15/07/2025
Over the course of Doc Christiana's (or Doc Tiana, as she is sometimes called) obstetrics and gynecology residency, there is one moment that left an indelible mark on her experience: it was the moment when she witnessed the mother crying, the baby’s first cry, the adrenaline rushing through her, and the quiet tears in her eyes as she helped bring a life into the world. Unforgettable memories from her residency training continue to echo through her, as she often looks back on those intense times when she was constantly exposed to the realities of childbirth. She remembers those long nights—when the world outside was quiet but her mind was in chaos reading everything, soaking in every word, and fighting the relentless tug of sleep. Nights like these kept rolling, bringing back memories of how she studied every stage with a mind stretched and overwhelmed, repeating them until they became a second language spoken. She endured those demanding days, repeatedly learning protocols until her mind grew numb. But the good thing is, nothing—no textbook, no endless studying, no sleepless night—could have ever prepared her for the overwhelming, breath-stopping beauty of this moment. For her, these are memories to treasure because she felt the profound weight and wonder of her profession. The medical training she went through was not just about honing clinical skills but witnessing the raw, trembling moment when life begins and knowing she had a vital role in something deeply sacred. Indeed, this experience reaffirmed why she chose this path and continues to fuel her strength whenever uncertainty sets in.
Amid her intense experience during fellowship training in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Doc Tiana recalls one patient she will never forget from seven years ago—a patient who endured numerous attempts and multiple failed treatments in her journey to conceive. After a long and difficult journey, the moment finally came: the patient had a positive pregnancy test. When asked about her feelings upon finding out that the patient was pregnant, she expressed, “I was flooded with overwhelming emotions as I was able to capture the patient bursting into tears—tears of disbelief, relief, and pure joy.” “Moreover, I had been closely involved in her care, monitoring every step of her cycle, adjusting medications, and providing emotional support during setbacks. Seeing her finally succeed wasn’t just a clinical milestone—it was deeply human,” Doc Tiana added. With a profound sense of gratitude, this kind of journey reminded her that this field is not only about science and hormones; it’s about rekindling the light of hope. It left a lasting impression, illustrating how resilience, compassion, and meticulous care can transform someone’s life forever—a moment that makes every challenge in her field truly worthwhile.
Reliving the chapters etched in her medical path where she developed resilience, she recalled a particular moment during a night on duty in the delivery room when she candidly felt the full weight and unpredictability of obstetrics. On that particular night, a young mother came to her, already visibly distressed, carrying the weight of limited prenatal care and no support system to lean on. As complications rapidly escalated, every passing moment became crucial; she dedicated herself fully to assisting the patient through all challenges. As everything seemed to be falling into chaos, she felt sweat forming above her eyes and the wild rhythm of her heart pounding fiercely against her chest. Despite the overwhelming pressure, she stood firm and remained calm, quickly taking charge and making decisive calls to guide the team in ensuring the safety of both mother and baby. In moments like these, when a life truly depends on skilled medical care, she couldn’t help but proudly reflect on how physically exhausting and emotionally overwhelming the experience was. But instead of being overwhelmed, she found strength in herself—taking a deep breath, regrouping with her colleagues, and moving forward to care for the next patient with renewed focus. Through this challenging experience, Doc Tiana realized she had grown not only in honing her clinical skills but also in unleashing a deep well of resilience. It became clear to her that being an OB-GYN isn’t just about medical knowledge—it is about holding yourself together when others need you most, so they don’t fall apart.
Doc Christiana obtained her Doctor of Medicine degree from Cagayan State University–College of Medicine and Surgery, Carig Campus. She then pursued a specialization in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cagayan Valley Medical Center and had her subspecialty training in reproductive medicine (reproductive endocrinology and infertility) at the Consortium of FEU-NRMF and JRRMMC.
