф2019, Class 2023

Milk Matters, the flagship project of the Phi Lambda Sorority, holds milk drives concurrent with public health lectures (PHLs) in partner communities so as to educate mothers about the importance of breastfeeding, how to properly express milk, as well as give them the opportunity to donate their breastmilk to the babies of the Philippine General Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (PGH NICU). For this year’s Service Month, another Milk Drive was held last October 5, 2019, at the Risen Christ Parish Church, Silang, Cavite, in the spirit of Phi’s commitment to this advocacy.
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The day started on an energetic note as a PHL for the mothers on breastfeeding and immunization was hosted by Marie Pauline Adame Abilin Ф2019 and Nicole Rose Inos Alberto Ф2019. Proper latching for breastfeeding was first taught to the mothers through the acronym “G.A.T.A.S.”, after which mothers were encouraged to actively participate in synthesizing their learnings through a fun-filled game of pictures of latching to which they shout “Tama” o “Mali” to indicate a proper or improper latch. Next was the demonstration of the different breastfeeding holds, namely the cradle hold, cross-cradle hold, football hold, and the side-lying position by Isabelle Rose Inos Alberto Ф2019.

It was also important to clear up any misconceptions the mothers may have regarding breastfeeding, which was achieved through active participation of the mothers in another round of ‘Tama o Mali’. Most of the statements centered on when or when not to breastfeed, as well as debunking traditionally held beliefs such as avoiding breastfeeding when tired or sick. Next up, the entirety of WildPHIre, Batch Ф2019, touched on the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding. Each member held up a poster as a visual aid as they expounded on each.

A segment on vaccination was then added to this year’s PHL. Given the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases nationwide, it was important that mothers vaccinate their babies early and that they be able to recognize that vaccines are in fact, safe and effective. Thus, an active Question and Answer-type discussion regarding the different vaccine-preventable diseases such as polio, hepatitis B, and tuberculosis was conducted by the hosts, along with educating the mothers about the life-threatening manifestations that each may have. Stephanie Isabelle Cruz Paredes Ф2019, and Mary Grace Li Enriquez Ф2019, then stepped in to discuss to the mothers the multitude of benefits that come with vaccinating their babies. During their discussion, cards containing the DOH Immunization Schedule were distributed to the mothers which they could conveniently refer to in making sure that their babies have been given the shots needed at particular ages.
Finally, the hosts also mentioned that although breast milk has the capacity to protect babies from certain illnesses, vaccination remains superior in terms of effectivity in protecting their children from life-threatening illness that cannot be cured once acquired—only managed. Thus, the PHL was then closed by asking the mothers to repeat the hosts’ chant of “Basta kumpleto, protektado!”, in the goal of emphasizing to the participating mothers the importance of practicing timely and complete vaccination for their children as an endnote.

The breast milk expression station was then opened to the mothers, with the PGH NICU nurses facilitating the milk expression. All sisses present during the event were also given the opportunity to facilitate milk expression firsthand. As the morning came to a close, a total of 2 liters of breastmilk were collected; around more than 30 mothers, with some carrying their babies, left with smiles on their faces; and the whole resident body, ended the milk drive with an intensified desire to keep on holding more in the sorority’s years to come.