The University’s Medical Center and Medical University is fast becoming an International hub for aspiring doctors and even specialists. As it opens another branch in the US this year, UPHDJGT is expected to bring many opportunities for health professionals here and abroad as well.
The Department of Internal Medicine-UPHDJGT in Binan, Laguna has a total of eight residents at present. Drs. Artur Araujo and Lelanih Tangpos as 3rd year residents, Drs. Josephine Garcia and Owen Sutarez as 2nd year residents, and Drs. Marie Grace Almarinez, Arnold De Chavez, Jo Cris Gutierrez, and Naheeda Dimacisil as 1st year residents.
Our featured resident for this issue is senior resident Dr. Artur Araujo, an East Timorese/Portuguese, 11th child and only MD in their family, who believes that the Philippines can offer valuable training, whether it is in IM residency or Fellowship training. Having stayed in the country for almost 3 years now, the tall yet humble Dr. Araujo agreed to relate to us part of his personal profile, achievements and experiences in the following IMpulse interview.
ARTUR ARAUJO, M.D.
Medical School: University of Udayana Bali, Indonesia, 1987 – 1994
Positions Held:
2001 – 2003, General Practitioner Aimutin & Kuluhun Clinic, Dili, East Timor
: 2000 – 2001, Logistic & Administration Coordinator, Division of Health Services, East Timor
Medical Staff of IOM (International Organization for Migration), East Timor
: 2000, Technical Supervision and Support services, Interim Health Authority, East Timor
: 1998 – 1999, Head of Health Department, District of Bobonaro, Maliana, East Timor-Indonesia
: 1997 – 1999, Director and General Practitioner, Maliana Hospital East Timor-Indonesia
: Head of Community Health Center and General Practitioner
Why did you choose Philippines for training?
The quality of the training is good; the environment is quite similar – Sunday Church habit; the climate is the same as what we have in East Timor; and the country has a lot of tourist spots to offer.
In your years of stay as IM resident, what so far were your most memorable experiences?
When I was invited to present my case report on duodenal tuberculosis during the Philippine College of Physician’s Annual Poster Presentation which was held in Manila in 2005 and when I won 2nd place in the UPHDJGT Annual Residents’ Paper Contest for my study on “Acquired UTI in ICU Patients at the UPHDJGT Medical Center”.
Another unforgettable experience was our participation in the 4th Southern Luzon PCP Research Paper Contest held in Batangas last March 16, 2007 where several PCP members attended. There were a total of 4 participants: two from Mediatrix Hospital (1 research and 1 case report), a case report from De La Salle Medical Center, and yours truly from UPHDJGT.
What is your favorite pastime when away from work/ residency?
Simply visiting Laguna’s malls with friends and co-residents, and trying out restaurants which include fresh vegetables in their varied menu, such as dishes with Thailand garlic, asparagus, water cress soup, broccoli, and Taiwan pechay.
Do you have plans of staying in RP?
So far, I still do not have plans of staying in the Philippines after my residency training program. I have to go back as soon as possible because some of my friends will be leaving the country at the end of the year for their Masters Degree and Doctoral program. We are only around 40 (General Practitioners) with 1 General surgeon to serve about 1 million East Timorese countrywide. We have to cover another’s absence while some leave the country for training. Given the right time and opportunity, I will not think twice of staying longer for Fellowship training.
Views on the political crisis in East Timor?
The ongoing crisis in East Timor until now appears to have arisen from conflicting interests by some political leaders, as the island prepares itself towards proclaimed independence. The importance of the participation of the Catholic Church, the potential moderate East Timor leaders and Traditional leaders during this transition was also not given much importance, probable reason for the continued unrest. There are many other groups, ambitious and sad to say opportunistic people, who remain eager to gain the topmost post and gain monopoly in the government. We continue to hope towards improvement from within.
What is your advice to incoming IM residents, from RP or other country?
It is nice to train in the Philippines, and have another major in 1 or 2 more countries for purposes of learning through fulfilling experiences. This should be followed then by sharing what you have earned to support and assist this institution including your respective hometown institutions in going international. By doing so, the University of Perpetual Help will have a great number of alumni Internists spread all over the world in the next 15 to 20 years or maybe even sooner.
