Hello September!

September officially marks the start of the "Ber" months, which means Christmas is just around the corner.  I am excited about the holiday season coming up, but September also gives me enough reasons to be as ecstatic because of so many things to look forward to.

First on the list is that we are moving to a bigger office!  I love the old office because it had a cozy feel into it, but with the company expanding it's time to move to a bigger location to accommodate all the new amazing people joining the team.  Another thing is that our CEO would be visiting us and there have been plans of a company outing at a fancy resort once he is here, I can't wait!

This month, I am also very much excited to meet up with good friends I have not seen for a while.  My friends from my old workplace and I are planning on an "Army Navy" date, I already marked it on my calendar and that would be on the 15th.  My "soul friend" Mela and I are also planning to meet and chat on a weekend that would work for us both, we'll figure out the date but definitely pushing through.  My best friend (Sandee) is visiting the Philippines on the 6th, too bad I won't be able to meet up with her.  Another friend (Anne) who was my Intern at Makati Medical Center during my medical clerkship is visiting Cebu with her husband to attend a conference, and hopefully once schedule permits we're planning to meet over coffee.  And September 17th is the birthday of a dear friend, Happy Birthday Apple!! 

September has me looking forward to so many wonderful and exciting events, and I'm grateful that things are off to a good start.   I am praying that this month will also be good to you as well.  Be positive!

PS:  I am also looking forward to 2 new pair of Flipelas I ordered from my entrepreneur friend Cocaine. Yipee!

Life as an EMR Physician:The Second Chapter

Last Monday was my first day at work, but I got the chance to meet the team when they invited me for dinner a few weeks back.  They were fun to be around with and everyone was so nice that at least I only felt a little bit nervous about being in a new work environment.

 It's just been two days since I started, and so far the only thing I am adjusting to is the travel time.  Our office is far from where I live so the travel time is quite longer than what I'm used to, but I really don't mind.  I am just so grateful that everyone has been so nice to me and made me feel really welcome.  I also got the chance to be introduced to our CEO who's based in the US and I could not believe how humble and kind he was.  He considered his employees like they were his family and he made sure that everyone was respected and treated fairly.

I am optimistic about being part of the company and to be working with a great team here.  I may not be sure about what tomorrow has in store for me, but at least today I could say that I am happy.

Dinner at Parklane Hotel with the team.

How Do You Say Goodbye?

How do you even start to say goodbye if you were not even prepared to go in the first place...

How do you find the strength to look them in the eyes and say you're leaving...

How do you tell them it's Okay, when deep inside you're falling part...

How do you hold back your tears and fight the urge to cry your heart out?

I can't seem to find the answer to all these questions.  It's just so hard to say goodbye to something you love to do, a routine that you've become used to.  It's hard to imagine that I won't be seeing all the smiling faces that would greet me when I come to work.  It's painful to realize that I would be leaving behind people that have been part of my life for the past 3 years, my workmates that I have come to love like family.

I can't say goodbye... because goodbye means turning away from it all.  

I would rather say "Thank you" for the friendship, the laughter, and the tears we have shared. 

Thank you for accepting me for who I am.

"Thank You" for all the happy memories that I would always keep with me wherever I go.  

Till we meet again...

My Insights on our Leadership Training

Just last month, some employees were invited to join the "Leadership Training" conducted by Mr. Bob Hackett (current CBT and EHR team manager).  For the 3 years that I have been with the company, this is the first time such training was held in our office and I am grateful to be part of that event.  For the few sessions that we had, I learned so many things that I could apply not just in the work place, but in my everyday life as well. 

I used to think that the people we call leaders are the ones that are on top, but I realized that each and everyone of us is a leader in our own way.   A good leader is someone who motivates others to achieve a common goal, someone who is committed, leads by example, someone who is not afraid to take responsibility, someone who sees the good in others and inspires others to be the best.  

So whether you are just an ordinary employee, you may have been or you can be a leader in other aspects of your life.  As an EMR physician, it is my goal to help our clients be more organized in documenting their visit notes, and as a mother, I inspire my kids to be responsible, disciplined and respectful towards others, that is why I try my best to be a good example to them because I believe that they are a reflection of myself.

So continue to believe in your dreams or goals, follow that dream and do your best to achieve that goal, this might inspire others to share the same vision with you, and along the way, you just might find that leader inside of you.

Why I Enjoy Being An EMR Physician

Last February, I celebrated my 3rd year working as an EMR Physician.  Three years, imagine that.  A thought crossed my mind, if I continued with my residency training, I would have graduated by now.  I would probably be a junior consultant in a hospital, put up a clinic with my batch mates in medical school or go into further training and specialize in a specific field of practice.  But then, I have always believed that we make our choices in life, and whatever happens as a result of the choice that we made is something that we have to accept and live with.  No looking back.  No regrets.  

So rather than the "what ifs" I want to start counting the reasons why working as an EMR physician for the past 3 years has been worth the stress, lack of sleep and toxicity of working on the graveyard shift.

- I get to work with other employees in our US and India office.  I get to interact with a diverse group of individuals with different cultures and beliefs, yet we all have a common goal and that is to give quality service to all our clients.

- I am exposed to the health care system in the US, be familiar with their office flow and learn from the doctors that I am directly working with.

- I improved my communication skills and in the process gained more confidence in interacting with others, learned to adapt to different situations, developed an ability to cope with pressures in the work place and turn them into opportunities to learn and grow as a person.

- I was able to spend time with my kids, watched them achieve every milestone in their development and create memories we would always remember.  These are things that I don't want to miss out because my kids are only young once.  I want to be there for them as long as they need me.

- There may be other things that I could think of, but I guess if there is one thing I love about working in this company is being with people who eventually become part of your circle of friends.  Being part of a team that I consider my family, because I get to spend a lot of time with them.  Being around a wonderful group of individuals, each special in his or her own way.  There is never a dull moment and Work is much fun with these people around.

I guess that's the reason why I still look forward to work each day.  Why despite of issues or stress in the workplace, I can smile and say that staying is still worth it,

Hope

A few months back something sad happened in my workplace.  It was pretty much unexpected and left me and my team in shock.  Who would have imagined that at one moment you were all happy and talking about your plans for the future, and in just a blink of an eye everything changed.  

When one member of the team resigns and decides to venture into other career opportunities, you wish them the best.  But when a member is suddenly cut off from the team, asked to leave without a valid reason, it's just devastating, especially if you know that the person has a family to support and losing a job is not an option.

It was a difficult time then, everyone's morale was at it's lowest.  But life has to move on, and one thing that I shared to that friend of mine is a beautiful quote I found.  It perfectly expresses what was in my heart..  That whatever life throws at us, we just have to believe that things are going to be OK.  That sometimes, no matter how we try to avoid it, change is constant, and instead of fighting it, we just need to embrace it and hope for the best.

How I'd Like My Mornings

Working on graveyard shift for 3 years now, I really miss waking up in the morning with hubby and the kids. That is why I always look forward to weekends where I get to wake up to bear hugs and kisses from my two little rascals.  I don't really have much to complain since I get to spend my weekends with them and have a pretty much flexible work schedule, but I just can't help to think sometimes how wonderful it would be to start your day waking up and the first thing you see are the people you love the most. ♥ 

"Wear Red Day"

Last February 3, 2012, we were asked to come to work wearing something "red".  At first I honestly had no idea what it was for. Then I read the memo that was sent and learned that it was in support of the American Heart Association's campaign to increase awareness of heart disease in women.


Go Red For Women is a health campaign that aims to raise awareness of heart disease as the leading cause of mortality of women in the US.  The goal is to empower women to take charge of their lives, fight the causes of heart disease and promote a healthy lifestyle.

IMS Cardiology®, Meditab is joining efforts with the American Heart Association in supporting programs that benefit women in our goal to end heart disease.

Our company supports the American Heart Association as they celebrate National Wear Red Day to raise awareness of the health complications that heart disease can bring to women. Hopefully our government and the health sector can do the same here in our country.  I wish that enough budget can be given to the health sector to come up with programs that would aim to improve the lives of our people.  It is just sad that the health sector is the least prioritized department in our country.  The budget for free medications and free health services are heading in someone else's pockets rather than being given to those less fortunate.

On a happier note, this is me with my good friends from work.  Being one of the most senior members, I consider most of my workmates like my siblings, and it is always fun being around them.

"Tired"

TIRED..  The one word that would perfectly describe how I feel right now in general.

I'm tired of people pretending to be better than the rest, when in reality they still have so much to learn.

I'm tired of inconsiderate and insensitive individuals who find fault in others without even bothering to ask why.

I'm tired of people who acts nice when you're around, but goes behind your back trying to find loop holes to drag you down.

I'm sick and tired of power trippers, who's best asset is ordering people around just because they're "boss", without realizing that at the end of the day we are all equals.

To all those who fall in "the people I'm tired of dealing with" category above, can you honestly be proud of yourselves knowing that to get to the top you step on other's in the process, that you can totally forget who you are and be someone else just to stay in your throne??

I doubt it...

Life can be a bitch, but you don't have to be one!

Praying for a Sign

I had to temporarily put my plans of residency training aside and chose a different career path.  During that time, I felt it was the right thing for me to do.  I landed a job as an EMR physician, a totally new experience for me.  I must admit, I enjoyed my work, not to mention that the compensation was much better.  But I felt incomplete knowing that it was not what I envisioned myself to be. My current job may be financially rewarding, but I also missed my life working as a doctor.  I was torn whether to continue being an EMR physician, or to start being a "real physician".

I prayed and asked for a sign from God. Then at last, after about a year since the first time I asked for a sign, God answered my prayers.  Now the rest is up to me, I'm carefully planning out the next steps I would be taking.  To be honest, I'm a bit scared, but I know this is what I'm supposed to be doing.  The hardest part would be saying good bye to the people I have worked with, especially to my team who I've grown to love like my own family.  For now, I would probably stay with the company for a few months, before I actually start preparing for the next challenge I would ba taking, which is my "residency training".

Why Staying is Still Worth It

So many people have been asking me why I still am sticking with my current job.  The level of stress that it has given me is pretty much obvious as evidenced by my persistent weight gain.  Staring at the computer for almost 8 hours has also added to my ever worsening visual problems.  I am also increasing my risk of developing certain conditions related to working during the night shifts.  And according to an article I read, (click here) I may even be shortening my life!

I know I always have the option to leave if I want to, but then I would also start pointing out the reasons why I should stay.  I have learned to love the job that I'm doing.  I get to interact with different kinds of individuals.  Being an EMR physician has boost my confidence level as it has exposed me to conducting trainings and meeting with doctors in the US.  I enjoy working on the EMR templates, and actually implementing them for client use.  I have met new friends and acquaintances.  But the main reason why leaving is difficult, is because I have developed a special bond with my team.  They make coming to work each night something to look forward to, despite knowing that there may be client concerns or some major issues.  I am fortunate to be working with these unique individuals.  Despite being younger by a few years, I have also come to learn from them as well.  I know that no matter where life leads us in the future, we would always remain friends.  

I know that the kind of work I am doing now is temporary.  I know that sooner or later I would have to leave and pursue something greater.  But for now, thanks to the these people, staying is still definitely worth it.

The Choices I had to Make

When it comes to topics related to "residency training", I tend to be sensitive and emotional.  Call me onion-skinned or whatever, but maybe some people don't realize that not having to push through with my residency was not just a matter of choice, but of circumstances.  I had to prioritize my kids over career.  I have no regrets about what happened, but sometimes I think that it was a decision I never would have to make if I'd chosen a residency program in our place.

But being a wife, I had an obligation to be where my husband was.  Since he decided to apply for a residency training in Cebu, I guess it was just natural that I apply for a Cebu-based hospital as well.  It sounded easy, but was actually a difficult decision to make because I had to leave both my kids with my parents.  I was accepted for pre-residency training in Internal Medicine at the Visayas Community Medical Center.  I kept convincing myself this was the right thing to do, but I was having a hard time believing it.  I was losing my focus on what I was supposed to do at work because my mind would drift away.  I missed my kids terribly and I felt miserable.

There was only one thing in my mind and in my heart.  I wanted to be with my kids.  So I left residency training, looked for another job, and after a month Ross and I left the room that we were renting and moved to a new apartment.  Shortly after that, I fetched my kids and brought them to Cebu.

But the decision I made would be the start of a never ending argument between me and my hubby.  He would always nag me when I would go back into residency, or compare me to my friends who are already into training.  I tried to explain that it was a sacrifice I had to make because I wanted us to be together as a family,  I wanted to focus my time on taking care of him and the kids.  Maybe he does not realize how painful it is for me to be constantly reminded of how well my batch mates are doing in their chosen specializations.  If he only knew that I miss being in the hospital and that I've been longing to wear my scrubs and smock gown again.  It was not an easy decision for me to make, I worked hard to be a doctor, and I was turning my back on something that I have always dreamed of.  It hurts to realize that the person I was hoping would understand me was being stubborn and idealistic about the whole situation.

It has been 2 years since I made that decision, and never for a moment do I regret ever making that choice.  I know Ross still feels disappointed whenever that topic would come up, but unlike before he has not been pressuring me that much, (except when he has consumed a few drinks).  I hope he sees how happy I am, and even if he may not fully understand it, I  pray that he loves me enough to respect the decision I made. 

My Not-So Golden "surprise" Birthday Bash

Life is indeed full of surprises. Just when you feel that you are at your lowest, good things happen.

A week before my birthday, "a series of unfortunate events" took place, and so I was not really in the mood for celebrating because I had so many things going through my head.  I was initially planning to treat my friends from work, but because I had to prioritize our household expenses, I had to set that thought aside and told them the pizza would have to wait until the next payday. I was also worrying because Andre was having a really bad case of allergic rhinitis, which eventually lead to asthma, so hearing him wheezing so badly was terrifying for me.

That Monday, I was not really planning to report to work because I was hesitant to leave Andre, but Ariane sent me a message saying our manager was looking for me.  I had to get the kids to sleep first before I leave.  Good thing the nebulization worked magic and my son was sleeping soundly without the wheeze.

I was not my usual self that day.  I had so many things in my head, I did not even notice that I was the only one left in our work station, until Ariane approached me saying she wanted to talk to me about something.  The first thing that came through my head was "Oh no, please don't tell me you're resigning!".  So we walked towards our conference room, and I noticed a shadow of one of my workmates inside, and when I opened the door, I froze and could not believe what I saw.  All my team members, well most of them were there greeting me a "happy birthday", while I was stuck in the corner crying, and then they were all telling me to blow the candle before the smoke alarm goes off.  The next shock came when I saw the candles on my birthday cake, 50!! I just turned 33 and suddenly I'm blowing a birthday cake with the number 50 on it.  So I was crying and laughing at the same time. 

It was really crazy, and I know I looked really funny, but I was surprised.  I did not expect them to throw me a birthday bash.  I thought it only happened in the movies, but it happened to me, and I felt so blessed to be surrounded with these dynamic and wonderful individuals.  I feel honored that they decided to plan a surprise for me.  I always am hesitant being called a team leader or manager because I'm not really sure If I am able to do what I am supposed to do for them or if I fit the description of what a manager should be.  But all I know is that I am always willing to help them out in any way I can, and always ready to look after them.  I think I am more of like a protective mother, an older sister, and friend rolled into one.  They make my job of being TL easier because they are all easy to work with, no attitude problems whatsoever, and it's fun being around them.  We are basically like family, so even if there are work related issues, knowing that they are around makes things better,

I would never forget that day.  What they did was special and something I would always cherish.  I may not have looked my best during that day, but I was definitely at my HAPPIEST!  Thank you to my EMR/Implementation family. You guys will always hold a special place in my ♥.

The people behind the surprise.  Sadly we were not complete that night since Gail and Geraldine were absent and Joseph came in late.  From the top there's Teody, Ariane and Limpz. Rejoice is on the second photo.  Then Limpz again with  Brian, Ed, and Divya, then there's Jayson on the last photo.  I think the common denominator for all these pics is Limpz, lol!

The food was great.  I enjoyed the fish fillet.  And again my birthday cake with the number 50 on it.

 

Thanks Ariane for staying late that day,  I know you were supposed to leave early for your duty but I'm glad you were the bearer of good news.  You actually scared me when you said you wanted to talk to me, you looked really serious, and your hands were cold :).  Thanks Sir Adrian for allowing us to use the conference room, at least the smoke alarm did not go off. PS:  The middle photo I am with the Employee of the Year 2009 and 2010.  For two consecutive years the EOY came from our team, yipee!!

Office Christmas Party

 We just had our office Christmas Party last December 12, 2010.  The theme of the party was Cosplay, but our team decided to come in wearing Scrub Suits and lab coats.  Why?  Personally because I do not have the budget for a costume, I miss wearing my scrubs, and it was something we all agreed on for practical reasons.  Anyway, the place was cozy, but a bit small for an office party with about 90 employees, the food was excellent, and the group presentations were awesome.  Each team really prepared for the program.  Our presentation was okay, we did not get to win any price but we had fun practicing our dance :)  I also enjoyed looking at other employees who came in costumes, it was a fun, fun night.  And for two consecutive years, I was able to receive the gift I wanted from my manita, thanks to the wish list.  So, here are some photos from that night.  Happy Holidays!!

 

 This was before we left the office.  All ready to do our rounds!

Aboard the Kashiong Bus to Lola Salings with my sister Ariane and our EOY.

Just getting settled, and ready to eat!

Divya, Teody, Limp, Gail and me.

Don't smile when your mouth is full!

The whole Implementation/EMR Team.

A Doctor in a Software Company..

     What are you dong in a software company?  That is the follow up question I would get whenever friends or relatives ask me where i am currently working.  I am a doctor by profession, but for the last 20 months I have been working as an EMR physician in a medical software company.  

     But before I got this job, I was a pre-resident in a private hospital under the residency training program for Internal Medicine.  Although the resident doctors were all very nice, the toxicity level of going on 24 hours duty, coming to work early and going home late was just too much for me.  I could not handle taking care of sick people, while one of my kids is at home running a fever and I am not around.  I wanted to be there for my kids while they still need me, and so I quit.  Others may not understand the decision I have made, but I didn't care, because I know that whatever happens, family comes first.

     There are times when I would miss working in a hospital.  I am even afraid that I might have lost my clinical skills because I am not actively practicing medicine.  But I know that this work that I have is only temporary.  I am still planning to pursue residency training because I know that is what my father would have wanted for me, to be a "real doctor" as what he said when we last talked.  I am planning to apply for training by next year, if things go according to plan.  But for the meantime i am enjoying the perks of working in an office setting, because:

• I do not go on 24 hours,
• The pay is way better than in the hospital,
• I can sleep peacefully and not worry about toxic patients in the ICU
• I do not need to worry about journal reporting and M&M conferences
• I do not have to deal with the stress of telling the relatives of my patients that their loved one has died.
• I get the weekends off
• I am able to spend time with my kids

     Even if I miss wearing my scrub suits, and having my stethoscope over my neck, I am enjoying what I 'm doing right now, because I know I would soon say goodbye to the corporate world and face the reality that I am a doctor, and maybe, just maybe I could finally convince myself to go back to the hospital life I left behind.

Memoirs of an EMR Physician

Last February 2010 marks my first year as an EMR physician. Having been working in a hospital for almost a year, this was a whole new experience for me. But I embraced the opportunity to be working in this company whole heartedly. I could still recall my first day in the office, I felt like a new student on her first day of school. I did not really know what was in store for me. I was nervous but excited at the same time. 

I was told that I would be working on customizing templates for the clients. So I had to familiarize myself with the system, join trainings and practice creating templates based on the exams that was given to me. After almost 2 weeks of training, before I knew it I was given clients to handle on my own. I was told to interact with clients to discuss customizations that were needed for the templates, I was a bit apprehensive, but I knew that communicating with clients is important to be able to deliver and give them the quality service that they need. 

In time, I gained confidence in what I was doing. I would look forward to the forms that were being sent, and figure out a way how to make them into templates. I would admit that I love what I do in this company. I find great joy in being able to help clients make their practice run smoothly by creating templates that would help them in their medical practice. I understand the need for doctors to be able to document each patient visit accurately. Things were not always that easy though, we would encounter some issues every now and then, but we would always find a way to resolve the problem with the help of our colleagues.

A doctors goal is to serve others by providing health care to their patients, but as an EMR Physician, my goal is to make life easier for my clients by helping them with their templates and keeping them happy and satisfied with the services we provide. Looking back on the year that was, I could say that it was like a roller coaster ride, with the ups and downs and some twists and turns along the way. I learned so many things I would never learn outside of the company, I gained new friends, met interesting people with different culture and backgrounds and most of all, being in this company has helped me realize that there are no limits to what we can do, if only we put our hearts and mind into something.

Misadventures on a Friday

I had a brief moment of insanity.  I had four scheduled trainings for today and when i got into the office 30 minutes before my first meeting, I was told that there was no internet connection, and all the other employees were deployed to internet cafes.  Good thing my co-worker brought his lap top and he has this usb type thing he plugs in to get internet connection, so I asked him if I could use it for a bit to send out a skype message to our colleagues in the US to help out and cover the meeting. 

   In my panicky mode I skyped our manager informing him of the situation and instead of saying I was planning to head out to the nearest internet cafe, i told him I was in an internet cafe.  Gosh, I actually told a lie, well I consider it a "white lie' since it was not intentional.  He started to ask me if I had audio connections in the internet cafe, and I told him there were no headsets available as a lot of people were playing.  And he was like, "why are people playing, aren't they supposed to be working?", so I told him they were not from the office and so as not to tell another lie, I signed out of Skype without saying goodbye.

With no other choice, I grabbed my headset and decided to head home and do my trainings there.  When I opened my e-mail at home, my 2 pm training was rescheduled to 4 pm, and my 5 pm was moved to August 31st. Great, at least I only have one training to worry about. Sitting in front of the PC at home and doing work is really not my thing.  It's really true what they say not to bring your work at home. I feel as If I could not get things done because there is the temptation of going to bed and sleep, or maybe open social networking sites, not to mention the television.  And just when I was about to doze off, I was told that the internet connection at the office has been restored.  I immediately changed back to my work clothes, luckily a cab just dropped off a neighbor and so I hurriedly went outside and got into the cab.  In less than 30 minutes I was back in my work station and typing away e-mails.  Well, that was my misadventure on my last working day of the week.  Anyway, I have the weekend to look forward to so no worries, I'm back to my old self again. :)