February 12, 2025
Strengthened by faith, motivated by family
By Dorothy Castro
Divine intervention was how 29-year-old Edil-Joshua Ganas described his life after achieving a milestone for himself and his family: He’s now a doctor after his arduous yet rewarding journey in medical school as a Tzu Chi scholar.
From the day he was born, superstitious midwives have predicted that he was “born to heal.” This however, did not guarantee a smooth path for him.
He began to work on his goal to be in the field of medicine, completing his undergraduate degree as a nurse in Western Mindanao State University, passing the Nursing Licensure Exam in 2016. Coming from a family of seven, he hesitated applying to medical school, as he knew his parents were not financially capable of supporting his studies.
“I was worried that my brother would ask me why I’d choose to pursue medicine when I could have supported the family,” said Ganas, who was already working and supporting himself as a nurse for two years.
But his calling could not be silenced– even as he asked for signs from the heavens, he continued to receive answers pushing him to become a doctor.
“I asked for three things: to pass the National Medical Admission Test, pass my first semester as a medical student, and become a scholar,” he narrated. Even when these signs seemed difficult to achieve, he successfully received a resounding “yes” through his faith.
Anticipating his family’s disapproval, what he heard instead from his elder brother were these words:
“Jo, let us do everything we can [for you] to finish medical school.”
In 2020, however, the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on his family, causing a series of life-altering experiences that they had to endure. He took up online jobs to shoulder his personal allowance and school expenses, easing his parents of the burden of his medical school fees.
But then, he went through a sudden, jarring loss: In 2020, he lost his beloved elder brother to COVID-19.
A difficult loss also brought much-needed sacrifices to help the family. His mother retired early to help look after his late elder brother’s daughter, whose mother had to work abroad to support the family.
He, too, struggled with his medical school journey after this loss. He received rejections from his job applications and failed subjects in his medical classes, causing him to lose his scholarship. But his will would not be shattered.
And just when he thought it was time to give up, fate had other plans. Learning about Tzu Chi Foundation in his clinical rotations during nursing school, he applied and was accepted into Tzu Chi’s full-ride scholarship for medical school in Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU).
It was as if the heaviest weight was lifted off his shoulders. “I felt special, everytime I would settle my tuition fees, I did not have to pay for anything,” Ganas said, feeling very sentimental.
And Tzu Chi’s compassion did not end in financial support. Throughout his studies and thesis, volunteers like Dr. Anton Mari Lim, Deputy CEO and officer-in-charge of Tzu Chi Zamboanga, gave him much-needed advice in the medical field.
And most of all, he found a second family in the donors, volunteers, and fellow scholars who helped him fulfill his lifelong dream.
Ganas, who graduated with a degree in Doctor of Medicine-Master in Public Health in January, vowed to pay it forward the same way Tzu Chi supported him. During his studies in medical school, he made sure to take the time to show gratitude by helping patients at the Zamboanga Tzu Chi Great Love Eye Center in Zamboanga City Medical Center.
“What we can give to Tzu Chi does not have to be monetary. All they hope for is once we are empowered and capable, we too can help others the way we were helped,” said Ganas.
Edil-Joshua Ganas, 29, graduated with a degree in Doctor of Medicine- Master in Public Health from Ateneo de Zamboanga University School of Medicine.
Edil-Joshua Ganas with his family, all smiles during his graduation. In his life, they are his greatest cheerleaders.
Edil-Joshua Ganas with his family, all smiles during his graduation. In his life, they are his greatest cheerleaders.
Driven by his faith, Edil-Joshua Ganas, a devout Catholic, saw no hesitation as he applied to become a scholar in Tzu Chi Zamboanga, a Buddhist foundation.
During the recognition of scholars in Tzu Chi Zamboanga, Edil-Joshua Ganas (left) was gifted with a stethoscope after passing his clerkship. Tzu Chi Zamboanga Vice OIC Harvey Yap (right) presented him with the stethoscope, recognizing his effort as a medical student.
During the recognition of scholars in Tzu Chi Zamboanga, Edil-Joshua Ganas (left) was gifted with a stethoscope after passing his clerkship. Tzu Chi Zamboanga Vice OIC Harvey Yap (right) presented him with the stethoscope, recognizing his effort as a medical student.
Throughout his medical school journey, Edil-Joshua Ganas never failed to make time for his family, his biggest supporters.
Edil-Joshua Ganas helps patients during check-ups.
Edil-Joshua Ganas dedicates his time to assisting the Zamboanga Tzu Chi Great Love Eye Center in Zamboanga City Medical Center.