Student Narratives
A personal account of the medical students of Our Lady of Fatima University, St. Luke's University College of Medicine, and the students of Cupertino High School. They retold their experiences volunteering with ABC's for Global Health during the summer immersion program contributing to the medical services and education our organization provides in Pampanga.
St. Luke's University College of Medicine VolunteersRead some of the experiences of St. Luke's University College of Medicine's Sagip Bayan Student Group
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Jemuel Cabusas
I’m Jemuel, a third year medical student from St Luke’s Medical Center College of Medicine. I served as a student volunteer for ABC’s for Global Health this summer and it was definitely a fun, unforgettable and meaningful experience. I knew about this program through my friends who volunteered last summer. The organization’s mission to find practical solutions to the health problems of the underserved communities made a profound impact to me thus my desire to be on board. I had so many highlights during this trip, but I think the one that made the biggest impact was serving the aeta community from the province of Floridablanca. We were all aware of the misfortunes these people experience, but it was different seeing and experiencing it firsthand. Furthermore, I enjoyed applying my knowledge in medicine to real life cases as some patients experienced conditions unique and can’t be seen in the hospital. Finally, being under the supervision of Doctor Gabiola and Doctor Gallo and working with the American high school and premed students was an honor as they have imparted not only medical skills and knowledge but also advises and a shared experience that I will remember for a lifetime. My take in this whole experience is that “as we lose ourselves in the service of others, we discover our own lives and our own happiness”. Being in this medical mission reminded me of why I wanted to become a doctor and if given the opportunity, I would volunteer again! -Jemuel Cabusas Batch 2022 |
Brigette Balaguer
ABCs For Global Health gave me the experience of a lifetime! It provided me the opportunity to learn the ways of medicine through shadowing reputable doctors Dr. Gabiola of Stanford University and renowned cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Gallo as well as the respectable nurse, Tita Alicia. It became a learning avenue that also allowed me to serve the underprivileged Filipino community. It honed my skills and knowledge as a medical student and taught me ways to be able to communicate well with patients. ABC truly inspired me to become a better doctor with the newfound knowledge I gained from this program. Definitely one for the books! -Brigette Balaguer Batch 2023 |
Clarice Mae Dacasin
"I'm Clarice, an incoming 2nd-year student from St. Luke's College of Medicine. I've been volunteering with ABCs for global health for a week and I've known it from an organization in my school. For my whole week's stay here, my favorite experience was when I served the Aeta communities in Pampanga through medical missions. It was a great experience because it has helped me shape my view of indigenous communities. From this experience, I was able to see the actual situation of these communities and use my knowledge and resources to help them. This organization also gives me hope since people of different cultures, of different personalities, and different beliefs have gathered together with a sole mission to serve the people." - Clarice Mae Dacasin Batch 2022 |
Mary Deo Luigi J. Mabunay
"It’s my first time volunteering for ABC’s for Global Health and it was definitely a highlight of my summer vacation. My experience at ABC was very fulfilling and inspiring. As an incoming second-year medical student, I’m glad that I was able to share my knowledge, skills, and learning new ones. To be honest, I expected to only do medical missions in different communities. I did not expect to meet people from different backgrounds and in turn shifting my perspective in life. Interacting with the locals and the Aetas gave me another insight of reality. I witness the reality of the health system in their communities and it was eye-opening. It encouraged me to work harder to become a better health care professional in the future. I was inspired by the eagerness of the Cupertino High School students to volunteer and share their brilliant ideas. I hope they will continue this path, inspiring more students. Lastly, I was moved by Doctora Gabiola’s passion for serving our country. The unconditional service she gave and the compassion she has as a doctor are really touching and I also wish to give that kind of service to my country. Overall, my experience with ABC’s for Global Health was unforgettable and I will definitely be happy to be part of it again." - Mary Deo Luigi J. Mabunay Batch 2022 |
Pamela Tungal
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Marty De Jesus
"As a med student, I’ve always been eager to sign up for med missions, outreach programs, and the like. I’ve even been a Red Cross volunteer before. So when I signed up for ABC’s for Global Health, I wasn’t really surprised by the volunteer work involved. I’ve been involved in far busier and far more toxic missions. I’d grown accustomed to doing a lot of hard work, and then waving goodbye to my fellow volunteers at the end of the day and not seeing them again. At ABC’s for Global Health, it was the exact opposite. I made a lot of new friends, both local and foreign. After each mission, we’d go back to Doktora’s house and unwind. We might go to the mall or we might just stay at home and binge-watch movies, play games, and share stories. I met a lot of wonderful students from another med school, I got to know Doktora’s staff, and I got to know the foreign volunteers from California. And I didn’t expect I’d have as much as fun with them as I did. To reflect on the words of one of my favorite professors in college, “Find a job in a place where you feel welcome. There will always be ways to make money. There will always be ways to practice your craft. But you won’t always find a place that makes you feel welcome.” And for me, ABC’s for Global Health was one such place." - Marty De Jesus Batch 2022 |
Shaira Rabang
"My weeklong volunteering experience with ABCs for Global Health is definitely enhancing, fruitful, and unforgettable. The experience helped me develop flexibility in dealing and working with different types of people from different backgrounds. It fostered in me adaptability in facing varying situations as I have observed in every community or barangay we went to. Then, more importantly, I was able to to have fun, share stories, and learn together with the new friends I met through ABCs. I truly believe that I have gained so much more than what I came for." - Shaira Rabang Batch 2021 |
Joan Rezza B. Guevara
"When we were at the Pampanga Provincial Jail, I got the chance to view reality from a different perspective and realized a lot of things. First is that, due to the inmates’ living conditions, almost all of them have TB. Secondly, I realized that no matter how generous the service we provide, there are limits to what we can do. Some of the drugs that they desperately need, we don’t have the capacity to provide, and being imprisoned, they cannot buy. Lastly, despite all the circumstances they are in, they were one of the most grateful and most appreciative patients I have ever encountered. I met inmates that have the same birthday as me and met one that’s younger than me. It made me rethink how we treat and judge not only them but also people in general. In our country’s current political climate, this journey with ABC’s for Global Health only made my stand stronger; to demand a better justice system that is fair to all. Because at the end of the day, we are all human who has every right to live." - Joan Rezza B Guevara Batch 2022 |
Lyric Octaviano
Amidst meeting deadlines, cramming information, and staying up late, it's easy to lose sight of the reasons for pursuing medicine. Participating in the medical missions of ABC served as a reminder that one of those reasons is to serve the underserved. On the first day, we went to an Aeta community who had been stricken with a magnitude 6 earthquake 2 months prior. The community is located in a remote area and they get little help from the barangay. On the second day, we went to a barangay in San Fernando. The patients were mostly the elderly who were in need of medicines. During those 2 days, it was made apparent that indeed there are areas which have poor access to healthcare and it is this unmet need for healthcare that Dr. Gabiola is filling when she founded ABC. During our stay, we were met with volunteers from the states and with medical students from a local medical school. We all shared Dr. Gabiola’s sentiments that there is a personal obligation to reach out to these areas. This made me realize that the obligation to serve the underserved is universal and transcends age, schools, and nation. There will always be people who are willing to help like Dr. Gabiola and the volunteers. -Lyric Octaviano Batch 2023 Joshua Q. Marcial
Upon hearing I was accepted in the week-long medical mission, I got excited and did my best to prepare for it. I looked at the organization's website and refreshed myself with the basics in doing medical missions. I went there putting in mind that I will be helping in serving the communities with my skills. I was wrong. Because instead, I was the one who received help. The whole experience affected me in ways that I did not expect. In those seven days, I got to meet the amazing and brilliant students from the US and some other medical students. Though I am not a very sociable person, I must say I did enjoy being with them as they were always positive and full of energy. We had medical missions in four different communities and a feeding program for the Aeta community. I was able to help in interviewing patients for the social determinants of health questionnaire, checked blood sugar, and shadowed Dr. Gabiola and Dr. Gallo. Those were very tiring and exhausting days but nevertheless, they were fun and full of learning. I must say that it was truly a life-changing experience. It helped me realize what I really wanted to do for the rest of my life and ignited my passion for service. I was inspired by Dr. Gabiola’s passion and dedication for the organization’s mission and was encouraged to also give back in the future. The way I study in med school will never be the same. As a third year medical student, I was motivated to study even harder and be a better version of myself –for my future patients. -Joshua Q. Marcial Paula Claire Agsaullo
My immersion in ABC for Global Health was my first. I’ve had a lot of first’s with ABC’s. Honestly I second guessing myself when signing up, thinking I would not be chosen among the long list of hopeful students. Fortunately, I got picked. The thought of getting a taste of the real world of medicine was exciting, but I was also hesitant about how ready I was for it. The ABC team was very welcoming upon our group’s arrival, it was like going home for summer. Doc Gabiola has been kind and so hospitable, I remember waking up every morning to her in the kitchen to making us coffee. The volunteers from the US were friendly and sincere with their causes aligned with what ABC stands for. It was heartwarming to know that they are willing to extend their hands to my countrymen. ABC reaches these people who are living in remote areas, with little access to affordable health care. The distance is just one of the hurdles we overcame as a group- a family at that. There’s the language and also the unpredictability of the weather. Maybe the most challenging part of my immersion week was the last one at Macabebe, Pampanga. It rained hard that day when we were all busy attending to patients. In spite of the heavy down pour, the team made sure that all our patients were dry and still being taken care of. We continued the work; everybody showed their dedication and flexibility. No matter how amateur I am in medicine the experience was so fulfilling. Taking vital signs and patients’ medical histories were challenging, but Doc Gabiola, Doc Gallo and other ABC staffs were assisting us all the way, giving tips and constructive criticism as we go. I’m aware that have a lot to improve on. Thus, I must work hard to learn what I need to be able to contribute more and aid more people. I remember one patient telling me that I should come back next year so that she could give me crabs straight from their pond as a sign of gratitude. I was moved by her affection and all of the people really. This made me think that ABC is really touching these peoples’ lives, we are changing the world by helping one person at a time. -Paula Claire Agsaullo |
Our Lady of Fatima University VolunteersRead about some of the experiences of the medical students of Our Lady of Fatima University's Philippine Medical Student Association: Batch 2021 and 2022! God Heals, We Serve! We love PMSA!
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Dianne B. Formeloza
Dianne B. Formeloza
Being part of ABC 2019 is both a privilege and responsibility. It means that I am in this position to influence the current and future health and lives of other individuals and I’m forever grateful to be part of this team.Giving of one’s time to others is the best gift one can give. I believe that helping people matters. I’m really inspired on how the whole team touch lives because of the willingness to give back and serve. As a medical student, it is an opportunity for us to share the knowledge that we have to the high school and college students from the US, and to serve the underserved communities. These people inspire me to be a better version of myself. It is a very rewarding experience. We were able to not only help others but also create meaningful friendships with the other volunteers and students that I will forever treasure in my heart. I took back home a vision, a responsibility, a challenge and a dream. The challenge to make a better healthcare system in the Philippines. The future can be better. Step up and take responsibility for making it happen. -Dianne B. Formeloza |
Oliver Chern
Oliver Chern
"Definitely, one for the books! I had an amazing time with ABC’s for Global Health. It feels good helping out lots of people, especially the kids. So fulfilling. Thank you, dr. Gabiola for giving us this experience, and for having us stayed in your home. I had fun with the high schools, they were so young but very professional. I look forward to seeing and working with these youngsters again soon. These youngsters are so genuine in helping people, they get along with the locals easily, which I totally admire. Med missions, it was tiring all right, but nothing’s more fulfilling than seeing people smile, and thanking you for your patience, and help. One of the most significant day for me would probably the day we went to the Aetas, the kids were everywhere, and it just felt nice seeing them happy when they were fed, and given some toys. I can say that I learned a lot from ABC’s For Global Health, from interacting with different kinds of people from different cultures to managing med missions, to be professional at all cost. My duty as a volunteer was short, but I would definitely come back again next time! Hope to see you all again. Again, thank you, everyone!" - Oliver Chern Batch 2022 |
Marielle Mendoza
"ABC's for Global Health experience is one of the records for me. Meeting Dra. Gabiola is such an honor, witnessing her selfless love for the people and passion for her craft makes me inspired to be a better person and to do my best. So one day I can do/continue all the things she's doing now. The program changed me in so many ways, but more specifically was when we visited the Aeta community and did house to house interview. I found out that they have so many misconceptions about different diseases and it made me sad. I realized that being a doctor doesn't deal with curing the disease only but more importantly by educating them. ABC opened my eyes to the sad reality of life and hungers me to give my very best and help them in any way I can right now." - Marielle Mendoza Batch 2021 |
Carmela Samia Dysangco
As I reminisce the experiences I had with ABCs for global health, I would summarize it with one word IMPACT. Well, it really gave a big impact on my life. I first heard the program in our organization, and it sounded like an adventure for me.it is really an adventure for us. So I joined in. Staying in a house wherein there are different cultures. First, I was nervous, but as days go by, I was able to blend in, why? Because of the people, they are so friendly and kind.dealing with different cultures and languages made me realize that each person in the world is very unique. Then medical missions came, I was able to experience different stations except for the MRS. I was able to communicate with different people. with the Aetas, elderlies, and children. Through the different projects that embodied the whole program, we were able to give impact in their lives. Being in the group of education, we were able to interview people, we were able to know what they really do, and how they really feel. In the mana pack, I am really amazed at all the recipes that we learned from our friends. In the pharmacy area, I am able to learn new medicines. One reflection time, when Dr. Gabiola mentioned: “what happened to your vacation?” Many things came up to my mind. It is really a wonderful meaningful experience for us, something really happened during our vacation. We were able to give impact to others and as well to ourselves too. We gained learnings and of course, we gained friends. I am so much blessed and thankful that we experienced this adventure. Thank you ." - Carmela Samia Dysangco Batch 2021 |
Maria Elyza Arizza D. Odosis
ABC's experience mold me into a better person. It is a great perspective that can be achieved by stepping out of our own world and venturing into the world of other people. It helps me to understand more about life situations. All my life I have never been completely satisfied with my life even if everything was going fine. But with these experience it gives me more willingness to help others. -Maria Elyza Arizza D. Odosisg |
US Student Volunteers
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Srija Potluri
"My experience with ABC’s For Global Health has been unforgettable. I first joined the medical mission because I wanted to explore the medical field, but I returned with unexpected eye opening perspectives. I’ve definitely grown as a person over the course of a month with ABC’s and developed many new skills and leadership qualities. From learning medically related things like taking blood sugar and talking to patients to understanding the problems that different people face, this trip has inspired and empowered me to make a difference in whatever I do in the future. Growing up in the States to a family that was financially and emotionally stable, I’ve never really experienced anything in my life that was harder to deal with than a bad grade or a friendship struggle. However, going to the Philippines and seeing the plight of poverty first hand helped me realize how lucky I am to be in a position where I’m not only better off but able to help those people as well. I can’t help but sound like one of those cheesy reflections that you can find all over the web, but seriously, there are people out there that have stories and struggles that need to be told and through this organization, I’ve discovered that there’s no better way to do that than getting out there and making those personal connections yourself. And believe me, these are stories that will change your life, just as they did to mine." - Srija Potluri Class of 2021 |
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Sowmya Kolluru
Being a part of the 2019 medical mission to the Philippines was an eye-opening experience for me. Not only did it foster my interest in global health, it gave me an appreciation for the work this organization does. I had known for a while that I wanted to have a career in medicine, but being in the United States where, as a high school student, I couldn’t really interact with patients, I never fully knew the intricacies of the doctor-patient relationship. As a mere high school student, I went into the trip wondering what kind of role I’d be able to play on the mission, but I soon learned how welcomed we were by the doctors, locals, and medical students alike. There was never a time when the doctors and medical students didn’t want to help us learn. They taught us everything from basic language phrases to taking vital signs to the different classes of medications. Moreover, the native people we interacted with gave us their undivided support. They shared their stories, experiences, and emotions with us, and I learned just how much they trusted ABCs for Global Health to be there for them. As a generally introverted person, I thought that I would have trouble fitting in. I soon learned, however, that regardless of how different I was, the kind of environment Dr. Gabiola fostered and the passion for medicine and global betterment all of the students had brought us closer together and made us all feel like family. This trip showed me that even in the future, I want to remain a part of these global medical initiatives, bridging the gap between healthcare and the people. For me, this was definitely an opportunity of a lifetime. -Sowmya Kolluru |
Meyhaa Buvanesh
I joined ABC’s for Global Health as a high school student trying to explore my passion and interest in global health. And now 3 years later, I can say it was the single best decision I’ve made. Working with ABC’s for Global Health has taken what I’ve learned in the classroom, both from high school and now college, to another level. I witnessed first hand the impact technologies, such as electronic health records and telemedicine, can have in revolutionizing access to healthcare for underserved and marginalized communities. And it has been inspiring to see Dr. Gabiola and the team of volunteers re-define traditional medical mission trips to be sustainable efforts by partnering with local medical professionals, volunteers, and organizations to ensure continuity of care. Ultimately, my work with ABC’s for Global Health gave me the foundation I needed to work as a research assistant with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and intern at Catalia Health, a SF-based healthcare startup from the MIT Media Lab. The lessons I’ve learned have not only fostered my passion for global health, but have also driven me to work at the intersection of health and technology. -Meyhaa Buvanesh |
