Behind the historic launching of Caraga State University’s School of Medicine are pillars who rested to vitalize the institution’s trail of excellence. Along the roster is alumnus Dr. Jeswon Duque, whose legacy draws him back to his Alma Mater.
Homed in Cabadbaran City, Dr. Jeswon, a BS biology graduate from CSU, navigates his trajectory from serving cross-fields of profession as he plays multiroles. Presently, he is an Associate Professor V at CSU School of Medicine.
Reaching heights as towering as he has means no light weights to carry. The track he is in today was never a coincidence but a vision he worked hard to achieve.
Starting with biology
Way before he got admitted to CSU, his fondness for science, especially in biology, burned deep in him. Choosing CSU to enrich this desire was both due to practicality and passion.
“I am amazed by life, its processes, and everything about it. That’s why I chose biology as my preparatory [program], because there I found my interest in studying.”
Dr. Jeswon’s undergraduate journey went smooth as he enjoyed every fraction of the moment with little to none barriers hindering him. What he only considered puzzles are the general education courses. Nonetheless, everything was bearable for him.
“There, I learned to pursue what my heart desires; it sustained me to persevere. Perhaps, if it wasn’t biology, I would definitely have hard times doing what I want.”
Engraved in his mind, that value ushered him to be a consistent Dean’s Lister and even graduated with flying colors.
For Dr. Duque, being a product of CSU signifies privilege to access quality education with a resilient academic workforce and strong administrative bodies. Not to mention its vast interest in cultivating its research scope, he highlighted these facets as edges setting apart the institution from other universities.
All these converged and equipped him as he ventured into greater hallways. Right after graduation, Duque served in his Alma Mater as a lecturer. Yet, knowing he wanted to take his service further and wider, it fueled him to take his learning to an ascent.
Furthering to medicine
In 2015, the alumnus’ life route detoured as he enrolled as a medical student in Mindanao State University-Marawi bringing with him the fire to explore beyond biology.
“Medicine was a whole new world. It’s a practice, a careful exercise, and a diligent application of theoretic and scientific knowledge in medicine. I gained experience through problem-based learning. So, the initiative to read was on our end; indeed, an opportunity for us to grow and be independent.”
Pinning the challenges, Dr. Duque stressed how the experience drained him with all the textbooks readings. It required his devotion and open-mindedness to adapt with the ever-evolving body of knowledge, especially in the first to third year. His fourth year was another hill to climb for they were immersed in clerkship, the onset of clinical exposure.
“First, place the Lord as the reason behind what you are studying for. Second, put your heart in it. Third, take care of your mental health.”
His medical journey was never like the calm seas; his faith and the Christian community he is in helped him thrive through. It was more the workload that took tolls on him, but he carried on paired with time management and perseverance,
With coherent excellence, he was fortunate to secure a scholarship from the Department of Health’s Doctor to the Barrios (DTTB) in his second year in medicine. From then, countless doors opened for him and plotted a bright future leading to where he is now.
Immersing in practice
Ticking the medicine degree out of his bucket list in 2019, Dr. Duque went straight to being a Rural Health Physician in DOH Center for Development as part of his scholarship return service for three years.
Continuing his service in public health, he was then designated as Municipal Health Officer in the Municipality of Alegria, wherein he also juggled his pursuit of master’s degree in Public Management – Health Governance track.
“In rural settings, the grassroot struggles are there. There exists the primary care level of our health system; where you can witness unprivileged families who can barely afford check-ups.”
One of the major issues Dr. Duque noticed throughout his service is healthcare access. A matter that is not solely caused by financial or budgetary constraints, but with the interplay of social determinants of health like sanitation, housing, and culture.
His tenure and his background in public management made him realize the need for navigating the political landscape and addressing social contributing factors in order to actualize plans for the health system. However, strains widened as the COVID 19 penetrated the country, posing bigger knots to untie.
“There are protocols from DOH to limit and contain the virus and this requires a collaborated effort with the Local Government Unit (LGU). There is a need for collaboration because the LGUs are more well-aware of the culture and structure of the municipality.”
Dr. Duque’s experiences in public health was nothing short of unpredictable. Notwithstanding, his heart for worship never weakened and became his driving force to defy uncertainties. In addition, respect was the center of his professionalism; may it be towards his colleagues, supervisors, and even patients.
While he spent his years on school corridors and office desks building the self he aspired to be, he is now fit to take up greater responsibilities back to his home university.
Back to CSU
From student to mentor, that is how swift the time passed for Dr. Jeswon to transcend into a role he thought was just a dream. As he returned the favor to the place which nurtured him, he also channeled an enthusiasm that once grew on him—teaching. He joins 12 other faculty members at CSU School of Medicine, which opened this semester with 35 pioneering students.
“I hope that they will become the five-star physicians the university wants them to become. Being a doctor means not just being a healer but also a manager. They need to understand the importance of leadership, becoming a researcher, and a social mobilizer.”
Aside from the courses required, Dr. Duque mentioned how the mentorship program offered to the medical students can contribute to their becoming. He also extends advice to students , not just in academics but also in personal difficulties in life, highlighting the significance of one’s mental health.
Greatness is measured not on how exemplary the achievements are but how impactful your influence towards your fellowmen. And that greatness is testified through the quest strived by Dr. Jeswon Duque.
Integrating the interplay of CSU’s core values led Dr. Duque to witness different angles of life that shaped his story worth featuring for. Now, with his legacy being written in full-circle, he continuously upholds the university’s excellence not just for his career but for the future generations of medical five-star physicians shaped by CSU.
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#ShapedbyCSU features exemplary graduates of CSU who have achieved significant recognition and contributed to the pursuit of the university in the local and international arena
