Always Been You

Twenty

Mentor

I walked passed the busy street of Glendale downtown.  Living near the Adams Square where the hospital is located is one advantage for me.  It's part of my daily routine to just walk like everybody else.  I Dropped by at my favorite coffee shop to grab a quick breakfast and coffee.

It's not surprising to see everyone walking here since  most of the employees living in downtown would just leave their cars at home and enjoy walking.  Unlike in the Philippines that people opted to ride in going to work instead of just walking.  That's why traffic jam is everyday's common irritating scenario.

My life was turned upside down when I accepted tita Mariole's help to stay and work here.  Hindi naging madali ang adjustment period ko.  But my colleagues helped me go through it.  May mga kasamahan din akong Fil-Am like Dr. Chad kaya medyo at naging at-home din ako.  Some of his friends bacame my friends too.

"Dr. Jenny, the meeting will start in a few minutes."  pagpaalala sa akin ng chief of staff ng hospital admin.  It is about a very delicate surgical operation that needed to be done immediately.  At bilang isa sa naturingan nilang magaling na neurosurgeon dito ay kaya nasali ako sa meeting na gagawin ngayon.

"Okay, thank you" at ibinababa ko na ang receiver.  I go over with the folder of patient's profile which was sent to me.  kahapon pala ito nailagay sa table ko at ngayon ko lang napagtuonan ng pansin.  Bigla kasi nagyaya sila Chad sa akin kahapon na kumain sa labas.  Matapos nun ay umuwi na rin ako kaya di ko na nabasa ito.  

A VIP patient from the Philippines brought by the hospital where I was once worked for.  Bigla akong kinabahan.  Could it be possible?  A soft knock was heard that stopped me from thinking further.  I stood up soon upon realizing of the meeting I am have to attend.

Yes, I am considered as one of the best reliable neurosurgeon that availed my specialization just recently.  According to them, I got full potential in doing it.  As a result ay ako na ang isa sa naging consultant resident nila sa neurology and surgery department.

I saw Dr. Chad outside smiling from ear to ear.  "Good morning Dr. Ramirez.  what's with the happy face this time?"  sanay naman akong nakangiti siya pero kakaiba ang ngiti ngayong umaga. Litaw ang pantay niyang puting mga ngipin.

"I am excited to be working with a mentor before." tinaasan ko siya ng kilay.  What is he trying to point out?  magkasama kaming kakakuha lang ng diplomate as neurosurgeon fellow.  Magaling din si Chad at madami akong natutunan sa kanya.  I could say he is a skilled young surgeon.

"C'mon, we don't wanna be late."  ang itsura niya ay para siyang bata na excited ipasyal ng mga magulang sa kung saan.

Pinasadahan ko ng tingin ang nasa loob ng conference hall.  May kanya-kanyang usapan ang lahat.  "Good morning!" halos sabay naming bati ni Chad sa kanila.

My attention was caught by two familiar faces.  Nakatuon ang tingin nilang dalawa sa akin.  I prayed hard to stay close to myself.  Pakiramdam ko ay biglang humiwalay ang kaluluwa ko sa katawan.  I am not prepared seeing them here.  andaming pumapasok na tanong at haka-haka sa utak ko ngayoon na pakiramdam ko ay mag overload na ito.

The patient is suffering from Arteriovenous malformations and some problem with herniated intervertebral disc.  Two major problem that needed extra careful surgical performance.

Naatasan kami ni Chad ang ang kasali sa gagawa noon since retired na ang dati nilang resident.  We did it once with my partner in surgical procedure, Dr. Chad Ramirez.  Kaya maging madali lang ito sa amin.

In the entire duration of the meeting, I can feel pairs of eyes focused on me.  Mabuti na lang my interest in doing medical procedure is more than being conscious on how heavy the stares was thrown at me.