MANILA, Philippines – The story of Dr. Mark Johnuel M. Duavis from the University of Cebu School of Medicine in Mandaue City is very inspiring, as featured in an entertainment site in 2022.
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| Photo courtesy: Facebook/Mark Johnuel M. Duavis |
After ranking in the Top 10 of the October 2022 Physician Licensure Exam and receiving cash incentives and a brand-new car from his alma mater, he found joy in being assigned as a doctor in a rural area in his home province.
In an interview with The Summit Express to check in on Dr. Duavis and ask for updates about him, it was revealed that he was assigned to a rural village, where he embraced the challenge of being a "doctor to the barrio."
Instead of immediately working in private hospitals for a higher salary and taking on side hustles in other medical institutions, he chose to serve in the countryside.
Dr. Duavis shared that he considers himself fortunate in his experience as a "doctor to the barrio" because the local government and the Department of Health (DOH) in their region have been very supportive and did not neglect them.
He also mentioned that their salaries were well-provided and, in fact, even higher than those of doctors in public hospitals, as stated in the contract they signed before accepting the role.
After three years as a doctor to the barrio, Dr. Duavis has grown fond of his patients, who continuously show their appreciation by sending him food to his residence.
More importantly, he has learned the true essence of compassion as a doctor—not just to fulfill his duties but to genuinely care for the well-being of his patients in the rural community.
As for the brand-new car he was given, Dr. Duavis revealed that he sold it and used the money to establish his own pharmacy. Overall, he described his experience as a doctor to the barrio as a fulfilling and rewarding journey.
Congratulations, Doc Mark!
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express
