July 15, 2021
TIMA Doctors Help Vaccinate at BTCC
By Daniel Lazar
As the Tzu Chi Foundation’s vaccination program continues to help vaccinate thousands of people, Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA), together with Tzu Chi volunteers are helping in the effort to vaccinate both Filipinos and foreign nationals. Several TIMA doctors graciously volunteered their time and knowledge to oversee post-vaccination, taking blood pressure, and provide medical advice.
Dr. Catherine Young, a TIMA doctor and a Pediatrician, was previously involved in Tzu Chi’s medical missions with the pedia group, and now again volunteers her time to help others. “We used to to go the provinces for medical emissions, probably around six times a year, prior to the pandemic,” she noted, “but now, since we have not been able to go out [on missions] we give whatever help we can give, that’s the spirit of Tzu Chi.”
Another TIMA doctor and Pediatrician, Dr. Cymbelly De Los Santos, joined the Tzu Chi Foundation and TIMA when she was a resident. Introduced to Tzu Chi by her mentor, she always looked forward to medical missions, eager to help others in need. Being part of other non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Dr. De Los Santos has been helping underprivileged children for many years. She explained that “I am a doctor and I am not after any compensation. I am very happy and delighted when I see that children are being treated when I give my services. I think that is one of my missions in this world."
Obstetrician Dr. Marleen Arquella Nable, echoed the same sentiments, saying that “nowadays, we don’t have any clinic that operates daily, so I can serve people in those special days when I am free. Doing services for others…It’s happiness, right?” Like her other TIMA colleagues, Dr. Nable follows Dharma Master Cheng Yen’s teachings and helps those in need.
Together with many other Tzu Chi volunteers on site, the Foundation is on track to vaccinate thousands, and help the nation’s effort in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic.