By: Flordeluna Z. Mesina, MD–
Despite postponement and uncertainties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Physician Licensure Examination (PLE) this year was successfully held last November 2020. Four Thomasians shone the brightest as they secured their slot in the Top 10. Dr Adrian Emmanuel D. Teves (2nd place, 88.58%); Dr Henrick Ryan C. Fong (3rd place, 88.33%); Dr Florence Marie P. Maramba (6th place, 88%) and Dr Mark P. Dumago (9th place, 87.67%) are the pride and joy of the UST Faculty of Medicine & Surgery. Together with my daughters Clarisse and Chloe Mesina who composed interview questions for the four gentlemen, we got to know them and explored their experiences before, during and after the board exam.
What makes this years’ PLE special is the fact that it was done in the extraordinary time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Remember, this batch was abruptly pulled out from the hospital and transitioned to onlline learning 2 months prior to their internship graduation. They said that this was both an advantage and disadvantage. The advantage is that they were able to have extra 2 months to review on their own and at their pace. But the downside is, missing clinical exposure and skills especially those who were on their “major” rotations.
When asked how they prepared for the exam, almost all of them said; “Preparation starts in medschool! “When you did your part as a student like attending and listening to the lectures, reading books and participating in case discussions, most likely you will do well”, said Teves. All four are used to studying alone in their own space instead of going to cafes and libraries, hence they were able to embrace “lockdown” early. But adapting to the very long situation and uncertainty if the exam will push through is a different matter, said Dumago. Although they have their own styles in studying, these four words were consistently mentioned – Discipline, Prioritization, Focus and having a routine or schedule are key. The pandemic added stress and anxiety to the pressure of the examination but Fong underscored the need for a positive outlook and a balance of academic and non-academic activities like exercise and relaxation.
During the day of the examination, they were prepared mentally and emotionally but Maramba recalled social distancing, wearing of face mask and face shield was physically taxing and uncomfortable. When asked, if they were confident in the examination? All of them initially were but after the 1st Saturday of basic subjects, they had to uplift their self-esteem to carry on to the next tests. Generally, they found the exam difficult but fair. Expectations and pressures were not entertained, as they only hoped to pass this tremendous challenge in their medical career.
They regard being a topnotcher as a great blessing and a constant pressure to aim for excellence in the next chapter of their lives. Drs. Teves, Fong, Maramba and Dumago are the next big names to look forward to in the field of radiation-oncology and internal medicine! And lastly, their advice for aspiring doctors who will take the board examinations next year : “It’s never too early to prepare.”
