MEET DR. GODOFREDO GODOY, MAKATI MEDICAL CENTER'S " MOST APPRECIATED PHYSICIAN "

Most people get anxious or fearful at the sight of hospitals and physicians. Haven't we all experienced that at least once or twice in our lives? After all doctors had been tagged as the " bearer of bad news."

We also get intimidated by grouchy or irritable doctors every now and then, which makes us hold back and reluctant to ask questions that we need to be enlightened of. Some of them get displeased by too many questions, while others are too meager with their words or proper explanation.

It is for this reason that doctors should possess a very approachable and persuasive character, not to mention the highest amount of patience at all times. It is of vital importance for they are dealing with precious lives. Patients should be afforded "tender loving care" for it helps in their healing process.

It is in this regard that I would to like to bring into everyone's awareness that there is such a physician who breathes life not only on all of the above qualities, but so much more. He is Dr. Godofredo Godoy, an Internist Cardiologist of Makati Medical Center, (and my personal physician as well) who I am so blessed to have met.

Dr. Godoy had been awarded as Makati Medical Center's " Most Appreciated Physician " for 5 consecutive years based on votes gathered from the hospital's roster of physicians, employees and medical staff.

He is also known as MMC's "Poster Boy" as he was one of the models chosen for the hospital's "Malasakit" campaign which embodies compassionate care, service and sympathy not only to patients, but to anyone who feels the need to seek help. If you happen to drop by MMC, you will notice that posters featuring him abound in the hospital's various premises.

How did I encounter him? Well this is my story.

I needed to consult an Internist and not being aware of anyone from MMC's roster of physicians, decided to call their hotline to ask for details and suggestions. The receptionist gave me the name of Dr. Godofredo Godoy. At first I was reluctant because I preferred a lady doctor. I was musing over the thought of what if he turns out to be an old and grumpy doctor?

So I searched his name in the ever reliable Google and was led to various write-ups on him. I clicked on the first article which was one published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Upon opening the link, what readily caught my discerning eye was his picture with Cardinal Tagle. More than the picture however, what really left a mark not only in my mind, but in my heart as well, were the opening words of the article which quoted him saying " Lord, please add some of my life to my cancer patients."

For someone spiritual like me, those words were enough to dispel all my doubts and be assured that I was being led not only to the right doctor, but a man of God as well. I had initially prayed to the Holy Spirit (as I always do whenever I need to make a decision) to guide me in choosing the right doctor. For me this is another one of the many Divine Interventions in my life. I also believe that GOD puts certain people in our lives for a reason.

So I went to his clinic that afternoon and noticed that unlike most doctors whose patients wait in the hallway, his patients waited in comfortable sofas inside his clinic, just outside his private room. While waiting for my turn, I looked around and my mindful eyes saw plaques with "Most Appreciated Physician" embossed on them.

When it was my turn, his secretary ushered me to his private clinic and I was greeted by a good looking man in his white coat flashing a very cordial and warm hearted smile. In a soft spoken manner and toned down voice, he asked what my concern was. After discussing my concern, since I couldn't contain my curiosity, I asked about the plaques and what they represent. He explained that it is an annual award bestowed on an MMC physician who aptly embodies the title and voted upon by physicians and employees of MMC. He happens to be a Hall of Famer after having been voted and awarded for 5 consecutive years, which is no mean feat after all.

I told him that even if it was my first time to meet him, I honestly believe he truly deserves the award based on my experience and inter-action with him in such a momentary time.

He even joked that his name contains the word GOD twice, GODofredo GODoy. What a remarkable concurrence indeed, which probably ensues a message somewhere between the lines.

I have this gift of being able to sense someone's character based on a person's demeanor, words, body language, etc. I wasn't wrong in judging him after all. He truly is God sent not only to me but to all of his patients as well.

If only I could change the name of that award, I would add "Most Admirable and Ideal Physician" as well. Don't you all agree?

SOMEDAY WE WILL HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS

I often wonder what life would be in the "after life".

For Catholics like me, we believe in life after death. We believe that souls go to either Heaven or Hell (after being purified in Purgatory) depending on the gravity of the sins they committed while on earth. The ultimate judge is God the Father himself who will make the revelation to mankind on Judgment Day.

All of us have the so-called Book of Life, wherein all our deeds are recorded. In my grade school days, we were told that the caretaker of this book is St.Peter, who keeps track of all the things we do, good or bad. He also holds the key to Heaven.

I imagine God the Father as being very serious and unrelenting in the exercise of his authority. ( For this write-up, I would be referring to The Father as God, and to The Son as Jesus to avoid any confusion )

If I compare The Father with The Son, I should say Jesus is not as strict as His Father, or should I say more understanding and easier to approach. After all He is our best friend and had experienced what it's like to be man. He acts as our mediator and intercessor, but of course His Father has the last say on our fate.

I have a lot of questions for God (don't we all) and I hope I will be given the chance to ask Him if I will be blessed to come face to face with Him someday.

Questions like; why do people have to suffer, why does evil exist, why is it that when calamity strikes, it is always the poor who get affected, why do you allow some people to malign you, etc. I would also ask Him how would our souls look like after we had made the cross-over. Do we look like our age at the time of our death? Do souls continue to age in the next life? What if my mom died in her 40s and I die at 60, will she recognize me? So intriguing isn't it?

I could probably go on and on with the questions that had built up in my mind all this time. God would probably have to remind me that a lot of souls are in line after me and I'm taking too much of his precious time with my questions.

Someday, we will have all the answers to our questions. We will be enlightened on why a "blessing in disguise" happened to us. We will finally know the elusive reason behind "everything happens for a reason", etc.

Yes Someday........