in memoriam (part 1)

the world has lost a beautiful person. (PART 1)

last week was particularly devastating for the medical community, especially the small community of infectious disease specialists. we lost 2 prominent figures in our field. i am priveleged to have known them both.

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Dr. Lita Vizconde was our ADHO when i was still a medical student in PGH. not only was she the assistant director then for hospital operations, but she was our adviser during our Pasay community programs. i remember that i was always with that group of girls who will ride with her (with a driver of course!) as we snaked through the metro manila traffic to go to our community. she would then observe us as we conduct our trainings to the barangay healthcare workers. The best part of our long day, was a meryenda treat from her in Robinsons ermita. This was a monthly thing for our whole clerkship year, finishing the productive year at Chef de Angelo. We were one of the lucky groups to be handled by such kind soul who was so easy to get along with, always in a happy mood, and who made us appreciate community medicine (and not just for the regular treats :-)). And as we ended our 4th year, we gave her our parting gift, a bangled bracelet, coz she was so fond of such.

Come internship, w still had moments to interact with Dr. Vizconde. Many times, I found myself begging in her office to give me blood for my patient in medicine. And she was always so kind as to give me even 1 bag of pRBC or 4 units platelet concentrate. Oh how happy I would be! I do not think i would be able to swallow my pride if it wasn't Dr. Vizconde I was dealing with.And despite the toxicity of internship, i was still able to find some time to sit in her office (away from the orders and still be on an official business :-)), a have small talk on life and the future. Many times during these small talks, I had noticed her wear the bracelet we gave her.

But as all good things come to an end, Dr. Lita Vizconde succumbed to cancer a week ago. But i'm sure, her happiness now is eternal.

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