Getting to Know You: Chief Res Shiel Mejia-Samonte
by Michelle Merca, M.D.
After three years of training as FCM resident, Shiel has emerged to be one of the best residents in the department. She now joins the roster of highly competent FCM residents who went on as Chief to lead the Department in guiding the juniors to unleash their potentials and maximize their skills to become the best family physicians they can be.
Dr.Marishiel Mejia-Samonte, Ma’am Shiel as we call her is someone who possesses the quality of a good family physician. She is genuinely caring, compassionate, and kind-hearted. She would always tell us to consider our patient’s condition when making decisions. For her, the medical problem is just one aspect of every patient’s reason why they seek consult, and so we have to make sure that we discharge patients with an assurance that their needs were met.
As chief resident she is assertive but not arrogant; confident but not conceited. As we see her conduct our weekly discussions, she stresses her point without making us feel that we are wrong; she is generous enough to share her knowledge and experiences unconditionally. Likewise, she is always willing to help in any way to the point of extending extra hours away from her family. Her warmth and concern for her fellow residents, indeed the entire department staff, make her unquestionably well-loved by everyone.
Ma’am Shiel’s leadership skill is undeniable. She has the ability to make everyone follow in a way that makes each of them cooperative. She is firm but just…intelligent but humble… aggressive but not controlling. She is considerate, courteous and helpful to her colleagues; she offers a helping hand, not only in things confined to the hospital but also with life in general. And finally, her smile and enthusiasm makes everyone feel that we are family..
As the youngest members of the department, we are privileged to have ma’am Shiel: a leader, friend, sister… our “hepe”.
