dacrocyte

Office Ensembles, February 2012

noreply@blogger.com (dak/james) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 23:38:00 +0000

This month is featuring my brave attempts to unconventional prints, color combination and pairing. GQ Magazine once featured earlier this year that micro-prints are in. There’s not much of a difference with the usual polka-dots, checks and stripes; it’s just that the prints hafto be micronized or ultra tiny to give a different slash futuristic effect. I also tried the what I call the “gramps-effect” which uses earthly-colored ensembles like how our usual gramps would dress-up to give a mature-look which personally is very helpful to deceive people regarding my age cos a lot of my patients said I look so young to be a physician (which got me confused if it’s actually a good compliment or a bad comment). In this set, I also included my brave attempt to combine two primary colors, not to complement each other but to show flux and digression of completely diverse colors. I ever since believe however that blue and yellow no matter how completely deflective they are would go together nicely with the use right textures and shades.

Top: Rolled-up sleeves, white with black micro-dots by, H&M

Top: Rolled-up sleeves, grey-ish to brown-esque with white vertical micro-stripes, Old Navy

Top: Rolled-up sleeves, earthly mixture of brown, green, yellow and blue vertical stripes of different width, Banana Republic

Top: Yellow, collared, Folded & Hung
Belt: Black, leather with silver buckle, McJim
Trousers: Blue, custom-made

Top: Green with blue vertical stripes, Gap
Watch: Green, Lacoste
Pen: Green, given by a MedRep
Stamp: Green, DigiStamps

The Basics Can Save Your Health

noreply@blogger.com (dak/james) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 06:22:00 +0000

I believe that a physician should set himself as his own perfect example. He should practice what he is preaching to his patients. That being said, would you believe a doctor who would advise you to lose weight or to obtain a normal body mass index (BMI) in order to achieve some cardiovascular benefits if he himself is overtly obese? I guess not. Orrr how would you feel about a doctor giving you a lecture to stop smoking and laying out its numerous complications if you can outright-ly smell his nicotine-loaded breath? Turn off, noh?

I see patients everyday with different medical cases and I personally don’t or simply prescribe medications. If I can still actually avoid giving medicines, I’d rather not give. In certain medical conditions however such as hypertension and diabetes it’s not enough to medicate these patients. We also give them advises especially during their first few visits in the clinic the non-pharmacology therapeutic approaches or the medical management not involving drugs. Lifestyle and diet modifications are two of the most important non-pharmacologic therapy.

In my practice, lifestyle and diet modifications are not just being laid to those with diabetes, hypertension or what have yous chronic conditions. As a well-individual, prevention of disease occurrence is more important than cure. And I strongly advise to modify lifestyle and diet in order to prevent medical illnesses.

To be totally honest, I was once diagnosed as a case of pre-hypertension. It was detected prior to my post-graduate internship. As a 25-year old physician then, I was astonished to be already a pre-hypertensive, more so because the usual co-morbidity that is diabetes runs strongly in my genetic make-up. I was worked-up intensively and was generally advised by my cardiologist to change my lifestyle and diet. I know right? Diet modification was easy but changing my lifestyle as a physician who would go on most of the time to 36 hours of hospital duties was a struggle. Lack of sleep was the main stressor. After a year of being health conscious, my blood pressure was back to normal. I was very lucky cos my increase in blood pressure was detected early; that I was still in the grey-zone of being normal and hypertensive. If I weren’t screened early and managed accordingly, I might already be hypertensive by now with maintenance medication/s for life.

My basic lifestyle modification involves adequate sleep, moderate exercise or physical activities for most days of the week, not smoking, moderate alcohol consumption, aversion from illicit drugs, safe sex practice and positive outlook in life. It’s very easy to follow, e?

Adequate sleep is a minimum of 8 hours but not more than 10. But personally, an 8-hour sleep is already a luxury. I seldom get that sheer pleasure; I am already happy with a 4-6 hours especially during medical training. However, we also have to weigh the productivity factor in relation to the amount of sleep that we get. If we try to rationalize it, by the time you reach the age of 30 you would technically have slept through your entire 10 years if you practice an 8-hour of sleep per day. It’s just right that we become more productive if we get enough rest however too much rest can also lead to poor work performance.

Moderate exercise per day for most days of the week is the ideal healthy physical activity. The strict definition of moderate exercise is 100 steps per minute for 30 minutes. My personal definition of moderate physical activity or exercise is 30-45 minutes of jogging, brisk-walking (for overweight & obese) or aerobics. It should be done during most days of the week and that’s at least 4 times a week or every other day.

Smoking doesn’t define lung cancer. Smoking can be equated to any type of cancers and other chronic medical illnesses. And I don’t have to elaborate on these cos it’s been utmost-ly proven by thousands of medical literatures. It is prudent not to start and stop if you are still. To be totally honest, I was once a smoker and I am happy that I’ve long been tobacco-zilch! Nada! There are actually several reasons why people smoke cigarettes. Peer pressure and oral fixation are the most common reasons especially to those who just smoke a few sticks per day. So, if you smoke 2-3 sticks or at most 5 per day, then just quit smoking cos in reality you’re not yet dependent. Avoid a group of people who smoke and shifting the oral fixation into something healthier like always bringing a bottle of water in hand will be of great help. If smoking leads you to finish at least half pack a day, then I understand if quitting is such an issue. It’s not easy to take off a habit, a bad habit that is. My advise to those who are chain smokers, start lessening your sticks per day until you go zilch too! Not easy, but achievable.

Moderate alcohol consumption or sometimes referred by some as occasional alcoholic beverage drinking is defined strictly as not more than 1 drink per day for women or 2 drinks per day for men, non-cumulative. For some laymen, this is quite hard to understand. What I tell my patients is to not drink more than 1 serving per day for women and not more than 2 servings per day for men. And by 1 serving it means a bottle of beer or 1 shot glass or 1 cocktail drink or 1 glass of wine; non-cumulative. & when I say non-cumulative it means that 7 servings can’t be taken in a single day to cover a week.

Say no to illegal drugs. I don’t discriminate users but those drugs are illicit because of the known bad effects. They are known to bring you that high but if that’s the only effect it can bring then they shouldn’t be banned, right? I don’t need to enumerate and elaborate the numerous adverse effects of those drugs but the outright illegality of those substances should alarm all of us.

Safe sex practice. When I started my own medical practice, I was amazed. Yes… Amazed to the common-ism of sexually transmitted infections (STI). We rarely saw such cases in the institution where I trained that when I started seeing these group of patients ~~in crops~~ more frequently, I’ve to reiterate to myself the guidelines to treat them accordingly. Well I guess that most of these cases are seen by private practicing doctors because of the nature of the situation. And for that matter, I now always ask my patient’s sexual practices. Initially, I was a little shy and uncomfortable asking them about it but I felt the need to address the problem. My common advise is to be monogamous… but let’s all be real, monogamy is already obsolete to some. Condom is the next best thing for prevention of most STIs. I am also an advocate with the use of HPV vaccination until the age of 26 for both sexes.

Dharma-ism. I was taught in med school that our approach to treating patients should not be just based on the physical disability but rather wholistic, and I believe that a patient with a positive outlook in life recovers faster from a medical illness. The explanation could be very molecular-biologic; we have hormones and neurotransmitters which control our bodily functions that are affected and partially released by our emotional status, thoughts and aura. The World Health Organization (WHO) even defined health in its broader sense as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."

How about diet? My basic diet advise is to follow a hypertensive diet. Why? Because hypertension is easily acquired from all the changes, evolution and madness of our very commercialized diet; fast food and bulk eating now dominate our food industry. Hypertensive diet consists of low fat, low sodium, and high fiber. I personally try or lean more to organic eating now. I enjoy organic eating as much as I enjoy sex, plus it’s much easier to maintain a normal BMI in eating organic. I also shy away from buffet restaurants. You should, too! I really don’t enjoy buffet dining cos the main point of going there is to eat as much as you can for the money you paid… unless maybe it’s an outlet or venue for friendly or family gatherings then I’ll consider. It’s one huge big propaganda, I should say… Pun and redundancy intended. Vegan eating on the other hand which doesn’t work for everyone is also a healthy option. I’ve tried and has been successful for a month… I gave up because I realized that I am a meat-eater by heart. LOL. For me twas a struggle. I don’t give high recommendation to veganism too because of the possible long-term vitamin deficiencies.

So these are my basics to healthy living; These are just suggestions of what I personally do to myself and in my humble opinion they are worth sharing to everyone cos I think everyone deserves to be healthy. It’s a choice. You do what you want to your own body. I think it’s good to end this blog entry by sharing this statement, “An ounce of prevention is better than tons of cure.” :-)

What’s In The Bag?

noreply@blogger.com (dak/james) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 06:07:00 +0000

This blog will showcase my everyday travel - here and there essentials and sundries. First of all, I like nice bags… Simple & spacious with easy access to compartments. So if you’re gifting me a bag ~~which is the main reason for this blog entry~~ (just in case you are… hehe.) make sure it is nice (see definition of nice above) and can handle all the stuff presented below so that I can really use it. Haha. I know right? We all know how people would react and feel bad about when they don’t see us using the things that they give. And for that matter, giving me the right bag will be perfect for me to use. BTW, All my everyday-use bags are of almost the same size as the black messenger below.

Currently using this bag for a couple of weeks now.

A must bring all the time, stethoscope!

It’s more ideal to have a separate card holder and money wallet. Wallet tends to mutilate your cards easily especially when you slip your wallet in your trouser pocket.

Sugar-loaded mints I take in instances when I can’t find the time to eat just yet. They relieve hunger. They’re life-savers!

As for the sugar-free mint, I use it in emergency cases to freshen my breath.

Murse is a man purse, by the way; to hold everyday sundries, small items, condoms and stash of ***. You may ask where’s the personal phone? Well, I don’t put my iPhone in the bag cos it’s always in my hand or pocket. I use my phone to check emails, social media (twitter: @jadmalala follow me!) and daily agendas. :-) How about you? What’s in your bag?

Evolution Of This Blog

noreply@blogger.com (dak/james) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 04:03:00 +0000

Just a quick epiphany that I had and that some of you may also have noticed that this blog’s evolved and still evolving from what used to be a venting out machine of my everyday struggles as a student (pre-medical and medical), love life and relationships into now a lifestyle, fashion, occasionally gastronomical, happy, interesting and inspirational outlet. I believe that it has changed because I’ve evolved too as a person; from a very pedestrian, simple, idealistic, immature, “unhealthy” and risky student into now a very cautious, conceited, deviant, practical, organic-loving & health-conscious physician. Shame on me if I haven’t uhm… transcended noh? This blog’s been up for almost a freakin’ decade! Yet for the past few years, I’ve rarely (like 0.1%) ranted about my past relationships or any gruesome everyday encounters because I already don’t see the point. What I write as you’ve noticed are the things that I’ve learned. Personal life should be kept personal. You can call this blog a personal one but it doesn’t have to be all out and about ranting that sometimes even crossing the line of writing against a person… Cos it’s an awful and sad thing to read and look back… so it should be something that I can share to everyone and can inspire others like for example the what’s good from a failed relationship for that matter… orrrrr the things that I’ve learned from a failed relationship… Or conceitedly speaking, my monthly office #ensembles!!! :-))) There’s no point of looking at the bad side; life is too short & beautiful to focus on the bad side! :-)

Office Ensembles, January 2012

noreply@blogger.com (dak/james) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 13:02:00 +0000

This month’s collection is all about being able to pull off a very casual but presentable slash respectable look in the office. These ensembles I usually wear on the last day of my clinic week as I consider it as my dress-down-day; a respite from being too formal or smart-casual. Plain tee, printed or not, tandem with regular denim trousers and topped with the distinguishable white coat will surely make it happen. It will definitely work! Especially now that we are already in the transition from being in a cool and breezy weather to now evidently warmer. Here are some of my favorites.

Tee: off-white, meager fabric with graphic design, H&M
Blazer: Nikko’s Tailoring

Tee: white, Philippine map embroidered, F&H
Blazer: Nikko’s Tailoring
Stethoscope: maroon, 3M Littmann Select

Tee: yellow with piping and label print, Gap
Blazer: Nikko’s Tailoring
Stethoscope: maroon, 3M Littmann Select

Tee: dark green, cotton with see-through profile, U by Rustans
Blazer: Nikko’s Tailoring

Citrix Of Mibre

noreply@blogger.com (dak/james) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:00:00 +0000

That’s his real name. Son of Brix of Tomski & Samantha of SGE II. But I call him Taco. Short for Taquito. Aside from being Mexican in origin, the fur is fawn like a taco shell hence the name.

My family loves pets. Any kind. I remember that we kept a mynah in our porch but we had a hard time teaching it words to repeat. Haha. Me and my siblings were still too young then that dad had to sell it. I think. We also raised a carp for several years, initially the size of a penny until it grew like a plate then died, probably cos of old age. Other animals that we had as far as I can remember were rabbits, hamsters and a monkey named Sharon. Currently we have a persian cat named Rain and several shih-tzus sheltered in the province. My mom and my sister are the ultra animal lovers, like they can literally kiss the dogs.

A month ago, I decided to get my own puppy. And by “get my own” means that I acquired it using my own money and gonna raise it in my own expense. I initially thought of bringing one of our shih-tzus, EmEm here in QC but I’ve seen how to handle her kind of breed; super ultra high-maintenance… so I did a little research and found a compatible dog for me, a chihuahua.

So why did I get a puppy? I‘ve read before, like a long long time ago in a modest blog that if you are able to raise or maintain an aquarium, you might as well be able to handle a relationship/family and the stressors. I know, right? It sounds too ridiculous to compare handling a fish/aquarium and a real life relationship and situations. I was like, “What kind of shit-nitz this author is talking about???” but eventually I got the author’s point, raising a fish/s or maintaining an aquarium for that matter is a no joke (really, not at all), it requires ultra extra efforts. I know cos I’ve also tried. Haha. The fish died just so you know. So before even getting an aquarium per se, everything must be planned; the type of fish to raise, the water, the contents, the accessories. The water has to be properly prepared, cleaned and maintained in a strict manner; temperature, pH, salt content, sun exposure, etc. An aquarium owner should be very scrupulous or the fish/s will die; or as that blog author and now I compare it with a relationship if not being handled well, it will not last.

I’m still wanting a fish to keep but for now, I am laying and focusing my extra time raising Taco. I am emulating the concept of maintaining a fish aquarium to raising a dog. I believe there’s not much of a difference. Raising a dog is not at all easy hoo-ba-loo voila-done especially the type of Taco’s breed cos they’re very sensitive to a lot of diseases, violence and traumatic handling. He will already turn 5months on February 18 and so far, I think I’m doing a pretty good job being like his dad. LOL. He’s getting ~~fat~~ big fast. I bet his vaccination schedule is more updated than mine and I reckon I’ve raised him too attached to me though, is that a bad thing? Cos he can’t sleep if not in my bed beside me or if ever I’m not at home beside anyone else.

So far, one of the important lessons I’ve learned while raising Taco is that everything beautiful is hardwork. There is no easy way. Do you want money? Work hard for it. D’you want a good and lasting relationship? Work hard for it. Do you want to raise good kids? Work hard for it.

The 10 Essentials

noreply@blogger.com (dak/james) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 06:47:00 +0000

1. Best fitting denim trousers

I invest on really good trousers. I have pants that’s been worn for a decade already and still my favorites. Trousers that suit you best will not actually depend on the brand/s that I may suggest cos male human forms aren’t totally the same in the general population. So my advice is to really scout your "own" brand. But for a lanky guy like me, I like the denims of Uniqlo, Levi’s, Guess and local brands such as Bench & F&H. When I say best fitting denim pants, it’s something that’s easy to wear, usually slim/straight cut that ~~enhances~~ improves your best lower-part assets and can be worn with just plain white tee or can be emergency-shifted to semi-casual cases easily topped by a coat. You will never go wrong wearing them all day everyday. But I also dig the corduroy types and depend much on brands such as Levi’s, Gap and Old Navy.

2. Bidet

Bidet is like your toothbrush used the other way around. And I still don’t get why some households don’t have this simple equipment beside their comfort thrones. I believe too that it’s one of the greatest inventions. Ever. I cannot contend though that usual Filipinos would use “tabo” and that it is still very available but why not shift to an easily extendable washer? It’s more hygienic than “tabo” too cos those dippers are also being used alternately by some in taking a bath.

3. A pair of suit

One must have a pair of suit that’s always ready in their closet. Cos you will never know when you’ll be needing them. And the need usually happens in short notice! Did you notice? Hahaha. Although, I’m not saying that it should be an expensive kind. But definitely it should be something tailor-fitted. It should be done exactly just for you; in your form & structure. Please, not an RTW. You know why? You know why? Cos a suit should be you. It should fold and crease into your delicate angles and curves. And those are unique to each and every individual. So get a pair of suit JUST FOR YOU.

4. Wet wipes

Wet wipes orrrr better yet are the baby wipes. It’s the most useful toiletry. No debate on that! You can clean any part your body hygienically even if you’re not in the confines of your home. Why do I prefer baby wipes than the regular wet wipes? Cos it’s more likely for manufacturers of baby wipes to not use or put any harsh chemicals in wipes used for babies. So technically, if it’s safe for use to the delicate skin of babies, it’s safe for use as wipes even on your face.

5. A satchel or mailman/messenger bag

I am a bag person. I always bring stuff with me; the must bring items. And since I have a lot of must brings, I prefer a medium sized bag that can be used casually, on the run and at work without the hassle of exchanging bags and shifting the contents from one bag to the other. Bags such as satchels and messenger bags suit that attitude and personality just like any young professional like me. :-) Need I say more?

6. A murse

A murse is a man purse. It’s not your the-only-bag. It’s a smaller bag in the bag that you always bring. LOL. But for some, it can be used as a separate bag. But I just don’t. Hahaha. Some call it their clutch bag. But clutch bag is such a 90s term. We don’t use that anymore. It’s like using the word “parlor” instead of “salon”. Haha. But murses are super helpful in containing almost all your on-the-go slash work slash duty sundries. Really.

7. Rayban

Raybans of choice? The classic aviators and wayfarers. My facial bone structure won’t allow tiny-sporty sunnies. I don’t know why… It’s been an old dilemma but I’m now not complaining. I love those big frames to keep my eye luggage from showing. I believe that I have the same facial form similar to Tom Cruise, noh? I love his wayfarer in the movie MI4. haha. And I follow one of the basic rules of life that is… if it doesn’t suit you –> avoid! Why essential? Sunnies are proven to protect the eyes from the damaging effects of sun and wind that irritate the eyes especially to those who are always outdoors which in the long run may eventually lead to certain ophthalmologic pathologies. And since you’ll gonna put it in your face, better choose something nice and appropriate. Personally, as I have mentioned the aviators and wayfarers of Rayban.

8. Antihistamine

In a world where people develop instant immunity and reaction into anything, it’s always prudent to always carry a “contra” in hand. Cos you will never know. I too will never know if this new food that I am going to try or eat will have some form of immunologic reaction to me, e? I am allergic to alcohol but not to all types of alcohol. I develop blemishes most especially with beer and vodka. IKR? And these are my favorite alcoholic beverages too. Haha. And as a precaution, I take medications before I drink. Orrr least I bring medication in hand just in case I start to itch and have trouble breathing. Whatever over-the-counter generics may actually do. Citirizine, loratadine, desloratadine. Avoid the ones with sedative effects though especially if you’re driving. :-)

9. Baseball cap or beanie

Why essential? Bad hair day is a vanity emergency. I am my hair and since I am the kind of person who’s always on the go, I make sure I have a baseball cap and a beanie on top of my table that’s easy to grab… Also, I put another tandem that I always keep in the car compartment. Although I don’t really have a problem wearing an unruly hair at times, it still depends on the current hair length, the current attire, and the mood. Personally, I’ve used these headgears several times already as solutions to hair problems when in a hurry, lacking time to style the hair. I also most of the time use my baseball cap when driving especially at night to give a “macho” effect so not to attract carnapers. LOL.

10. Jaquette

A cardigan… Or a nice sweater or a jacket. Or a coat! Anything. But I really prefer a lightweight, not so thick cardigan because of the Philippine weather. I always hang one of these at the backseat. Why? Cos there are certain occasions when you need immediate temperature (especially cold) protection wherein for example, a friend spontaneously invites you to a movie and you’re already out of the house wearing just a regular tee made of meager fabric from H&M. Can you able handle the stress of watching a movie freezing? Right.

Office Ensembles, December 2011

noreply@blogger.com (dak/james) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 01:25:00 +0000

First of all, I would like to greet my readers <if there are… actually… haha.> a very merry Christmas & a happy new year! I know it’s so delayed but I’ve been very busy in December. Last month, I still saw patients on a regular basis which is kind of unusual for a private-practicing doctor like me who would usually just take a vacay from doing clinics. I also took my first step exam for the US medical boards and I don’t want to talk about it. Yet. I technically died right then and there. LOL. & when I say I was busy, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s all about work and career, I likewise attended several partieeeees. The most remarkable were the 3 weddings in different parts of Luzon. I know right? I am already in the generation when my batchmates are getting engaged, taking their vows and eventually having kids.

Office attires for December were mostly if not all are play with layers, use of heavy fabrics and contrast between strong and dark colors because it’s the only time of the year in the Philippines when it gets really cold. Not really as cold as the winter of the northern hemispheres but it usually gets comfortably colder than usual. It’s the time when we get the chance to wrap ourselves with extra clothing and what have yous.

Scrub Suit: Blue, SurgiScrub
Raglan: Blue/White, Old Navy
Stethoscope: Maroon, 3M Littmann Select

Tee: Brown, collared, Armani Exchange
Belt: Black, leather, Armani Exchange
Trousers: Denim, Levi’s 514 slim straight

Tee: Yellow, collared, Folded & Hung
Sweater: Brown, Dean & Trent

Tee: Green, collared, Oxygen
Cardigan: Blue-gray, Folded & Hung

Dress shirt: Red/Black, checked, Dean & Trent

Dress Shirt: Brown-ish, plaid, Oxygen
Sweater Vest: Brown, printed, Oxygen
Medical Coal: Nikko’s Tailoring

It’s All In The Mind

noreply@blogger.com (dak/james) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 16:06:00 +0000

For the past Sundays of attending church services, I noticed that Pastor Ed was constantly reminding the church about the effects of our thoughts to our daily lives. A person who always thinks that something will go wrong is in actuality being robbed of happiness TWICE. Why? First, cos he can’t enjoy his current supposedly happy moment and second, he will eventually get frustrated and sad when that bad thing didn’t come. The emotions that we feel and the actions that we emphasize all start in the mind and the state of our minds dictates the kind of life that we have.

And it’s not just always on how we absorb or put assortment of thoughts in our minds. It’s also about changing how we see things. One popular example I read in @twitter was, when Titanic sank a hundred years ago everyone was devastated; it was tragic, but for sure the lobsters in the ship’s aquarium ready to be served as Ravioli that night were all very happy. Did you get the point? It’s about perspective. Of course the lobster example was lame but I’m just making an essence out of the story.

Imbricated Intentions

noreply@blogger.com (dak/james) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 12:58:00 +0000

I just had an epiphany earlier today that I don’t have the thin line between flirting and just plain being friendly. I actually have them overlapped.

In certain instances, me being too sweet and showing too much kindness imbricates my innate way of flirting or showing likeness. So in actuality, the people that I like wouldn't know most of the time that I like them because they think I’m just being too friendly. And vice versa. That if I don’t intimately like a particular person who happens to like me, they usually would still assume that I like them too because I’m just being very generous.

I don’t get it. How do you put a boundary? How do you segregate? How do you even just put a fine line between flirting and just being friendly? Why don’t we just get what we want? And be happy? Noh?

Office Ensembles, November 2011

noreply@blogger.com (dak/james) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 04:25:00 +0000

We are in this transition of season from the hot & humid weather to now being colder and colder each day. And I see the rise of medical complaints ranging from cough to runny nose accompanied by itchy throat, persistent sneezing and skin lesions; Allergic cough, seasonal allergic rhinitis and hives. These are the common out-patient problems nowadays. In relation to that, I made a transition too on how I dress up at work. From the more comfortable ones to the advent of playing with clothes such as colors and layers.

Dress Shirt: vertical grey stripes, Vintage Ed by Guess
Stethoscope: 3M Littmann Select
White Medical Coat: Nikko’s Tailoring

Dress Shirt: 101 New York
Suspenders: dark blue/white, striped by McJim

Scrubs: camouflage, B.T. from AFP Medical Center in V.Luna, QC
Baseball Raglan: black/white, cotton by Russell Athletics

Dress Shirt: white/black, double-collared by Folded & Hung

Collared Tee: blue, striped by Gap
Belt: black leather by Armani Exchange
Trousers: denim, Guess Jeans
Carabiner: black, gift (car key)

Evolution Of My Limbic System

noreply@blogger.com (dak/james) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 13:59:00 +0000

The first time I knew and experienced love that is true, I was reckless. I was young… a teenage boy, curious about love and relationship, rolled by raging and erratic surges of hormones. I had different perspectives then. I was mostly controlled by bodily chemicals such as testosterone and not by my emotions and rational thoughts... Physical attraction was a trigger and plays a huge role in the picture, although I am not saying it wasn’t true love. I knew that it was love and true but my perspective was immature. And unstable.

Then physical attraction was killed. It wasn’t much of an importance anymore. Glossy eyes became overrated. I’ll be lying though if I say it ain’t a factor. You still have to be at least presentable and look bright. But it doesn’t stop there, you have to be smart but not necessarily wise. One hello outweighs a killer smile; wit wins over poreless skin. I check resumes and I ask which university you got that degree. How about a post-grad? I always start with the question “What do you do?”. Sensible & long conversations… A must! I am in dire need of stability and security. I want someone who has a dream. Yes, I became that choosy.

Then I realized, it’s not all about beauty and brains… I still know my standards. I am sticking into it… but if I will wait ‘till I find that someone out of 6billion people in the world with all my strict parameters, I’m just gonna end up as a failure and eventually die not being happy. No one is a perfect standard. There is always a margin of error. And I believe that each one of us is destined to a lifetime partner. Samson had Delilah. Mickey has Minnie. Beauty worked it with Beast. There might be however conflicts between personalities or differences in characters but the truth is, most of the time the opposite works. It’s the law of polarity. Yin & yang. Anode & Cathode. North and south. It’s just a matter of finding and realizing that he/she is the closest thing to your standards. So what if he has an error of 0.1%? It’s about accepting that error cos we can’t do anything about it. That 0.1% error is part of the person that makes him/her whole. It’s just a matter of compromising those certain differences. Meeting half-way. Finding a happy medium. Going to the middle ground. Striking a balance. Give and take.

And that’s when unconditionally loving someone comes into place. :-)

It hurts

noreply@blogger.com (dak/james) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:53:00 +0000

Just like a pair of brand new shoes.

But you still wear it cos it looks good on you.

And you just keep on wearing that single pair because it doesn’t just look good on you. But because you love the pair. And as time goes on, as you get used to it, it becomes more and more okay to wear it all the time.

The pair of shoes that we choose makes us happy. But the question is, how was the experience way back when you started wearing it? Horrendous. Difficult. Uncomfortable. The real catch however is, how did you deal with it? Pads. Socks. Bandages and what have yous do it yourself ideas.

Everything at the start may be difficult for us to handle but if we really love it, then that difficult part will just go away eventually and naturally. And so we never stop. We make remedies. We do crazy things to adapt.

We go on, wear it until it feels okay. Better. Happy. Comfortable.

They Call It Seventy Seven

noreply@blogger.com (dak/james) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:41:00 +0000

But I call it the one-of-my-super-day-ender bars. LOL.

I capped my night last Tuesday with Jerome who’s been a very good friend of mine since high school. We actually had a long day & decided to meet up after work. I saw patients the entire day & had to catch-up on my readings in the evening; He on the other hand had a 2-10pm shift in the lab. So the plan was to cap it off with a few drinks.

There’s this bar in Kamuning called 77 that I frequent. Visits started when I was still reviewing for the Philippine Medical boards which eventually became a habit to grab one or two drinks per night after studying while still being giddy with all the caffeine running through my veins. The alcohol serves like an antidote.

The place is like an old up&down house circa 70s-80s turned into a very cozy hangout venue popular among crowd of the 20s to early 30s. When alone, I usually go straight to the bar and order a bottle of spirit or a cocktail of kurant & sprite, chitchat with the bartenders and even to perfect strangers and voila, “Have a happy & good night evbud!”. 77 has always been a fun place for me.

Although last Tuesday, t’was a different story cos I was with a friend. We stayed in a sala-set area complete with sofas and a low wooden antique-ish table. Very homey indeed. Fortunately t’was a Tuesday night so the place wasn’t crowded.

We sat comfortably wherein I was literally slouching like twas my home with a pizza, a pitcher of Kurant & Sprite on the table as we began with our usual “How’s it goin’? What’s the 411?” tryin’ to catch up with each other’s lives. Love’s always been a problem of this friend and as we started discussing his love story, its flaws and all those shitnitz, I realized that I am actually having the same dilemma to which I was casually denying and just shrugging it off for the past days or even weeks. I was in denial like it’s not affecting me that kind of sort of thing. So in reality, I was giving the advises to myself as I did a litany of what you should and should not do and this and that and what have yous.

T’was crazy. As I was telling my friend “you became to available & vulnerable kasi…”, it’s like me talking to myself like a non-compliant schizo. I was… yes literally just talking to myself; addressing all my preaching to myself. And in conclusion, I am pathetic and desperate… And maybe lonely too.

I never had a good relationship for the past year/s. The last date I had was a click, my standards… but t’was just so-so, garblish and undeniably fun but really nothing-is-going-on… yet still I got hooked. Call it one-way, unrequited, it’s-just-me-slap-me-wake-up. So yes I became too available then now vulnerable.

One epiphany led to the next. I need to evolve, noh? See? My friends are now getting married, their kids are being baptized… And now my physician friends are already stepping into the next level in their lives that is Residency Training. They are all evolving while I stay on my comfort zone. Is it even a comfort zone until now?

I am stuck in a rut. I knoe I am slowly progressing with my choice of career going through its path that I chose and I have to take but I realized that I don’t need to just transcend with my career… I need to evolve too as a person; as a normal human being with normal physiologic & biologic needs.

And so that night at 77, it made me figure out what’s definitely wrong with me, and that I’ve been ignoring it for quite some time now, and now I’m so sure that I’m gonna change it. Soon. Very soon.

It was aactually an awesome night. After all, nights at 77 always end up nice and good. Cheers! :-)

Obstipated

noreply@blogger.com (dak/james) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 03:33:00 +0000

*Random thoughts & rants

When you reach the age of 26 and you don’t have that much money and a very stable job to brag about, it’s like being the biggest chunk of floating ice in the world; a useless iceberg; a lost soul of some sort. An old lost soul of ice, nowhere to go. And broke. ~~And sank Titanic.~~

Garble-ish I knoe. To be totally honest? It’s kinda hard to make a point sometimes.

Many times I came across the idea that I am probably in a wrong career path. But I believe that all those running ideas were wrong; just cerebral; that I was just thinking that I am, yet I am actually not. I have moments when really overthink; in times when I really lack sleep and I overdosed myself with caffeine. And I think I should also drive less… and limit my toilet visits cos most of my epiphanies <and not to mention euphemisms> happen while I am driving orrr I’m taking a leak or shit.

Orrrr it’s just the anal in me.

Did you know that thoughts can destroy a person? It can confuse, deceive, damage, distress, torture… and even kill. So our minds should be watched, guarded, filtered, cleansed, purified…

To quote former First-lady Imelda Marcos,

“Think of the true, good, & beautiful”

She is so right. I am so clouded with doubts and insecurities.

Maybe at this age and time, it’s normal to be nervous about faulty career and instability. That I might be doing the wrong choices in life. What if my fate isn’t really this? Or that? Really scurd.

But of course I cannot just go change careers left and right to hit the right one just like what I usually do to my hair, right? The next month it’s gonna be blonde. Or I get bangs. Again. It’s not that easy; but I wish it is. That easy.

Sometimes I can’t help but question myself why I even went into med school. And it’s hard to hate myself on that cos this is the only thing that I’m really good at. And yes, if I do think of any other profession right now, it’s gonna be hard to give up on something I’m already good and happy at. Like me checking on your throat <say ahhhh please>, or hearing how one’s heart beats <lub-dub-lub-dub-toinks>, or poking my finger up into one’s ass <ouch!>.

As a child, I also thought or have planned of doing the simplest things in life like being an astronaut <Am I sure this is simple?> or being just professionally good looking. You knoe, like using your good looks as a job. Let’s label this as my dream career #2. But I wasn’t very lucky with the genes that I acquired. I didn’t win the genetic lottery super grandprize. Some of my cousins took all those precious chromosomal types like the standing-tall-genes, unclogging-pore-genes and the nice-jaw-line-genes that cut me off my dream career #2. Haha.

But kidding aside, if I chose to be in those raunchy fashion shows and magazines, wouldn’t that cause me to regret not being a doctor instead? Right. But come to think about it, combining those two is actually feasible, ayt? By being a professionally good looking doctor! Haha. In my very own rights! :-))

The question now is… how?!

I used to work, 24-7. Yes, work even during the weekends. Cos I am a physician, that’s how we roll. Our lives belong to our patients. I spent 36 hours of duty every 3 days. So I just want to tell some of you to shuddup and stop bringing the crappy idea up regarding the recent depression issues among call center agents because of sleep deprivation. Have these people even ever thought of us?! Gawd!

Where is beauty rest in that scenario? It doesn’t exist.

I used to earn like 4 thousand bucks every 3 months <ikr? not even reached the minimum wage>. I got a raise when I became a GP but I still ask my parents for money at times, ~~they pay for my phone bills, gasoline, and my apartment rent.~~ Whatta loser kid I am. I actually can earn bigger than anyone else’s salary at my age if I work full-time, but that can’t be done cos of upcoming exams.

Where is the joy of retail therapy now? Non-existent!

Never in my life did I ever breakdown until several months ago, I woke up one night and just started crying. My roommate was like “What is wrong with you?”. Well, I also didn’t know. I just replied “It’s full-moon, I am lunatic you know…” Hahaha… I think I scared him.

Don’t mind me. I am just burnt-out. Probably.

This is me verbally obstipated which is ironic cos I still have a lot of things to say. So maybe this is actually a verbal diarrhea. A mild one that is. #JustSaying

So today, I will never stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile. Focus focus focus.

*Thanks for reading. This post is a crappy one. And I am not a psycho for crying out loud. Believe me.

Office Ensembles, October 2011

noreply@blogger.com (dak/james) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:06:00 +0000

I am creating a new thread in my blog called Office Ensembles wherein I will be posting remarkable <at least I find nice, haha> attires that I get to wear in the clinic every month. Details will be given to freely promote the items. As some of you already know, if I like a product I promote them freely via twitter or here in my blog.

Top: Pop Icon
White Blazer: Nikko’s Tailoring
Belt: ~~black leather with metal buckle, unrecalled~~ Hickok
Trousers: Dean & Trent

Top: Old Navy
Steth: 3M Littmann Select

Top: Dean & Trent
Steth: 3M Littmann Select
Stamp: DigiStamps

Rainbow Identifiers Among Healthcare Providers. Is it necessary?

noreply@blogger.com (dak/james) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 03:17:00 +0000

I susbcribe to medical articles online and I recently read a Medscape article by a medical student regarding disclosing a health professional's sexual identity to gain trust & rapport to patients.

The author said, "I personally would prefer an out and proud lesbian with a rainbow identifier rather than someone with plain scrubs. At least I know the lesbian nurse is willing to let me know something about herself that I can relate to. Does this mean she's a competent nurse? No. But does it mean she's not competent? No." - Carl Streed Jr.

In my opinion, sexual identity among health professionals should be kept exclusive but undeniably. Our personal lives should have minimal or even have no place in the medical setting. That is to keep most personal matters outside the clinic, to control emotions, and to focus on the patient in front of us. When emotions is combined with medical decisions, it would be a havoc. It wouldn't do any good to the improvement of the patient's condition. Same is true why doctors aren't suppose to or advised not to treat close relatives because conflict ensues come medical decisions and options.

But come to think about it, when patients are in the hospital, in a place that is sterile, disconnected, and intimidating, it's easy to see patients cherish anything that allows them to relate to their caregivers and vice versa. There goes the difference and awareness between the terms transference and counter-transference. Healthcare providers may probably extend their personal lives to a certain extent to make patients somehow connected to his/her caregivers. But doctors and nurses should put boundaries or limit this as to not develop the "counter-transference" which may eventually lead to bias that affects the giving of medical options and care. Like I said, personal lives should have minimal place in medical setting.

I also agree to Carl Streed's statement that "Patients just want to connect. Providers just want to connect. To deny such an opportunity misses a large part of the healing process that occurs in medical settings."

I need patients to trust me and be very comfortable with me. In healthcare, we don't mean business. Patients are not clients. I was trained to treat patients wholistically because one defect no matter what aspect (physical, biological, chemical, social, economic, mental, linguistic, etc.) can affect one more thing or the rest; a depressed patient may not recover from a simple cough.

In conclusion, caregiver-patient relationship is somewhat like a contract. Trust, connection, communication are very important. Sexuality may not be an issue to some but for others, it may still be. In my honest opinion, it still holds true to keep or limit personal matters outside the premises of the clinic room. Disclose personal issues if it can help a patient but one should know the boundaries.

*posted via Blogger app for iOS.

James Of QC

noreply@blogger.com (dak/james) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 05:07:00 +0000

I got this new TV series that I’m watching aside from the everybody-knoes-I’m-watching-Greys. It’s entitled Hart Of Dixie. Initially, I was hesitant to start watching it because I dowana spend too much time on TV but since a friend suggested it and said that I can super relate to the story and so I began.

And I am hoooooked! It’s the series of my life <of course except that Hart is a hot, female surgeon>

The story revolves around Zoey Hart who is a doctor. After her graduation in med school, an old man offered her a job in Alabama as a General Practitioner (GP) but turned it down because she got major plans. She went to a surgical residency program in New York City and planned to take her Cardio-Thoracic fellowship following the footsteps of her “dad”. But her dreams fell apart after her boyfriend dumped her and she wasn’t accepted to take the fellowship program because a mentor said she lacks “patient-care”. She was then advised to have her own practice first. This made her remember a job offer yesteryears which made her decide to move to Alabama to have her own private practice. There she discovers the deeper meaning of practice of medicine, love and friendship.

Just like Dr Hart, I am hardcore. I may not have graduated as one of the top players in my class but yes I am hardcore in my very own rights. Haha.

Even before graduating in med school, I have my own big plans too! I underwent internship program in a prestigious hospital, acquired a desirable mark in my board rating, and scouted for hospitals that will give me the best Internal Medicine residency training compatible to my personality.

To be totally honest, I already put my mind set into 2 hospitals of my choice. Philippine General Hospital (PGH) and National Kidney & Transplant Institute (NKTI). I even got my NKTI application already before I even take the boards! I was that dedicated.

NKTI: “We usually accept applicants on September after the boards, but anyway here’s your application form.”

Although, right after taking the boards my parents talked to me about the option of taking my residency training in the US. I was like, “Whut???”

I know, right?

First of all, it’s a privilege to receive such offer especially from parents to take the residency training somewhere else. If med school in the Philippines is a financial burden, to go into training abroad is considered a possible bankruptcy.

Second, I love my life in here. I am not complaining. I have several reasons why I love it in here. Basics: practical and easy.

Third, practice of medicine is a loooot easier here compared to a foreign land especially the US where lawsuits and medical insurances are popular.

I told “the ‘rents” about the option of taking my residency here instead then fellowship training somewhere else after. Cos if I want to train abroad, I still want to go back and do my private practice in here. And to establish a firm foundation of my name as a doctor in here, least I can do is to do my residency training in here first. So much “HERE” in this paragraph, but yes that’s how I can simply put things in HERE. LOL.

The problem with that is, training outside the country requires me and actually every single doctor out there who plans to train abroad to take their country’s medical boards equivalent. Not, unless I train in Brasil where our medical boards is fully accepted. And I dowana do that (medical boards again?!?!) after my residency training cos twud be a lot harder for me to dig basic medical knowledge at that time.

So I weighed the pros and cons.

A lot of people know especially the people I’m very close with that I am the kind of person who doesn’t settle. I don’t want to say it’s my principle even before Steve Jobs made it popular but I just don’t. Really. Settle? No.

I accepted my parents’ offer because it will do me good in my profession. For sure & I know that I’ll transcend even better. And I am confident that the attachment and love that I have in this country will always be the same. And that I can just go back and help whenever I want.

I am also the kind of person who embraces change. I am hungry for medical breakthroughs. And it doesn’t happen in our country years after it’s already obsolete to some. I want change, to a lot of things. For the betterment of everything.

And while I am still young, why not live it to the fullest!? Travel <which I really miss and love>, explore, be in a different place and taking chances.

I also don’t want to be stuck in a rut. I’m not boring, right?

So there, just like Dr Hart I am setting aside my dreams to give way for my even better fantasies. And before pulling myself out of this country <which is anytime soon>, I am currently practicing as a GP trying my best to give to our countrymen the knowledge and skills that I have and to learn and enhance more from the patients the compassion which has been inside of me all along.

Anyway going back to the medical drama series topic of this blog entry, Dr Hart is deviant. People don’t trust her as a doctor because she’s too pretty to be one and by the way she dresses herself to the clinic or in the public which I can so much relate cos people still think that a doctor should be always prim and proper. No, no. Think again people. Don’t judge a book by its cover orrr by its movie version. Haha. I once encountered a patient who thought I was just 18! Well, I don’t know if twas a compliment but I found it a little sneaky way of saying I’m too young to be treating her.

In the first 4 episodes of this series, Dr Hart met a lawyer which made it more interesting cos I am also fascinated with lawyers. I need someone who will defend me just in case I get a lawsuit. haha. Kidding!

Ok, this post is too long already I bet it’s getting boring. Adios!

Respite. & Recharge.

noreply@blogger.com (dak/james) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 02:20:00 +0000

You may have all the libido to fuel you up… But even minerals get depleted, restored, supplemented.

Have an intermission to your reality. Refill your energy. Do nothing.

It's fun to sometimes get lose and to pretend. To get crazy. Daydream. Enjoy the scent of a flower. Hangout with friends to believe in. Stare at the falling leaves that drift by the window.

Sleep. Eat. Laugh. Breathe.

Even the sun comes down. So why can’t you?

Pause for a while. Relax.

My Tote-ful Stories

noreply@blogger.com (dak/james) — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 04:28:00 +0000

Why, when & where do I use my totes?

The story about my fascination with tote bags started when I was still reviewing for the board exams. These tote bags are most of the time labeled by fashion critics as not really fashionable at all. Well, that statement is half-true.

They usually don’t look good to a certain extent. Cos they’re not suppose to be used when one is formally and elegantly garbed. But these bags that I am talking about are very useful to people who are always on the go. They look good and are precious during casual events and everyday pointA-to-pointB activities. They’re very spacious and durable. Besides, tote means “to carry”. So carry all the way with your tote! :-)

During my preparation for an exam, I have these tiny satchel-fit books/reviewers that most of the time contain summaries of what I learned in med school. But relying on these reviewers alone is not a very smart idea… at least for me. I still hafto bring with me several huge & heavy books because instances happen that recalling specific subject matters just don’t occur in a snap. These huge books then serve as my references. That’s the time when I have to depend on these tote bags to contain all of my heavy Bibles. :-))

It’s a lie if I say as physicians, we don’t get gifts from pharmaceutical companies. It’s a given & a relatable fact that we receive small freebies from drug companies like pens, stationaries, bags and what have yous. The most popular and in demand are these huge tote bags. They actually all look the same… boring and square but picking the right color reflects one’s personality. We usually use them to pack our sundries when we go on duty. But personally, I don’t. I use duffel to go on duty. I prefer to be different. :-P

Hint: These bags also reflect the owner’s specialization. How? Check on the generic/brand name labeled on these bags. <e.g. A physician handling a bag labeled with amlodipine branded as Norvasc may be considered a Cardiologist. A bag with azithromycin branded as Zithromax on it is probably owned by an Infectious Disease Specialist. A sildenafil AKA Viagra bag is most likely a bag of an ED specialist. :-))>

I also bring totes to the groceries. You know why? You know why? Cos I was once asked to pay for each of the plastic bags to contain all my grocery items. I know right? It started when SM Supermarket initiated their GreenBag Advocacy. So in order to reduce the use of plastic bag in shopping, they implemented a specific day when shoppers have to pay for the plastic bags used unless they bring recyclable bags/totes to contain their items.

I think it is a smart idea by the SM to have an eco-friendly advocacy.

How about you? Do you have a tote story?

RIP Steve Jobs

noreply@blogger.com (dak/james) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:54:00 +0000

The genius who changed the image of an apple. An apple that used to be just a fruit but now sparkly gadgets each of us own.

Thanks for the creativity Mr. Steve Jobs! You are one of the persons I know who is truly unselfish, hopeful, an intelligent person who isn't afraid of change and always carry a positive outlook in life. You are an inspiration to many. iSad.

This blog entry was posted via Blogger for iPhone. :-)

Let’s All Embrace…

noreply@blogger.com (dak/james) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 01:26:00 +0000

Change & Aging.

They’re the only permanent things.

Just a timely reminder. If you're always battling against getting older, you're always going to be unhappy, because it will happen anyhow. It’s one of the most beautiful things. Grey hair. Skin lined with hardship. Tiny steps to remind us that we finally have to slow down. :-)

Quoting Mitch Albom in his Tuesdays With Morrie,

"Aging is not just decay... It's growth."

Grab It!

noreply@blogger.com (dak/james) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:52:00 +0000

Orrrr someone else will!

We all have major life decisions. In our very competitive world, the first person to grab an opportunity will most of the time get that chance and take it home. So it still holds true that the early bird catches the worm. It pays off to be early. I’m not saying I never get late. I am punctual but I also have flaws when it comes to time management… Then again, it’s true that the earlier you start, the more you will get in return.

Actually it’s as simple as comparing it to the pop Fire Floss. IKR? It’s my favorite bun in Bread Talk. Well it is the only bread that I buy there. The catch is, it’s always consumed! It’s likewise the crowd’s favorite! Everyone loves it! So whenever I pass by any Bread Talk branch and I see them putting freshly baked Fire Floss on display, I immediately grab a tray and buy a dozen. That’s how it works.

To be totally honest, I was already searching possible jobs online while still waiting for the release of the board exam results. ~~IKR? I was that confident! LOL.~~ The competition is hard and I knoe that I have a lot of batchmates who also want to start earning money as soon as possible. Talk about already aged 26 and are still asking our dear parents for gas allowance. While most of us will immediately take the chosen residency programs, I on the other hand will have to wait and take further exams so that I can train somewhere else but here.

There goes my enthusiasm in finding a job that early. I badly needed a job. I ain’t a student anymore. I’m a middle-aged physician who’s majorly dependent to his parents. How pathetic, noh? No offense to some but for me I feel ashamed already. So since I have my license now, why not use it!?

Quoting my good friend Eugene Lao in his Facebook status,

“I realized na ang labanan sa moonlighting job ay hindi nadadaan sa CV or experience kundi sa bilis ng internet connection! Haha Globe internet you're failing me!!”

It’s true. Shotgun! Touch-move! When I found an opening in the clinic where I am currently employed, I immediately worked on my curriculum vitae for what(?) ~5minutes(?) and emailed it which was super uninspired and unedited. I was then surprised the next day that I was already invited for an interview. A week after that, I got the job. I am already treating patients on my own! And it happened in a snap.

So, grab lang nang grab! Unless you can’t afford it. :-P

I know that sometimes it’s hard to make certain quick decisions especially when the opportunity is already in your hands and that if you let it go, someone else will make a beeline for it. If you have doubts and not 200% sure of taking it, then just let it go. It simply means that you’ll never be happy eventually. Because apparently, there is is/are reservation/s deep inside you. So just let it go and let another person be happy.

Same is true in a relationship, always take a chance. Randy Crawford said in her song,

“Love begins with one hello… …One hello is how it starts…”

Always say hello. Be friendly. Be nice. And be decent. It wouldn’t hurt if you say yes for a dinner. One dinner doesn't necessarily mean an outright follow-up sex orrr a subsequent movie date the next week. If you’re not comfortable with the idea of immediately having a dinner date, then I suggest you agree with just grabbing a coffee or tea instead cos if you ain’t like the company, it’s easier to get out of the situation with just a cup of drink in your hand… But then if you had a blast or a connection happened during a coffee date, it will be nice to have a follow up dinner after. *Piece of advice: Not a movie date on the first meeting.

But then again, quoting Jen Lindley in his goodbye message to Amy her daughter,

“…when you find that love, wherever you find it, whoever you choose, don't run away from it. But you don't have to chase after it either. You just be patient, and it'll come to you, I promise, and when you least expect it…”

You must know your limits. Know your place. Take a chance but don’t let it kill you. You might win it all, but you may also lose your heart.

So, grab lang nang grab! If you ain’t happy, then move on to the next! <just like the sushi in the mini conveyor LOL>

“The early bird catches the worm…”

But what if the early bird just wanders around keeping the time pass by itself?

Well that’s a different story.

Kung “daig ng maagap ang masipag”, baka nga magkapatid sila. It simply shows that these two qualities go hand in hand to success. :-)

The Bigger Picture

noreply@blogger.com (dak/james) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:05:00 +0000

In life full of cherish and despair… Ironies and coincidence… Hope and rejection… Love and hate… Norm and deviant… Upper-side and ghetto… Tramps and proper…

It is not always about you… Look at the picture… It’s not always about you.

My Top 5 Medical iOS App

noreply@blogger.com (dak/james) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 05:49:00 +0000

1. Medscape from WebMD

It’s a clinician’s easy access guide at its finest. Medical conditions are sorted by organ systems and diseases are discussed in details from pathophysiology to epidemiology, clinical presentation, work-up and management.

Drug informations are well-laid and explained. Details like pediatric and adult dosages, interactions, adverse effects, contraindications and even pregnancy and lactation precautions are available.

Procedures & Protocols section gives details from ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) & BLS (Basic Life Support) to anesthetic techniques and per organ system diagnostic help guides.

What’s more? In the News Section, there are articles about medical breakthroughs with real-time updates from reliable sources like Reuters and Medscape Medical News. In the Education Section, latest important researches and studies are accessible.

Rating: 4/5

2. PediDoser for iPhone

I was taught in MedSchool that pediatric patients are not little or small adults. Disease presentation, approach to medical diagnosis and management or treatment are way way way different in pediatrics from adults. Pneumonia in adults is different from pneumonia in kids.

The most critical part is treating the sick kids. They are fragile especially the infants. Children require drug dosages less than what the adults can take due to several functional reasons. Physicians compute the required dosage of medicines in every pediatric patient based on their weight & age, depending on the drug preparation and on the MKD (mg/Kg/dose or day)

I personally can calculate the adequate dosages of basic medications for children. MKDs differ in each and every drug and that’s where the core of the calculation lies. Who memorizes all these MKDs? I have no idea. I personally don’t. We have thousands of drugs out there so really, who does it? No one.

This app is very useful into giving the adequate and safe amount of medications to children as long as you know the patient’s age and weight.

Rating: 3/5

3. MedCalc Pro by Drs Pascal Pfiffner & Mathias Tschopp

I went into Med school and not into Accountancy or Engineering because I hate math. I didn’t realize that in medicine, we compute a lot too. It’s easy to convert Celcius to Fahrenheit or to compute for a patient’s BMI (Body Mass Index) but these equations aren’t just the things where we do math. We also compute to estimate bicarbonate deficits, the fractional excretion of sodium to detect pre-renal azotemia, and what have yous…

This app is a huuuuge help. We don’t really have to memorize all the equations especially the rarely used ones once we encounter them in certain occasions.

Rating: 3/5

4. ECG Guide by QxMD

I know my ECG (Electrocardiography). I even had my cardiology electives in Med school because I wanted to somewhat master the skills of reading the lines and waves and segments.

This app is good to keep one’s ECG knowledge fresh all the time especially the basic 12 leads. It reminds you of the normal ECG values. Yes, ECG traces are measured and also being calculated. The best thing about this ECG app compared to the others is the friendliness of the interface. It’s very easy to use and understand. No complicated numericals and highfalutin explanations.

What more? What if you encountered a delta wave in ECG?! Now you gotta have to download this app and read on it. Hehe.

Rating: 2.5/5

5. Radiology Assistant for iPhone

Radiology is another aspect that I took as an elective when I was in Med school because I personally believe that a physician should know how to read even the simplest radiologic test. As much as you know your ECG, a clinician should also know the basics of reading diagnostic films. Chest X-ray is requested almost all the time and we cannot always wait for a Radiologist to read and give us his/her impression based on what’s seen on those films. A basic knowledge is an edge. If you know how to interpret a case of pneumonia or pulmonary tuberculosis in plain chest films is a huge advantage to you and to your patient as well for early management.

I love this app because it is concise in discussing everything about radiology. It makes film reading techniques from plain x-rays to CT-scan and MRI easier and understandable. The discussions are very comprehensive and detailed & hi-def sample photos are included that an internet connection is most of the time required to browse through it.

Rating: 2.5/5