Why I Left The Philippines and Why I Came Back
Four years ago, I did what I never imagined myself would do as a medical professional: 'betray' my country. At least, that was how it looked like for me. I was one of those who would criticize fellow professionals- doctors, nurses, therapists, teachers - who would leave the country in exchange for better incomes. I would lambast them in my tweets and facebook posts, condemning them for bartering their patriotism for a better life. Traitors. I never expected that one day I would be placed in a similar situation. Worse. I never expected I would choose to leave rather than to stay. It must be said that I chose to be a doctor not only because I wanted to "serve humanity" as the cliche would go but of course to earn a more than decent living that would support my family. Doing the right thing and getting paid for what you love to do is not bad or wrong. But the economical reason took a far back seat from the personal aspiration to really make a difference. I got attracte...