Reflection Paper and Public Health Issues

This first week in the College of Medicine at the Cebu Doctor's University, we got oriented on the curriculum of the school.

Context

Being a freshman in the College of Medicine, we were recently oriented on the concept of the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and the Outcome-Based Experience (OBE). This curriculum aims to train medical students in independent learning, cooperation among fellow colleagues, and exploring unknown concepts that would enable one to discover about the disease, its symptoms, treatment, and prevention.

Experience

Naturally, I was having a hard time on how to adjust with this new curriculum. This is because in my previous college, the University of San Carlos, the traditional method was used. I could also attribute this to the new environment I am currently in. Despite the adjustments, I can feel that I will eventually be able to adjust to the PBL method to the point that it would become simply a routine.

Reflection

My initial reaction to the PBL system is the same with everybody else: surprised. All but one of the current freshmen had stuck to the traditional method of learning including myself. I am uncertain how this will play out in my four years here at Cebu Doctor's University. However, I realize that all of us freshmen started out with no knowledge of what is to come. No one is immune to the fear of the unknown, but it is among us on how to cope up with the stresses and pressures of a new environment.

Action

I would do my best this year while trying to balance out my life between study and rest. I would do everything to cope up with the fear and stress by having a positive attitude and seeking help from family, friends, and God.

Evaluation

The activity itself will be no doubt challenging. What we are about to learn will indeed help us in our training as future doctors. This first week, we were able to get a first taste of the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. I am saying that the first year of medicine will be very challenging but it could still be enjoyable if one shows the positive attitude towards learning.

Health Issues in the Philippines

HIV-Positive Patients

Most of those who tested positive for HIV-AIDs usually engage in unprotected sex. Aside from unprotected sex, other factors that cause HIV include having multiple sex partners, man-to-man sex, drug use, and babies coming from mothers who have HIV. As of May 2017, the Department of Health reported that there were 1,098 new HIV antibody sero-positive individuals. From January-May 2017, it was reported that 4,338 were positive for this disease. Aside from unprotected sex, those who reported were 4,172 males and 216 females. The National Capital Region (NCR) reported most cases at 404 (37%), Region 4A with 155 (14%), Region 3 with 108 (10%), and Region 7 with 98 (9%), and Region 11 with 60 (9%). Most of these comes from the ages 25-34.

Since patients with HIV require expensive medications, preventive measures have been emphasized. Preventions include the the use of contraceptives such as condoms, avoid having multiple sex partners,  and avoid using contaminated needles.

Sources:
http://www.philstar.com/health-and-family/786108/top-10-health-agendas-philippines

http://www.doh.gov.ph/stat_of_the_month

http://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/tc/human-immunodeficiency-virus-hiv-infection-what-increases-your-risk