Supernova

It starts as a cloud of gas and dust, miraculously coalescing into a nebula. Somehow and after a long while, it consolidates into a distinct body, with its own gravity, and shining bright with its own light. The process takes almost forever as the star grows in size and brightness, then, almost abruptly in comparison, growth accelerates exponentially into a red giant, like a colossal plastic balloon about to pop. And pop it does, almost surrealistically, into one awe-inspiring supernova, lighting the heavens with a billion intensity, until just as suddenly, it folds unto itself, into a deep ebony blackhole. In the timeline of celestials, its one brief firecracker, from a ghostly cloud to a bright explosion, and finally to a deep black tombstone marking its former existence.

Physicians are no different. The tough long road through medical school, residency and fellowship, made even longer by sleepless nights and 36-hour duties. You pay your dues and you do the menial tasks, measuring bodily fluids, becoming intimate with human refuse, feeding your patients while you yourself haven’t had a bite. And the day comes, when you’ve passed all the trials, finished all the mind-numbing exams, accepted all the vulgarities and invectives from all over. You’re an attending, and the world is your oyster.  Skies are brighter. Life is much better. You’re in charge.

These are the days that are most suspect.

Many physicians lose themselves, spoiled rotten by the carefree unstructured days, when day and night melt unto each other, conferences give way to even more conferences, out-of-town trips, and society activities. Many fail to see the inevitable, down the road, when life folds unto itself, marking the sunset with an ebony blackhole. Retirement planning is not a matter of choice, but of survival. It’s a gift not afforded to everyone, but squandered by most. And when you realize its upon you, it’s way too late.

Now more than ever. The paradigm of private practice in the Philippines is changing. Threats abound internally and externally, by forces even from within the organization, and will have far-reaching repercussions within a 5-10 year timeline. It’s a brave new world, and those unable to adapt will be swept away by the waves of change.