A dedicated physician with 13 years of professional experience in his field, Patrick Joseph S. R. Casas is described as an enthusiastic and energetic doctor by her patients and colleagues.
Hailing from a family of doctors, he studied Doctor of Medicine and Post-Graduate Medical Internship at the prestigious Far Eastern University in 2014. As a general practitioner, his medical expertise ranges from diagnosing to treating and managing acute and chronic diseases of all ages.
Dr. Patrick’s mother works as a pediatric cardiologist, while his deceased father used to work as an ophthalmologist.
In the Philippines, he spent many hours in various hospitals, private companies, hotels, and factories, among others, in Taguig and Paranaque until he settled in internal medicine.
While he was still training in internal medicine, an idea to work abroad lurked in his head.
“It was a wake-up call for me to look for something higher and better,” he recalled.
After serving countless patients in the Philippines for four years, he decided to work overseas as a general practitioner. For two years now, Dr. Patrick works as a general practitioner for Kabayan Clinic, a clinic under the umbrella of Alhalia Hospital in Abu Dhabi that serves the Filipino community in the capital.
“As a general practitioner, patients must go through us first before they go to a specialist. For all types of illnesses, regardless of age–we will have to check on the patients first. We will see if we can provide the health care they require or if the patient needs to see a specialist,” he said.
There were certain factors where he struggled: the new environment and homesickness.
“I was taking myself out of my comfort zone. Before, I was okay with getting transferred to different hospitals because I could adapt to the system. Unlike here, it’s very different and stricter,” he said.
The young doctor lauded the comprehensive, government-funded health service and a rapidly developing private health sector that delivers a high standard of health care to the public.
“In terms of practice, the medications, and laboratories needed, you all can do it here,” he added.
“The truth is, I envy the healthcare system here. I wish we had the same privilege in the Philippines,” he further added.
He saw how the medical force struggled with insufficient medicine and facilities when he worked for a government-run hospital.
“If I look back, I could say today that I’m living the life. I feel like I am on my way there [pinnacle of success]. You’ve already accomplished half of it, and it feels good because you get to do what you like. You enjoy your career,” Dr. Patrick said.
When he’s not treating patients, he plays video games, and reads books, current events, and journals on medical advancement and new updates.
Dr. Patrick also immersed himself in triathlon before the pandemic. His hobby stopped during the pandemic when the movement in the capital was restricted.
Helping kabayans
The Filipino physician is glad to be part of Kabayan Clinic in Abu Dhabi as he gets to reach and help more Filipinos and understand their medical needs and attention.
The entity also offers huge discounts for Filipinos and organizes blood donation drives, among others. Non-Filipinos are also welcome in the clinic, he clarified.
“In my experience, our fellow Filipinos go here with their lab results. They’re aware of their diagnosis but want a more profound explanation from their countrymen. They understand it well,” he said.
“They will take your word for it. They trust you more because the language you speak is the same. They are more at ease after that. They know what to do,” he added.
Dr. Patrick said he still wants to further his residency and specializes in cardiology.
‘If your goal is scary enough, that’s great’
He advised his fellow kabayan to determine their goals.
“Your goal for now may look impossible, might look scary, but that’s good because if your goal is not frightening enough, I don’t think you’re aiming high enough. So, if you’re afraid, then that’s great because that means you’re there for greater things,” he added.
Dr. Patrick further added that if one starts to dream, one should always be consistent.
“There are times when you lose motivation. Sometimes you will be so crushed that you think the sky has fallen on you. But that’s okay; that’s how it is. If your goal is high, that isn’t easy. Accept that you will suffer. But you have to be consistent in doing what you do and little by little,” he concluded.
