My UNFORGETTABLE Medtech Internship Experience

Team BASA's Day 1 in Sacred Heart Hospital

It was a regret that I haven't written a single article on how my internship days went. With all the busy and toxic shifts that we had plus burning the midnight oil for comprehensive exams, needless to say I had no time for blogging.

Seeing myself in a blue scrub suit gives me the thrill everytime I'm going to work. This is it! The internship stage! I thought this is gonna be the chill life after burying myself in so many textbooks till fourth year first sem but it isn't.

Three years passed and I still have with me the lessons and memories that I've treasured during internship in my heart. Although our six months were not enough but the bond that we formed among the batch and the medtechs still linger.

Well, this is my list of unforgettable medtech moments:

NOTE: Never do some of our mischiefs when your Clinical Instructors are around or you'll be given an extension.

 #1. Quotas

I laughed at the thought of it. Our quotas were hilarious! It says on our intern's handbook that we have to perform 100 CBCs, 100 urinalysis and 100 stool exams for two months in each hospital! Only God knows how we reached that certain number as we write it in our performance handbook or we called it P BOOK with the medtech-on-duty's signature.

#2. Night shift 

 My best shift among the three as I think of sleep, food trip, or even a movie in a chilly and quiet night.

Triple night shifts

As an intern, never did we complain with our 3 Nights and 1 day off scheme as we thought it's a normal schedule for a medtech. But as I work now in a hospital, it dawned on me why we survived that schedule. 

#3. DTR (Daily Time Record)

It's better to forget everything but not the DTR. I see to it that my DTR is in my bag before I leave home. Loss of a DTR is subject for a repeat internship. In our time, we don't have a bundee clock so it's done manually by a medtech assigned in the department. If you're friends with the MT, then it's great :)

#4. Clinical Instructors

In short, CIs. We envied the CIs from the other school as they are approachable and considerate it's just that our CIs are more strict and firm. 

I remember a time when we rushed to complete our quotas as we saw our CIs approaching. It's like ZOMBIES ARE COMING!

To see them in the lab meant a shifting exam so we're no longer surprised if they hand us out testpapers.

#5. Friends

to the center that we love the most

Aside from my batchmates, I was able to make friends with other interns from the other school too. It happened when the hospital allowed two schools to have the internship program. It was wonderful as we exchanged our struggles with research, seminar, and compre exams. Also, it was nice to meet friendly and approachable medtechs as well.

#6 Warding 

warding at night in VSMMC

Probably, the best thing that's ever happened to me all throughout internship esp. when we spent our last two months in a government hospital where life was pretty toxic. This was when our phlebotomy skills (either syringe or ETS) were harnessed, getting blood from all kinds of patients (pedia, geriatric, trauma patients). It made my internship days challenging. The techniques that I developed during internship were useful until I work as a warding medtech. Also, I'll never forget the 'saves' from my co-interns when I'm in difficulty. I realized they are always ready to lend a hand.

 #7 Gloves and masks 

We are required to bring our own gloves and masks but when we're running out of it, we humbly ask the medtech-in charge or sneak to the cabinets of a provision. I hope they didn't mind.

#8 Didactics and Comprehensive exams

Our sweet escape from the stressful duty in the lab but it's not really. Studying after duty is a must but I seem to fail one exam after another. It was a privilege to have one of the names in the field of medical technology, Ms. Anna Leah Navarro to visit us and give us 2 days of lecture in Micro, ISBB and Hema.

#9 Extensions

Lates, absences, and negligence of duty acts are subjected to extensions. I did my best to avoid committing major offenses like damaging hospital's property (like machines) because that would put into a possibility that I may not join the commencement exercises!

I served my extension to my favorite center and that was worth it. I had two weeks of extension because of my lates.

our termi in VSMMC with Mam Jovy

All in all, I enjoyed my internship a lot: I made friends, I practice what I learned in school and it molded me to where I am now. I wish it was longer but six months served its purpose. It made a responsible medtech out of me. I come to love the laboratory even more than just my workplace but a second home and an avenue to help people.

Cherish your internship moments and make it more fun, ridiculous and exciting! 

Be inspired to inspire

After passing the board exam, I was so overwhelmed to receive lots of messages from my relatives and friends. I never expected that some were so happy when they hear the news. I feel so glad knowing their prayers for me have been answered.

As I read all of them, I realized that I was not the only one being so happy with my success but others as well. I can't imagine how my relatives didn't doubt my abilities and keep on telling me that I can make it. Also, friends greeted me and even told me I serve as an inspiration for them. Wow! All of these comments make me touched. I don't know what to say and don't have an idea they look at me that way. I'm not a topnotcher by the way.

Well, the bottomline is apart of your sweet success are the people around you. Since day one you set foot on your arduous journey until the end, there were people who walked with you to reach your goal. Isn't much fulfilling on your part, people are so much happier just as you did?

A message from dear friend of mine, Jasper inspired me the most:

Lord, please make me an instrument to inspire more people. Lord make me humble at all times and please guide me all throughout. Thank you for giving me such wonderful friends. I know you'll be there for them just as you were there for me when I need you. This I ask in your name. Amen

Registered Medical Technologist (RMT) at last

One thing I realized after the boards:
...it's not about the grades in your transcript..
...it's not about the school where you came from..
...it's not about the review center you chose
...but it's all about DISCIPLINE and YOU.

Until now, I can't find the right words to say how grateful and happy I am to pass the board exam. To tell you honestly I was in the verge of giving up when I realized I have more to cram before the exam begins. I thought I would feel much relief after taking the boards when my heart beats unusually, feeling like I can't breathe everytime I think about what the results would bring. The longer I waited, the more I suffered anxiety asking if my hardships were enough to pass. But those doubts faded away whenever I see my family and people around me feeling positive that I will make it.

Only God and my family witnessed how hard I tried to study every night. Fighting sleep as I leap through the pages of every subject and recall some important things. Only them I took refuge. There I regained my strength and courage to pursue the dream my parents want for me.

As the days passed, I always ask God, Mama Mary and to St. Jude for guidance and wisdom to grasp all those things until the big day came.. on the 12th day of September 2015 I woke up early brought by too much excitement to be honest. Not knowing what would happen next, I walked with hope and faith as I bid goodbye to my mother and my aunt who accompanied me to school.

As expected, the exam was difficult. There was one subject in which I'm not sure with all of my answers. In those times I don't know what to choose, I followed my instincts and asked God for some clues. After every exam, I tried to avoid discussing them to friends and kept on saying MOVE ON. That built my composure and confidence to answer the next subject.

Those three days of waiting for the result were the longest days. I can't sleep! This time not because of excitement but of anxiety. Too many 'what-ifs' popped up added with family and relatives expecting you to pass. Whew! I kept myself busy all the time by cleaning the house or watching movies and because of these, I forgot it for a while.

The tension didn't stop on the day of releasing, September 16 when I was about to give up waiting for the results. The night came and no results still. At 11;00 in the evening, my eyes were about to close for sleep when suddenly my brother knocked. A phone call for me! It was Mom's officemate. When I answered the phone, I felt like crying and at the same time speechless of what she'd announced.....'I PASSED!' 

What? I just couldn't believe what she said! I'm not dreaming, right? After that I shouted with joy and it was confirmed when my cousin saw on FB that I was tagged by a classmate. Wow.. This is a dream came true! This is real.

When I saw my mom and the rest (except for dad), I feel so proud of them, not for myself. They deserve this success. They are the ones who gave me motivation. How I'm excited to tell this to dad since he's now in the province.

Confirmed: I am now a certified Medtech...RMT at last! Yes! Thank you Lord!

As I opened my FB account, I was so thankful that most of my classmates did also pass but it was also sad to know that some of my classmates during the review failed. I wish I have the power to console them or tell them it's just alright but I don't know how. Maybe we'll just give them some time to recover.

Because my classmates have now RMTs posted (registered medical technologists) on their names let me try it here:

Cindy A. Escoba, RMT 

WOW!!! what was once a doodle on every back of my notebook..turned into reality. My short name was added now with three big letters! How cute! The four years of tears, sadness, joys and laughter were a part of the wonderful years of being a medical technology student. I guess, this ends another chapter of my life as I embark on the next...the adventures to REALITY.  wow! My endless thanks to all the people who supported me all the way and believed in my ability to survive. Many thanks to St. Louis Review Center for the different review experience. To God and to my family, you deserve all of this success. Thank you so much!

Welcome to the next chapter: Employment life!

Catching time before the board exam

Realizing that time runs so fast, all you have to do is to get things done as soon as you can.

Whew! September is fast approaching and you know what that means, the Medical Technology Licensure Examination is getting nearer! 

I'm still not convinced to myself if I'm ready enough to take the boards but for the sake of my parents, I have to and will try to pass by God's will. 

Everyday I make a schedule as what topics to study but the ending is always I can't get all the subjects for that day. One thing that I have to fight each night is the sleep which makes me hate myself I end up sleeping without studying a thing.

Even though most of my classmates are halfway done, I still need to do it my way. I'll just focus to what's basics then go deeper to each subjects later. 

Well, it's three hours past and I haven't studied anything. I know it's not too late, I'll just mind my own pace I guess. I can do  this! To top the board exam! 

This MedTech student has just Graduated!

MAY 22- In my four years of putting a lot of effort to college, here I am reaping the fruits I've sown. Finishing the degree of Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology (Medical Laboratory Science) in Southwestern University is the major accomplishment I've reached so far! Thank you Lord!

The four years I've spent including the internship had created wonderful memories and experiences though I'm not saying I didn't go through a lot of sufferings and sacrifices. It's worth everything I've felt throughout my college life. Right now, I couldn't believe I've graduated and survived. It's still fresh on my memory the time when my parents enrolled me in the university and passed the entrance exam. Back that time, I have little knowledge of what's this Medical Technology is all about until I understand the whole of it as I journeyed.

For me, it's all worth it. Although I didn't graduate with honors but to see my parents happy as I went up to the stage is much more any medals could give. Through them I didn't give up and didn't lose hope that I can get through this. They didn't give up on me especially the times when I need financial support. I'm so thankful they are at my side on those times when I think I would fail. My family as well as my friends gave me the courage to go on and never surrender.

success together with my family

Again, I would like to thank all the people who were with me throughout my journey. My professors who were part of molding me to become an equipped medical technology student and to Southwestern University that made my dream possible. The road was indeed steep and rocky but you guys made it easy for me. I thank God for the blessings and his guidance. Right now, I'm proud to say that I successfully completed the four year degree course of Medical Technology! I did it! Yehey!

Next step: To pass the medtech board exam. I can do this! (With God's grace...Hopefully!)

Happy Graduate,
Cindy

medtech level up...INTERNSHIP! (my expectations)

at last, so happy with my scrub suit on!

Wow! This is it! The blue internship uniform! I couldn't believe that I'm wearing it now and will be wearing for the next six months to come. Right in front of the mirror, I see myself differently. It's like an updated version of me wearing that dignified scrub suit. Though I look so professional on that blue outfit but I just couldn't hide my worries and made-up 'what-ifs' to would happen for this span of time.

Yes, I know this will be the toughest one. Being a medtech intern isn't something to brag on because you're thinking you're near the finishing line but it's not yet. We need to work hard and if must, two times the effort that we do to our studies to pass not only internship but a subject called Seminar 2 as well. Now here's the deal, if I was able to escape from the evil clutches of seminar 1 then our clinical instructor reiterated that this time she will be hard on us to see who are those worthy to join the commencement exercises this coming May. Whoa! If most of us think this semester will be all about duty to different medical center, rotating to every department and catching each shifts then that's not it. I have to study still or I'll end up crying again seeing failing grades because of quizzes and practical exams.

my driving force why I'm trying my best to
every step of the way

During the two-week module, honestly I found it so difficult to do the laboratory procedures with order and precision. Truth to this is because when we were still third years, our performance in the laboratory is not evaluated individually. It is a group work all throughout semesters and we just have to observe the person actually doing the test. Well, I have to say that I'm not also that kind of person who easily gets the things to be done after being told. If possible, I have to clarify it first just to make sure things will run smoothly. At times, I'm not with my self letting fear overcome me that took our clinical coordinators to notice it. Waah! Presence of mind please. Most of the day, I feel so sorry with my partner he got himself a clumsy pair like me. (So sorry, please forgive me)

What I have to work more now is phlebotomy and the blood smear preparation coz these two are the essentials in the clinical laboratory and still I couldn't get it right. My first center is in the Sacred Heart Hospital and I hope I would be having a good start on my internship experience. Although they say the center is not so busy but I'm looking forward as to the help that I could render to the patients and for me to harness my skills in the clinical laboratory.

I know there might be extensions along the way but I hope this will not stop me from finishing all the rotations till May. I hope that I could get along with my groupmates as well. What I only ask are their understanding and their willingness to help their co-interns because that alone would lift up our mood and somehow that would build the trust the RMTs would be giving us.  I hope I'll learn more and more as I hop in to one center to the next.

I guess this will end my expectations. I have lots of them on my mind but I give it up to the heavens to be with me all the time. More internship diaries to come!

Feeling excited,

Cindy♥♥♥

RESEARCH STUDY “HEMATOPOIETIC PROPERTY OF THE ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF Pleurotus ostreatus (OYSTER MUSHROOM) AMONG Oryctolagus cuniculus (MALE RABBITS)”

Escoba, C.A.; Duarte, K.S.L.; Desabille, K.E.L.; Estella, K.D

ABSTRACT

The study was conducted to determine the effectivity of Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) ethanolic extract on the hematopoietic activity among Oryctolagus cuniculus. Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) has been found to contain vitamins B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B5 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine) and B7 (biotin). The phytochemical screening of the mushroom extract revealed the presence of tannins, terpenoids, and glycosides.

A total of 20 Oryctolagus cuniculus (rabbits) were randomly assigned and employed into four groups. All showed a normal hematopoietic activity prior to testing.  There is statistical significance between treatments and time, and interaction of treatments and time; RBC (treatment=.034, time=.021, .interaction=.003); hematocrit = (treatment=.032, time=.024, interaction=004); hemoglobin (treatment=.034, time=.021, .interaction=.003).

Based on the gathered data and results, the researchers concluded that Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) ethanolic extract has a potential hematopoietic effect among Oryctolagus cuniculus (rabbits).

RECOMMENDATIONS 

The researchers of this study yearn to improve the following:

1. That the future researchers might improve the methodology used by the proponents in this experimentation.

2. That there will be additional parameters to be studied upon aside from the red blood cell count, hematocrit and hemoglobin.

3. That there will be induction of any hematological abnormalities that could prove the effectiveness of Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) and show that there is possibility that it could be used as an alternative treatment.

feeling disappointed and nervous this semis..

Problems..Problems..Problems.. I'm sooo tired..physically, mentally, emotionally.. Why the world seems so selfish to me? Why?  

I've done everything but it seems all that I've sacrificed and worked hard didn't turn out so well. I don't know what to do especially when I realized that my status this semi-finals isn't great. Why? I failed the blood banking exam! Huhuhu..

Whenever I think I'm gonna fail, I can't breathe. The thought of what would my classmates think of me and how would I break the news to my parents horrifies me. Am I that dumb enough I was not able to pass it this term? (sigh)

PROBLEMS

• While I'm struggling to make our research done this month (because no one opted to help me) I think I can't have it too because we have to wait for a month for the needed chemical to arrive. 

• I keep on telling myself to think positive but the negatives keep coming to me. I did well in Pre-lims and Mid-terms in my Seminar 1 when suddenly I was shocked on how I failed some quizzes and exams during the semis. 

• I was not able to answer the first quiz in Blood banking. (but I studied hard, it's just that time was not just enough)

What an inconsistent student I am! I can't keep my grades high. I'm so stressed now and I don't know if I will be an intern for the next semester or not. Why things turned so complicated right now? 

Just like from the excerpt of the song 'I will sing' by Don Moen....

"Though I haven't lost my faith I must confess right now that it's hard for me to pray"

I still believe that good things will come at the end but on the other side, how will accept it (with open arms) if in case I'll fail? huhu.. I hope God will shower me the gift of wisdom to grasp things easily with full understanding.

Finals will be over in a week or two. Can I make it? Only me and my fate can answer it. I will cling to the LORD no matter what! If I will fail, then maybe there's a reason why.....

RECOMMENDED MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY BOOKS

Hey co-medtechs!!! As each one of us is getting a next step higher towards our dream to be RMTs, we should be aware that more difficult challenges will come in our way. Maybe we should burn more candles and break a leg more often. HAHA. so I think studying in advance can help you to understand the concepts that you'll be taking in the next sem. So, I will share to you books which might be of help for your understanding to the next level...

NOTE: THE BOOKS SHOWN IN HERE ARE NOT INTENDED TO GAIN PROFIT WHATSOEVER. THIS IS BASED ACCORDING TO THE AUTHOR'S AND THE SCHOOL'S REFERENCE MATERIAL. 

SECOND (2ND YEAR)
ANATOMY

PHYSIOLOGY - 

THIRD (3RD) YEAR

PARASITOLOGY - 

CLINICAL CHEMISTRY -  

BACTERIOLOGY, MYCOLOGY, VIROLOGY - 

CYTOGENETICS -  

PHARMACOLOGY - 

HEMATOLOGY - 

ANALYSIS OF URINE AND BODY FLUIDS (CLINICAL MICROSCOPY)

IMMUNOLOGY AND SEROLOGY

FOURTH (4TH) YEAR
IMMUNOHEMATOLOGY (BLOOD BANKING)

SEMINAR 1 AND 2 

PREVALENCE OF ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCT IN NORMOLIPIDEMIC PATIENTS

Journal Critique in Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Elderly Normolipidemic Acute Myocardial Infarct Patients in India by CINDY  ESCOBA, PEARL HARRIETTE RAMIREZ, CHARISH PUENTENEGRA and GERARDINE CAÑETE under MR. JULIUS P. MARIO Faculty of the College of Medical Technology of Southwestern University, Cebu City

The concern of the uprising cases of myocardial infarction in patients had been tremendously looked upon by the researchers to come up with valuable parameters in determining myocardial infarction. Basically, they focused on the cardiovascular risk factors which are mainly associated with the disease but monitored with normolipidemic patients. With the emphasis of coronary artery disease, various conditions have shown that lipid levels play a crucial role in dealing cases with myocardial infarction due to free radical generation and ischemia. Facts pertaining to the importance of observing high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the introduction had been essentially explained as well as its mechanisms involving oxidation by the antioxidant enzyme system. The objectives presented are clear enough in accordance with the study and is in parallel with the use of practical instrumentations conducive to the researchers’ benefit. The abstract directly interpreted the significant results but with lesser elucidation as to how relevant is determining the risk factors in elderly normolipidemic AMI patients.

The methodologies used in the study are well-established. The normolipidemic status is judged by several diagnostic criteria. Although there is a thorough selection of patients but there is no explanation stated as to why they come to exclude several patients with diabetes mellitus or those with renal insufficiency. There is specificity of the methods employed to every parameter but there should have been an elaboration on the method’s principle why the researchers are in favor to use it. With its wide-variety selection of tests, this study can not be easily duplicated since all chemicals are of analytical grade and are some are manufactured and obtained from other countries. The advancement of technology in their country set an edge towards their study as quantitation is concerned.

The results obtained from the various methods are presented in a tabulated manner. The tables are differentiated according to the patient’s status and other biochemical parameters in patients. Moreover, the controls used provided a solid foundation for the basis of their study. A further justification of the legends has to be revised since some of it doesn’t correspond to the table shown. The discussion points out the risk factors that can serve as markers for detecting acute myocardial infarctions. The interpretation of results was carefully evaluated by the researchers such then there were some redundancy upon the antioxidants’ mechanism involving the disease. However, recommendations are indicated as to evaluation of other inflammatory markers to be given further consideration.

The topic and the research framework are appropriate for the journal. It clearly relates to the ideas discussed in the study. The abstract presented a brief yet an accurate summary of the article that defines its purpose, methodology and the discussion. The ideas are well-designated to its corresponding paragraphs in a sense that it correlates to the results. The proponents have conveyed understanding upon the readers as well as it exhibits a clearer picture of the problem. In general, the presented research study is logical and significant.

Laboratory Ethics and Virtues

In this video, we are showing you the virtues that a medical technologist should possess when working in the laboratory. The dos and don'ts are also shown in here.

Special thanks to the interns who entertained and allowed us to use the Laboratory in Sacred Heart Hospital.

Directed by: Cindy 'Cikeche' Escoba

Casts:

Cindy Escoba

Mae Joy Patalinghug

Jessabeth Aluba

Ann Danica Bartolata

Jenny Grace Cordero 

Marizchelle Go

SURVIVING MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY: How hard is MedTech to fail a many?

I and my bff Gerardine♥

MANY ARE CALLED BUT FEW ARE CHOSEN

As I was walking along the wide and well-lit corridors of the Medical Technology building, there I saw a flight of interns. They were wearing the very enticing blue scrub suits already, the color that shows they were now interns. As I watched them passing by, as a neophyte, a sudden thought hit upon me, ‘Wow, I wish I could be like them someday.’ but then a follow-up question burst in a split second, ‘but HOW am I going to be like them anyway?’ 

Well, we can not deny the fact that medical professions are one of the in-demand jobs of today. And because of that, schools that are offering medical courses are opening its doors wider to the increasing number of students who want to enter the field of medicine especially in medical technology. 

It is sad to reminisce that we were once a big happy family in our block. I’ve got my circle of friends then, had enjoyed studying as well as working with them no matter how hard the circumstances were. I thought we will be just the same brood of med tech aspirants who will continue for the next journey when suddenly I have seen changes after every semester. The changes of not just having new load of subjects to study but the considerable amount of students who yielded for their ambitions. I was left with curiosity when I found out that one of my friends could no longer proceed to the course for a reason yet unknown. 

As I’ve noticed, as the year level gets higher, the number of students tends to decline. Let’s say last year, 100 students were enrolled for the second semester then it happened that by the end of the said semester, only 90 students survived, feeling persistent that they should keep the fire burning while others took rest. 

There are a handful of reasons why some who took the course relinquished. First, it is because of the financial security. Tuition fee increases yearly due to the requirement of having laboratory subjects and books as reference materials. Second is the lack of interest, some were just forced by their parents to take up the course without asking their thoughts about it. It is also when other carefree students prioritize things other than their studies. The major problem of having ‘terror teachers’ and ‘nosebleeding subjects’ is a nerve wrecking to all of us because it gives us heaps of chapters to study. Notions that third and fourth years are the crucial stages for the lives of each med tech students are true for this is the time we are getting closer to the reality and must be hands-on to the profession. What made medical technology a course to be pondered upon is that it requires a lot of familiarization and a keen sense of understanding to things within a scope. Take note, we juggle 9 major subjects! Time to time, we can’t expect reposing ourselves but keep on spending sleepless nights and think endless possibilities of failing because the pressure keeps up. A single failure might pulls us down and it might lead to resignation, letting fate take its course after failing an exam. 

studying the structure of the heart..
it is not easy during moving
exams

These observations are appalling knowing that some were discouraged, crestfallen, and doubtful if they are still on the right track. 

Then here goes my realization about this dilemma: Medical Technology is not as easy as ‘peanuts’. It needs hardwork and not to be taken for granted. Hence, we must explore beyond its depths and be more passionate about it. That is why I was able to relate this with the bible verse that says 'Many are called but few are chosen' because we see good students right at the beginning, feeling so sure of themselves but as time passes by, only those ‘survivor’ Med Tech students came out to be the victors of the bloodshed. We want to be registered Med Techs someday but the problem is, are we competent enough to surpass the test of time? 

This course challenges us to be more responsible and be persistent to our focus no matter what happens. Getting involved with this field of study requires much of our interest, skill, and diligence to heed what is being asked on time because it involves diagnosis to various illnesses found in the human body. I’m writing this not to dissuade people but I want to plant an infinitesimal yet a germinating seed to the minds of each Med Tech students to fight against the odds. We must fuel our minds with positivity amidst of the trials hindering our way and should have an incessant faith to the Providence that by the end of this strife, we will find ourselves grasping the sweet scent of our diploma and the opportunity of serving the masses using our high caliber skills our dedicated teachers instilled into us. I hope that we’ll be able to keep on making footprints on our way to the zenith of success because together, by believing in ourselves and to God’s will, we can do it. Believe and you'll be RMT someday...Kudos to everyone!