My Indang RHU Immersion Experience - Day 2: Learning The Ropes

Today, me and my fellow first-year classmates of Cavite State University's medicine program officially begin our summer immersion program at the RHU (Rural Health Unit) of Indang, Cavite! Wanting to be punctual at our first day there to give a good impression—in addition to our understanding that we are representing our university as sort of ambassadors, we arrived at 7:45 am even though our call time was 8:00 am. Before anything else, we were gathered with our second-year upperclassmen and were briefed and welcomed by Dr. Rosa Alegre and Dr. Rommel Vicedo. They informed us on the current state of the local community healthcare of Indang, and the role that the RHU plays in it. Most notably, we learned that of the 36 Barangays in Indang, only 35 have BHS's (Barangay Health Stations); with the lone one not having one being Poblacion IV, which is covered specifically by the RHU. Knowing that Indang has a projected 69.428 population made it more understandable how health stations and units across the municipality are having staffing issues. Afterwards, we were given a tour of the different facilities and rooms of the RHU such as the laboratory, treatment room, offices, consultation room, registration area, and lobby. We were also introduced to the staff themselves such as the registrar, medtech, nurses, midwifes, and sanitary inspectors, who were very accommodating and treated us with utmost kindness. They told us about the different programs that the RHU is currently working on such as the NIP (national immunization program) which focuses on giving babies the vaccines they need; environmental and sanitary inspections which check on businesses, street vendors, and lying-in clinics for generators, septic tanks, quarterly water testings, and the like; Purok Kasulugan where the DOH planned for 3 Barangays (Mahabang Kahoy, Carasuchi, and Kaykwit) to have 95% of their population to be registered for health monitoring (though realistically only 65% will be included), and other such programs. 

 

Once we were done with the quick tour and introductions, we were told to take up our stations in three different spots: the laboratory, the registration area, and the consultation area. Since the group I was to was assigned to the consultation room, I was able to sit alongside one of the midwifes who were doing the consultations. From there, I was able to watch how she interacted with the patients, gave them prescriptions, probed for more information, and more. Though I have to admit, at the beginning it was pretty hard to follow all the information being released, so I was more focused on getting the hang of the flow of things. One patient interaction did stand out to me the most though, there was a woman who was very irate and talking over the midwife right at the start of the interaction. I admired how the midwife kept her cool and demanded the attention and orderliness of the woman, without raising her voice, scolding her, or escalating the issue. It stood out to me because it made me realize that doctors are people who should always remain calm and composed, even in stressful situations. They must communicate with empathy and authority so that patients feel heard and respected while still maintaining control of the situation. This balance of professionalism and compassion seemed to be what builds trust and helps deliver the best care possible. When the day was over, there was talk about the groups switching which are they were assigned to, which had made me excited. I felt this because I know that there is more to learn in the days to come, and I already know that they will be just as as enriching and meaningful as today’s experience. Each new setting should allow me to gain a deeper understanding of patient care and the dynamics of healthcare in various situations.