ISSUE 3: PART 3 - PATRICK, THE DOCTOR

PART 3 of 3 PART SPECIAL FEATURE

Patrick David Tan, M.D.

The Doctor

Dr. Patrick David Tan has been doing work at the E.R. Department for almost three years now after getting his medical license. But never has he experienced the scale of work this big. They had to endure 12 hour shifts and sometimes even longer for the lack of extra manpower.

“We start really early. At around 6 am, I have to prepare my meals and the necessary PPEs for the whole day. We attend to PUM/PUI patients until around 7 pm. Then we have to disinfect before going home. Then, recharge for the next duty. That basically sums up my daily routine. “ says Dr. Tan

It is really a struggle being in the front lines knowing that they were not really prepared for this kind of situation. According to our E.R. doctor, they are drained both mentally and physically. And being exposed to known cases of COVID puts them in high risk of contracting the disease. Armed with proper knowledge and protection, this is the only way they survive the hazardous situation that they face daily.

But why does he still do it? What gets him going despite the clear and present danger of his work? “We do this despite the risks not just because of the oath that we took, but our hearts are for helping and giving medical services to those who are in need. If we choose not to do this, then who will? We are not expecting to receive anything after, but we have to do our best in saving as much patients as we can.” answers Dr. Tan

As of this writing, at least 21 doctors have died in the Philippines due to the novel coronavirus. Dr. Tan has taken an oath to treat the ill to the best of his ability and he will uphold that part of the oath no matter what happens. He believes though that we should learn a lot from this as well.

“I pray for those who loss the battle against this virus especially my colleagues. I believe that this is a wakeup call for everyone. We have been so complacent with the lifestyle that we forget the most important things. Please change for the better so that the next time we are faced with this kind of nemesis, we’ll be prepared.” he quips.

Dr. Patrick David Tan can't wait to go back to what it was before. He misses the bonding time with his family and loved ones a lot. As a fitness enthusiast, he cant wait to go back to the gym and train properly again. But all these can wait, there is a more important battle. His message to people who have to stay at home? “I know how hard it is to be stuck inside your home for weeks. But believe me, you are in the safest place that you can be. Pray. Let us do our job and help us by doing yours. Stay at home.” ends our front liner.

CREDITS:

All Photos from Dr. Patrick David Tan

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