An endocrinologist is a doctor who specializes in treating hormone-related disorders which includes diabetes mellitus. As complex as it may sound, it’s the field of medicine that Dr. Patrick Siy chose to concentrate on.
Dr. Patrick Siy is an endocrinologist from Cardinal Santos Medical Center. And while traditional Chinese families tend to gravitate towards business-related occupations, Patrick has taken the road less traveled to become a doctor.
“My family is actually in business, but ironically, I shied away from business and opted to go into medicine,” Dr. Patrick tells CHiNOY TV. His parents are both Chinese, but he admits that his family has already adopted some Filipino culture.
“My parents are both Chinese, so I would say that the traditions are still very much present. But being a second-generation Chinoy, my family has adopted some aspects of Filipino culture as well,” says Dr. Patrick.
On being an endocrinologist
According to Dr. Patrick, there was no specific inspiration for him to pursue medicine at first. Neither did he dream of becoming a doctor when he was young but looking back at his journey and all the patients he has helped, one could say that it was destined.
“It was not something I planned early on. Instead, I found myself gravitating towards [medicine] midway through college,” he shares.
“Before training in endocrinology, you would need to finish three years of residency in internal medicine. So it was in my third year already that I thought of specializing in endocrinology. It was the field I found most interesting and could see myself in,” he expounds.
Dr. Patrick went to Jubilee Christian Academy for high school and finished his medical degree at the University of Santo Tomas before training for residency in internal medicine at Cardinal Santos Medical Center. He also completed his fellowship training in Endocrinology at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City.
While complicated cases such as endocrine cases are a burden to some, the young doctor shares that it is actually the opposite for him. “Endocrinology involves a lot of numbers, and I happen to like math. We also get mind-boggling cases that are difficult to diagnose. In this field, you need a keen eye for detail. I’m very [obsessive-compulsive], so I think my personality is very much suited for this specialty,” he says.
On the other hand, the most challenging moments for him involve convincing patients to shift to a healthier lifestyle. “The right diet ends up being a debate every time I instruct patients on it,” he shares.
Another factor that has brought challenges in Dr. Patrick’s practice during this time is the continuous threat of the pandemic.
“[The pandemic] has definitely affected my work rhythm. Patients are afraid to go to the hospital, and some are having difficulty with online consultations. Both patients and doctors have had to adapt to the challenges brought about by the current situation,” Dr. Patrick says. He adds, however, that such challenges only add to his motivation to help his patients.
When asked what fulfills him the most as a doctor, Dr. Patrick bares that it’s when most of his patients who have diabetes achieve their blood sugar targets.
“Most of the patients I handle as an endocrinologist are patients with diabetes,” Dr. Patrick shares. “It makes me happy when we can avoid complications and improve their quality of life. Their appreciation of the effort I put in is just a bonus.”
On being Chinoy
If Dr. Patrick holds three Chinoy values dear to his heart, it would be kindness, politeness, and respect. These values, he shares, have shaped him over the years to become who he is now.
“Being kind doesn’t just mean being nice to your patients. It’s giving them the best management that you are capable of, as you would do for your own family. It is having their best interest in mind when offering the different treatment options. It is polite to our patients even if we have some differences in opinion. Respect is also essential when it comes to honoring the decisions that our patients make with regards to their care,” he explains.
As a Chinoy doctor, Dr. Patrick has high regard for family, so he takes care of his patients like how he takes care of his own relatives. “I take care of my patients as I would my own family – with utmost care and diligence,” he reiterates.
For young Chinoys who dream of pursuing a career in medicine, Dr. Patrick has a few words to say, “It is not easy becoming a doctor. There is no straight road, and there will be ups and a lot of downs that will bring out the best in you. Always remember to approach and treat each patient like your loved ones.”
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