I feel lucky that I chose to enroll in a school, which gives emphasis on the health of the less fortunate fellowmen, with its community-based curriculum. During the 2nd semester of our freshmen year, we were assigned to 2-3 families per student in the community. At the first meetings, some of the families were resistant as expected. Some families were even locking up when they saw us approaching. We had experienced being chased by drug addicts. One classmate has witnessed a stabbing incident. Yeah, that’s how terrifying our experiences in our community were. It really felt like “survival of the fittestâ€. Despite these untoward circumstances, we are surviving community medicine.
1. We go to the community in groups or in pairs. This is especially for girls for security purposes.
2. We smile at and greet everyone in the community. This was our topmost strategy to gain the acceptance of the residents.
3. We address them by “ate”, “kuya”, or “lola”. This makes them comfortably talk with us.
4. The first thing we ask when we visit is “Kumusta na ang buhay?” Although we almost overuse this question but at least they feel that we are always interested to know their everyday life.
5. We treat their kids and family as ours. We play and spend quality time with them. This avoids feelings of inferiority from them because they can see that we can mingle with them.
6. We hold regular meetings with the whole community. This way, we get to know their latest problems and update for the solutions of their previous problems. We only guide them in coming up with solutions, the realization of the solution should come from them.
7. We hold regular health programs and seminars. We have monthly seminars regarding health topics. Aside from correcting common misconceptions, we also gain their cooperation and trust. We also have our monthly “Operation Timbang.”
8. We see to it that it should be a mutual relationship: they learn from us, we learn from them. Although most of them only finished high school, you’ll be amazed at how these people think. Most of the times, they have intelligent insights over things.
Tags: Community-Medicine, Health, How-To, Medicine, Personal, Tips
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