GOING OUT: PANDEMIC STORIES
MAY 2023
"Pandemic Stories"
By Dr. LanceIsidore Catedral
In this second of two parts of the Going Out issue, we share II pieces of poetry and prose written by Filipino internists from all over the country during the
slow, painful, and joyous transition to a changed world.
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Am I Free?
By Dr. Ryel Katherine V. Manipol
I was the lone senior resident-in-training in Internal Medicine at Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital (RMPH). I was, more often than not, assigned
to the front lines to look after patients with COVID-19
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Sand Castles
By Dr. Frances Eunice B. Alcober
It’s been two years or so,
Since our life was put on hold by a tiny foe.
Death was brought and people would go,
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Quarantine
By Dr. Reina Lynn Antonio
As an introvert, the quarantine was heaven;
I was carefree in the comforts of my haven.
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Zoom In, Zoom Out— Preferably Out
By Dr. Sonia Salamat
What’s the most outrageous thing you’ve done while you were supposed to be in a Zoom meeting?
Personally, I haven’t done anything too outrageous.
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Telemedicine: No Going Back
By Dr. Irene Villanueva-Felipe
I am an internist-pulmonologist with a big problem. Because of an immunocompromised immune system,
I can’t see patients face-to-face, at least for now.
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It is Okay and It Will be Okay
By Dr.Jo-Ann Caroll B. Dacawi
Dearest,
I know you are probably tired of being told that it is okay and it will be okay.
It has been more than two years after all.
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Read More
Military Doctor Covid Stories
By Dr. Abi N.O. Atanacio
I’m a military doctor, a member of the Medical Corps of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
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Dancing My Way Out of the Pandemic
By Dr.Maria Angeli R. Pamintuan
Who would have thought a 57-year-old internist would win third place, garner
a bronze medal and five awards in a contemporary ballet online competition?
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By Dr. Julius T. Baciles
Katawa’y pilit pabangunin,
Panibagong umaga na kailangang harapin.
Agahan na luto ni inay iyong mabilis nakinain,
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The Hesitation to Hug
By Dr. Ella Mae Masamayor
I am strongly in favor of hugging. I give the biggest, most enthusiastic hugs, complete with wide eyes and squeals of joy. I’m a tiny person, so it’s not
exactly a bear hug on my end.
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The Windows to the Soul
By Dr.Ina P. Ortiz
One sunny morning, I found myself looking straight into the eyes of a young girl who reached out her hand to offer me a Sampaguita lace
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