IN FOCUS: BERNEE AZCUETA, New PSPC President
Dr. Maria Bernadette Afliccion Azcueta. She is Bernee to many of us, Bodette to family and friends. She had the blood of a true Ilokana – as she was fondly called “Miss Cabugao” by Dr. Wilberto Lopez and “Miss Earth” by a doctor colleague. But Who really is our new PSPC President?
Dr. Bernee comes from a very good and respectable family. She is the 5th among the brood of 8, considered herself as ‘the super middle child”. Growing up, she used to be one of the boys. She enjoys playing in the neighborhood street – from ‘tumbang preso’ ‘patintero, ‘piko’ to falling in the hustle and bustle of the street under the moon. She even ventured into jumping from the back of their house just to go out and play. She had her share of being scolded by her dad for coming home late and smelling like the sun. During her academic years, she always stands out in her class, receiving awards left and right.
Her upbringing was not a pampered one, but Dra. Bernee became the embodiment of numerous human virtues. Her selflessness is very much felt by her family. She generously shares her blessings even without being asked to. Sincere and true, with a religious bent of mind, she is the best friend one can have. Whether you have a piece of broccoli stuck in your teeth or you are about to embark on a major life decision, she is always there to give you what’s on her mind. While sometimes it can seem a bit harsh or she may even disagree with your choices, Bernee won’t hide her views – especially if she thinks it’s in your best interest. A sea of knowledge, I have learned a lot from her. Some fellows in training would even call her as “the walking encyclopedia” because she would have answers to every query – be it science, religion, or general information (even love life). For the training fellows and colleagues, she is strict and firm. She does not allow mediocre work especially if it involves the care of children with heart disease. She practices her craft competently and compassionately. She loves to teach, takes time to explain things, and will not stop until you were able to understand what she wants to convey. Sympathetic to the less fortunate pediatric cardiac patients, she tries her best to offer help and solution. Service of humanity, devotion to duty and responsibility, respect for elders, and love for young ones are her other great qualities.
What about the other side of Dr. Bernee, when she is not making rounds at the surgical ICU doing post-operative care, not wearing the white blazer, and not being a Pediatric Cardiologist? Turn her 360 degrees – she transforms into a different persona. She is both a traveler and a homebody. To unwind from the busy days of the hospital, her favorite thing to do is to hibernate is in her sister’s place in Winnipeg. She’s been to many places, both with family and friends. And during her travel, she never forgets to bring home something for her loved ones and friends. Staying at home, she loves doing household chores – from bathing her dog Chocolate, feeding her fishes, cutting and repotting her plants to doing crochet and artworks. She loves to cook – from her signature pasta to experimenting with other difficult menus like baked salmon, roast beef, and her famous adobo (which the training fellows love so dearly).
Going back to what most of us know about her, after finishing her Fellowship in Pediatric Cardiology training at the Philippine Heart Center, she furthered her knowledge in Cardiac Critical Care with an Observership at the Children’s Regional and Medical Seattle in Washington, USA. Upon returning to PHC, she become unstoppable in rendering services to the children with cardiac diseases, especially in the post-operative care.
There is no denying that everybody can become a leader, but it is true that not every leader can be significant. Her positive attitude and outlook in life inspire most of us to be good in everything that we do and is an essential characteristic that will make her a good leader.
By: Dr. Ghie Mappala