A message to my fellow frontliners; colleagues in profession

To my fellow medical technologists, I know the feeling of not getting recognized while we’re still out there in the frontlines fighting against this menacing virus. We are behind every testing and we keep telling ourselves that we are integral in research, patient care and diagnosis.

It’s true that we must use our voices often to hear our cries and woes, including higher salary wages, call for more testing supplies and personal protective equipment.

We tried as best as we can to persuade them that we are also essential in this battle since we are the ones exposed to the virus.

Attempts are made but I just want to ask, When is too much? It hurts to see some of our colleagues asking for attention but still being ignored.

'I think that’s enough my friend'.

Let’s stop asking for sympathy, guys. In this crisis, with or without acknowledgment, let’s continue to love our profession. We can’t force them if they don’t know us and what we really do in this so-called 'healthcare'.

Let us work together, sign a petition, and let our actions speak louder for us. God is watching us. He knows our dedication and hard work to serve humanity.

I know that someday all of our sacrifices will be worth it. To every medical technologists in the lab whose time and dedication are offered…I want to give all of you a pat on the shoulder and say: You’re doing a great Job! Keep up the heroic work!

My random thoughts about COVID 19

In this vulnerable time where we face this catastrophe against COVID-19, we, as frontliners in this scenario are asking for your full cooperation in this matter. We can’t completely control this without doing your part. You should be part of the solution, not a burden.

It’s risky in our lives. While you were asked to stay at home, we healthcare workers are still reporting to duty, exposing ourselves, and testing the samples of what might be positive to the virus. It is our oath to use our profession to serve the humanity. We work in silence even though it goes unnoticed; no matter how infectious or deadly it may be.

Test kits may be limited but the government is exerting their efforts to order PCR-based and FDA-approved kits from other countries to facilitate nationwide testing.

Honestly, it’s new to my ears hearing these words such as self-isolation, extreme enhanced community quarantine, and social distancing, but it’s strictly imposed now and thus it should be practiced in our community to mitigate this disease.

I consider panic buying of surgical masks and hoarding of alcohols greed. Carts full to the the brim with hand sanitizers, soaps seem to be insensitive. Some don’t have consideration that others need it too.

Fake news is circulating everywhere so we should do fact check to credible sources such as DOH, WHO or CDC.

Elderly and immunocompromised persons are usually affected so it’s our priority to protect them.

Death tolls have increased worldwide resulting to lockdown of airports to help prevent spreading the virus. Thermal guns and scanners are so useful these days for checkpoint.

Sad to say, it has not only affected the health of others but the livelihood of Filipinos because most businesses are closed. Some do skeletal staffing which is hard for those people who are breadwinners.

I appreciate the country’s efforts in putting the people’s welfare by suspending classes and work and National Telecommunications Commission sending constant texts reminding proper hand hygiene and cough etiquette.

I just saw Bayanihan in this country, working hand in hand to reach out for those affected. I truly appreciate those companies who recognize our efforts by giving food packs to frontline health workers.

Churches are closed. It saddens me that masses are temporarily suspended on Sundays but in the midst of this pandemic, let’s pray that there would be fast discovery to cure.

Now isn’t the time to blame the government or worst, oust the president. Although, we are a nation with different perspectives, now is the time to show unity and solidarity. It is so dismal to see people rallying for delayed relief goods and aid. 

Stay at home and practice social distancing. Keep updated to the news and be informed to updates.

As a medical technologist, it’s an honor to serve. This is my profession. I’m no longer calling for hazard pay but donations such as the PPEs are appreciated to get through every single day. I believe we could put an end to this sooner. We fight for you, so please fight for us by preventing the spread of infection.

VisaScreen Application Process: What you need to know

According to CGFNS International, the VisaScreen® certification is a federal screening program intended for professionals born outside the US. The International Commission on Healthcare Professionals is a division under CGFNS that administers the VisaScreen®. This is valid for 5 years. For healthcare professionals, this is an essential document to prove that your credentials are legit and you are eligible to practice the profession. This is one of the requirements needed to start on processing your working visa (H-1B) petition to USCIS.

The screening includes:

·         Assessment of educational credentials to ensure that it is equivalent to that of a US graduate

·         Verification of professional licenses

·         English language proficiency

                 You can ask help thru an agency for this, but in my case, I applied on my own. I started my application on March 2019.     

                 Reminder: Never attempt to send FAKE DOCUMENTS. VisaScreen® will surely revoke your application and you’ll ban to apply for VisaScreen forever!                                                                                                     

Let’s get you through the application process:

1.       The most convenient way to complete the application is thru online. Create your account at http://cgfns.org/cerpassweb/intro.jsp This account will keep you updated about the status of your application.

a.       You are given 30 days to pay for your application

b.      The application fee is $540 thru credit card.

c.       Once the payment is made, you will be given 1 year to comply all the required documents

2.       Complete the application form

a.       Double check the spelling of each information (name, birthday, gender, mailing address, citizenship, education)

b.      Select H-1B as occupation visa information (for medical technologists in the Philippines)

c.       Select ICHP Visascreen Certificate as VisaScreen category

d.      Upload your Passport size ID Picture with white background. This is the same photo to be applied to your certificate.

 

3.       The documents to be reviewed:

                Note: There are downloable forms to each document that you need to include, so please fill out the required forms (applicant) as well.

·         IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test result- the USA sets a standard for medical technologists: a candidate must take the ACADEMIC MODULE and have at least a total band score of 6.5 with a speaking score of at least 7.0. It’s better if you take IELTS before VisaScreen.

                                                               i.      PRICE: 10000 PHP

                                                             ii.      VALIDITY: 2 years

                                                            iii.      Once you pass IELTS, you can ask for an ADDITIONAL TEST RESULT FORM from your test provider (in my case, IDP) to send the result to CGFNS. Just fill out IDP’s form of ‘Request for additional TRF’ for electronic sending. The service is free for 2 weeks after you pass. After that, you’ll pay 200 PHP.

·         Highschool Diploma with English Translation- Must be a ‘certified true copy’ from your high school registrar. This doesn’t need to be sent thru a courier. You can upload the diploma into your account.

·         College Requirements – This might take 1 to 2 months of processing depending on your school so it is advised that you go back to your college as early as possible. Give the form to be filled out and sealed/stamped by the registrar. The school will be the ones to send the educational credentials to CGFNS, otherwise they won’t accept it even if unopened.

                                                               i.      PRICE: 2500PHP including mailing fee (price varies depending on your school)

                                                             ii.      Transcript of Records with remarks FOR VISASCREEN PURPOSES ONLY

                                                            iii.      Course Description- a summary of all the subjects you’ve taken from the first year to final year of your bachelor’s program

                                                           iv.      Completely Filled out form of Request for Academic Records/Transcripts from CGFNS website by the applicant and the university registrar’s section

·         The registrar should include the clock hours of Clinical Internship

·         Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) Certificate of Good Standing.

- CGFNS ICHP validates your license to confirm if you have completed the requirement by passing the board exam and to check if your registration has not been suspended or revoked. Also, the licensing authority should be the ones to send the documents, not from you or a third party on your behalf.

                                                               i.      Submit a photocopy of your Transcript of Records and the filled out form Request for Validation of License/Registration/Diploma from CGFNS website

                                                             ii.      PRICE: 2100 PHP including FEDEX

                                                            iii.      PROCESSING TIME: 1 week

Remind the university and the licensing authority to send the documents to CGFNS mailing address:

CGFNS/VisaScreen: Visa Credentials Assessment

3600 Market Suite 400

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104-2651 USA

I finally got my certification on June 2019, so my processing took 3 months. So update your CGFNS account frequently to check the status of each document. If everything is complete, CGFNS will issue the IHCP VisaScreen Certificate. You will be given a FEDEX tracking number to trace the mail. If not, they will notify you about insufficient or lacking documents.

References:

CGFNS International Application Handbook

Visascreen certificate for medtechs, how to apply visascreen, visascreen for nurses, cgfns ichp visascreen, visascreen application process, h1b visascreen medtech, how to apply as medtech in usa, filipino medtech in america, medpro international

OEC Processing Part 3: Phase 2 Requirements to OEC Issuance

This blog is all about how I secured each of the Phase 2 requirements.

Since I was waiting for the POEA documents sent to Manila. I wasted no time in complying the requirements indicated in Phase 2. Still, you need to submit photocopies of each document.

The following are the essential documents I submitted to POEA:

1.       E-registration account- you need to print out the Worker’s Information Sheet where the registration number is located.

·         Make sure you are connected to the internet to complete this process

·         Log-in to http://onlineservices.poea.gov.ph

·         Click Register to create an account. Fill out the form correctly.

·         With your email address, they will be sending a temporary password so check that mail, get the given temporary password and go back to POEA website and Log-in

·         Input the temporary password so that you can change your own password for security.

·         Once directed to your homepage, upload your photo and passport by clicking Attach Profile Picture and Passport respectively.

·         Update your Personal Details, Beneficiaries, Education, in My Profile tab

·         You can also upload documents such as NBI, Police and Medical Certificates in PDF format in My Documents tab

·         After completing all the necessary fields and reviewing the information, go to My Resume. Click Print Resume (green button) located at the upper left of the page.

·         Ensure that all pages (2 pages if letter size) are complete

2.       Medical Certificate from a POEA-accredited medical clinic. POEA will provide a list of accredited clinics.

·         Fees may vary. In my case, I paid 2000 pesos for the whole package.

·         You will undergo several tests such as blood examination (CBC, blood typing, Hepatitis B Antigen and HIV screening), urinalysis, stool analysis, X-ray, Drug Test, Dental, Physical, Psychological, Audio and Visual examination.

·         The results depend on the turn-around time of the clinic

·         See to it that your Medical Certificate has a FIT TO WORK recommendation by the clinic’s physician

3.       PDOS certificate issued by OWWA

·         As I mentioned from the previous blog, I was scheduled on Thursday of that week. I went early to OWWA office for the registration. This was a whole-day seminar. I’ve learned so much about the topics presented by each speaker. They were all informative and their tips were useful for a first time OFW like me.  

·         The PDOS certificate are given after the seminar. The attendance is monitored so it is expected that you must be present in the morning and in the afternoon.

4.       Insurance Certificate

·         Better ask POEA which Insurance companies can cover the benefits provided under section 37-A or RA 8042

·         Present your passport and employment contract.

·         Prepare for your payment. I paid 1800 pesos.

·         The insurance certificate will be given to you right away.

5.       Fees

·         POEA - 100USD or Philippine Peso equivalent

·         OWWA – 1258 PHP

Hope this helps!

OEC Processing Part 2: Phase 1 Requirements and OWWA

Right after I received my POLO-verified contract, I went immediately to POEA Region 7 to begin my OEC processing. I want to add that before going to the office, ensure that you must bring all the necessary documents and reproduce at least FOUR photocopies so that you can still secure a copy for future use. Also, be organized. Separate the original documents from the photocopies by placing the original documents in a folder and the reproduced ones in an envelope. They will be taking the photocopies. The evaluator will check each requirement according to the checklist and they will look at the original copy so be ready to present them.

So what are the Phase 1 Requirements? Being employed in the United States, here are the documents I submitted:

1.       My passport with the working visa

2.       POLO-verified contract

3.       Company profile (the overview of your employer)

4.       POLO-endorsement letter

5.       Labor Condition Application (this is a country specific requirement)

6.       H1-B draft materials (this is a country specific requirement, a supporting document)

7.       Form I-129/ Notice of action (this is a country specific requirement and depending on the visa class where you belong)

8.       College diploma

9.       Transcript of records

1.PRC license

1.   Notarized Statement / Sworn Statement

·         This important piece of document contains the information on how you secure the employment (from the internet, referral, etc). This must come from a lawyer with his or her signature testifying that all documents presented are authentic.

The evaluation took a while since there were some paperworks and forms that need to be filled out. Kudos to Miss Evaluator for being so nice to me. Also, be ready for questions and answer them promptly with supporting documents.

When the evaluator was done in sorting the documents (since it will be sent to Manila and will take 1 week to be processed) she advised me to go to Overseas Workers Welfare Administration or OWWA for the scheduling of my Pre-Deployent Orientation Seminar or PDOS.

As I went to the OWWA office, the officer-in-charge asked me a copy of my employment contract and passport. They also evaluate my papers so be prepared to present all of them. I filled out a form as well. After the evaluation, the officer scheduled me for PDOS on Thursday at 8PM.

I realized that this needs to be taken once step at a time. I’m truly closer to the process. Patience is a virtue. I’m ready for the next step..

OEC Processing Part 1: Contract Verification to POLO

Note: This process applies to direct-hires. The processing of OEC may vary if the applicant comes from an agency.

Just when you think that you already have your working visa to the US and the American dream is within your reach, I tell you, it’s not yet over. Since we consider ourselves as an Overseas Filipino Worker, there is a law in the Philippines that we need to secure an exit pass or what we call as Overseas Employment Certificate to be permitted to fly outside the country.

Obtaining an OEC isn’t easy for a first time OFW especially if the applicant is direct-hired. One has to submit several papers in order to be a documented OFW. One of the requirements is a POLO-verified employment contract. Take note, the contract should be checked by Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO).

At first, I was having difficulties in explaining this matter to my employer since they know nothing about this policy. In addition to that, this is their first time of hiring a Filipino. They expect that after securing a visa, the worker may fly to the worksite and can start the employment.

After several researches and helping my employer on how to send the contract to POLO, they coordinated with POLO located in Washington DC to get this started as soon as possible.

Of course, the employment contract and some documents must be sent to POLO. Here are the following:

1.       Employment Contract

·         Read the contract first before signing

·         Should contain all the provisions required by POLO including sick leave, vacation leave, repatriation etc.

·         All pages signed both by employer and employee

2.       Employee’s photocopy of passport (biographic page)

3.       Employee’s photocopy of working visa

4.       Business registration/ license of the employer

5.       Identification of Employer or Company Representative

6.       Compliance letter to POLO (a format to be filled out by the employer)

Just keep updated with your employer on this process. In our case, it took us a month before we receive the verified contract via FEDEX. You will be given a tracking number to check the status of your mail. Once a contract has been checked by POLO, there will be stamps on each document. 

When I received the contract, I immediately gathered all my Phase 1 requirements and went to POEA Region 7 to start my OEC processing.

I hope this helps…

To be continued. Read next, Phase 1 and Phase 2 Requirements to POEA.

Bye, Bye Wisdom Teeth!

This year, I lost my 3 teeth. I couldn’t sleep at night because of the terrible toothache. This is what I’m afraid of and it finally came! When I examined my mouth, there were noticeable decay on both of my wisdom teeth so after a week, I decided to go to the dentist. I had it extracted because I couldn’t bear the excruciating pain anymore.

My experience

Before the dentist recommended for tooth surgery or the odontectomy, he suggested that I need to undergo panoramic X-ray first and let him examine the position of my third molars. So using my health insurance, I had requested for a panoramic X-ray, got my result within the day, and submitted to doc right away.

As he examined, both of my wisdom teeth were impacted and the dentist said that I should take an action quickly or else, the pain will still persist. To someone who has suffered the pain for a week, I told him that I’m prepared to have these impacted teeth extracted all at once but he said that I may not tolerate the post-operative pain. So, I just agreed to his advice to extract the right wisdom tooth first then the other one in the following week.   

During the surgery of my right wisdom tooth, I kept myself strong. I need to be brave for this. The dentist was so considerate to explain to me the whole procedure and he told me that there’s no need to worry about the numbness since it only means that the local anesthesia is already working. I really commend Doc for being so caring throughout the procedure. He always asked me if I’m alright. He kept on reminding me to raise my hand if I feel pain as he carefully remove the impacted tooth. Even though I heard some awkward sounds of slicing and drilling of my tooth but I just closed my eyes and relaxed. I need not to worry because I’m in the good hands.

The extraction was done after an hour when Doc finally got the root. He told me that the extraction was successful. I looked at my tooth but it was broken into pieces because as Doc explains, the decayed tooth was already brittle. After that, he put collagen foam to the extracted area and started to stitch the incised gum to accelerate the healing. Medications such as mefenamic acid (to ease the pain), amoxicillin (an antibiotic to prevent infection), and tranexamic acid (to stop bleeding) were prescribed.

After that week, I went back to the dental clinic to remove the stitch made from the previous extraction and to proceed to the next impacted tooth. Although the gum was slightly inflamed but he said it’s just normal. The same procedure was done to my left wisdom tooth but this time, he needed to extract the upper tooth opposite to the lower impacted tooth to avoid supraeruption. It might cause problems in the future if the upper tooth is not extracted. Just like the previous one, I needed to be stronger because this is the only way I could get rid of this, for once and for all.

At last, Doc was able to get the impacted tooth and it took only 10 minutes to get the upper tooth opposite to it. After that, the operation was successful once again. I went to the nearest ice cream parlor to give me and my gums a treat!

POST-OPERATION EXPERIENCE

The doctor didn’t fail to remind me some of the post-operative instructions that I need to do after the extraction. For an hour, the anesthetized area was still numb. Just as when I was about to think the suffering was over, I had problems in eating. How would I suppose to use the un-operated side when both sides were affected? With the stitches on and gums started to inflame a little bit, I couldn’t eat rice or hard foods so I chose to eat oats the whole week. I couldn’t even use a straw for drinking. Also, both of my cheeks swelled as well. I applied ice packs in the morning and in the evening. I didn’t lift heavier objects in order not to stress myself and I took the medications prescribed.

My swollen cheeks started to heal 

One thing that I learned from this experience is that, we need to take an action before things get worse. If I had tolerated the pain much longer, it could have complicated the operation. When the stitch was removed on the left extracted area, I couldn’t express the relief. My gums started to heal and I started to eat rice once again. Since then, I realized that I need to take extra care for my teeth by limiting sweets and start flossing. Even though I spent a considerable amount of money in removing my wisdom teeth but the comfort that it gave me didn’t cost a thing. It was priceless.

My deepest gratitude to my dentist, Dr. Fred Yap for doing such a wonderful job! During the surgery, I never felt pain and he made things easier for me by explaining the steps. I learned so much from my condition. I have put an end to my suffering, finally!