Joey M.D.

It’s never easy to have to choose whether to stay in the Philippines or to try your luck in the United States, or any other country for that matter.  It is doubly hard to do that when you are a holder of a medical degree and know that while there is potentially more chances of an increase in income when you do move out.  Whatever your decision is — to stay or to to go — is really dependent upon your current position and the prospects that you are facing.  Many people think that doctors who leave — especially if they leave as nurses or other medical professionals rather than as doctors — are not “fulfilling their duties”, but I do believe those who leave are those who have somehow lost faith in having a sustainable practice in the Philippines.  For somebody to sacrifice their long years of training, then leave family and friends behind, there must be a pressing reason for that.

I am not for or against the doctors of good doctors, nurses and other health professionals.  I am currently based in Manila and actively practicing, and what we (my husband and I) earn are adequate for our needs.  It’s pathetic though, that we cannot move out from our parents’ because we cannot afford it…not with our current income.  So even though I do not have any plans of leaving at the moment, I would keep an open mind to the possibility that I might change my mind later on.

I would, however, try to look up possible job openings before I even leave.  For example, I can look for available Medical Jobs in North Carolina online.  This way, I know what jobs are available for the qualifications that I have.  I would not go there with a “bahala na” attitude, with no job, finite money which would be gone soon especially with no visible income generating activities.  It is always best to be prepared, especially since upon leaving, you leave behind your whole support system.  If you didn’t make it here, there’s still family and friends who can help you and bail you out.  But if you’re all along or with just your nuclear family, it’s even more difficult.