Former Department of Health secretary Ted Herbosa said medicine should be pursued as a profession and vocation rather than a business, arguing that aspiring physicians motivated primarily by financial gain may be better suited for another career.
In a statement, Herbosa said the demands of being a doctor extend far beyond compensation because physicians carry the responsibility of making life-and-death decisions.
“Medicine is a profession. Is a vocation. It is not a business. Although some it a business. Those who feel frustrated about pay probably shouldn’t be doctors and just quit and join the IT industry. Being a physician requires certain demands. Why wouldn’t it, it’s a life or death thing! You make a mistake your patient dies! It’s not for the weak hearted and those who just want to be rich.”
Herbosa said the practice of medicine is rooted in compassion, empathy, and a commitment to helping others rather than financial rewards.
“It’s about compassion and empathy to care, it’s about loving what you do. It’s about the gratification of healing people you don’t know and save their lives.”
Reflecting on the latter part of his medical career, Herbosa said the greatest reward comes from meeting former patients and their families years later and learning that the treatment they received continues to have a lasting impact.
“I’m in the end part of my career and the greatest feeling I always get when I meet someone I don’t know who tells me I treated their mother for cancer 30 years ago and still alive!”
He also cited his experiences joining surgical missions in remote Philippine islands, where he voluntarily provided medical services to patients who otherwise could not access or afford them.
“It’s the same feeling I get when I join a surgical mission in a remote island offering my surgical skills in a remote island in the Philippines to poor people who wouldn’t be able to access those services or afford my professional fees. And out of gratitude, they gift with you kakanin, fruits maybe a beautifully woven banig. No, money isnt everything. That week in that remote island would have earned me several hundred thousands in professional fees I gave up.”
Herbosa said the true purpose of practicing medicine is to become a healer and serve others regardless of the challenges involved.
“But in the end you practice medicine not because you want money, but because you want to be a healer and you just plainly want to help no matter how hard it is. So to the young guy who asks if Medicine is the right course for you, answer the question if you really want it! Don’t ask the question of how much money you will make!”
He concluded his statement by reflecting on his career and the lives he believes he has helped improve.
“Hindi nasira buhay ko. Gumanda pa nga at ang daming pang buhay ang napaganda ko!”
Leave a Reply