About to Start Your Return of Service? Here’s a Letter for the Nervous New DTTB
Recently, I had a chat with a friend who’s a Department of Health (DOH) scholar. He’s about to start his return of service under the Doctor to the Barrios (DTTB) program — a government initiative that sends doctors to remote, underserved areas in the Philippines. For context, these places are often hard to reach, have limited resources, and really depend on the DTTB doctors as their primary healthcare providers.
Now, I wasn’t a DOH scholar myself, but I volunteered to join the program a few years back (because I was searching for adventure then) — and honestly, it turned out to be the best experience of my life so far. The challenges were real, but so were the connections with the community and the sense of purpose I found every day. There’s something deeply rewarding about making a tangible difference where it’s needed most.
During our conversation, my friend admitted he had some reservations — fears, even — about what lies ahead. And I totally get it. It’s natural to feel that way. If you’re thinking about joining the program or are about to start your own service, here’s a letter for you:
To the Future Doctor to the Barrio,
Congrats for taking on this challenge. Here’s the truth: your journey will have moments that absolutely take your breath away. You’ll encounter cases you’ve never seen before. Your heart will swell with joy and sometimes, tears will come without warning. You’ll witness incredible landscapes that remind you why this work matters.
But let’s be real — it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.
You might give everything you’ve got until you’re running on empty. People might not always appreciate what you do. You might feel unrecognized, maybe even burned out. But keep going. As Eleanor Roosevelt famously said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
There’s a story I heard during my Master of Public Health orientation that stuck with me. It’s about mango pickers. It was mentioned that doctors working in the cities were illustrated like mango pickers harvesting the fruit at the front of the farm — it’s easier, more accessible, and the fruit is plentiful. But DTTBs? They’re the mango pickers who trek to the farthest corners of the farm, where there are thorns, wild animals, and discomfort. They go to places others wouldn’t dare. And why is that? Because no matter how challenging it is to pick those fruits, the mangoes there are just as important. If you will not pick them up, then who would?
So how do you keep your head up when the going gets tough?
Ask for help. The DTTB community is an incredible support network — diverse, open, and always ready to lend a hand.
Pray. Not just for knowledge or skill, but for resilience, passion, and the strength to keep going when times get tough.
Remember why you chose this path. You chose service over comfort. You chose to go where others wouldn’t. You chose to sacrifice opportunities that might’ve been easier or more lucrative.
It’s okay to think about those sacrifices — but don’t let them weigh you down.
You’re here because of service. Because of patriotism. And because you want to make a real difference.
If you’re about to take this step, or if you’re feeling those nerves right now, know that you’re not alone. It’s a tough road, but it’s also one of the most rewarding journeys you’ll ever take.
And hey — if you want to hear more about my experience or just need someone, the whole DTTB community has got your back.
You are one of us now.
Padayon, Kapatid. Para sa bayan.
