Putting this here because years from now, we'll look back at this moment and remember everything we went through, and how we emerged from this unjustifiable situation stronger and better doctors. It's no longer a question of whether we can surmount this shitstorm we've found ourselves in; no doubt we will, because we have no other choice.
Hello, PGH and UP Medicine admin: Whatever happened to being 'five-star physicians'? Two years ago, you refused to listen; now you've created disaster, and you want this photo taken down? The idea alone merits the finger, so here's one for you.
And to those who are calling us "entitled millennials," to those who are saying "we had it worse during our time" or that "it gets worse during residency," you obviously have no idea about the shit you're talking about. You want to compare notes? Come back to us when you've gone on duty as the lone intern in a labor-delivery room complex that's operating at four times beyond capacity, or as the lone OB admitting section intern who also plays medtech and nurse and pacificist and "manong."
And to those who are saying "other hospitals have it worse," shame on you. It's sad how some people--many of them smart, UP-educated doctors--choose to preserve the status quo instead of fighting the noble fight. You want to settle? Fine, but also surrender your license and/or UP diploma.
One of the most important things UP has taught me is to never just keep quiet. To speak up, and speak out. To fight back when things have gone too damn unreasonable. Now is one such instance, and what you're hearing is the collective anger of the betrayed, the ones who've been stretched too far.
Never been prouder to be part of UP Medicine Class of 2016. XVIWK!
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Above is a photo of the Philippine General Hospital emergency room triage section--the lobby, if you may--taken by my classmate Leonardo Infante. From May 23-June 25, 2016, the PGH medical student workforce (upon which the hospital is highly reliant) will comprise only of 140 interns (our batch). For comparison, normally you have anywhere between 260 to 400-something medical students, including post-graduate interns from other schools and the UP Medicine clerks, helping run a system that's somehow managed to function all these years. Because of a combination of arrogance and a lack of foresight from the higher-ups, we now find ourselves in a fucked-up place and time.
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For a more sober take on the situation, read Dr. Ronnie Baticulon:
