11F-ASP
11F-ASP

Nurse bounces back after failing first physician exam; Now a doc in Malita

WHEN things go south and don’t go as planned, he allows himself to cry and feel the pain and restart again with a renewed hope and stronger faith.

This is the secret of registered nurse and doctor Jomayco Bacay Tumuran. He failed his first physician licensure exam in 2020, but he bounces back stronger in 2021 and blessings continue to pour his way today.

“When I failed, I was really at my lowest. What will happen to me now that I failed? But I’m grateful that my family and friends never gave up on me and still supported and encouraged me to keep on going. That’s life, I need to keep forward and continue my dream to be a doctor and I’m glad I did,” he shared in an interview with Sun Star Davao.

The 32-year-old doctor shared it is really his childhood dream to be a doctor.

“It was my childhood dream to be a doctor. I want to help my parents financially and assist my family with any health-related problems,” he said.

Tumuran, who finished his medicine course at Davao Medical School Foundation, Inc. (DMSF) in 2019, realized a fair share of struggles and sacrifices. He even went on selling items like stethoscopes, book stands, pencil cases, loot bags, and others in order for him to survive financially in medical school.

“My journey towards my dream was like walking in a park but a Jurassic Park. It was spiritually, emotionally, physically, financially, and mentally draining so you have to be prepared. In times when I fail my exams, quizzes, I just cry it out for five minutes, then study again after,” the doctor said.

Tumuran caught the attention of many, even national media when he posted a video on Tiktok about his reaction -- crying at that -- when he broke the news to her mother that he passed the board exam. His video went viral and inspired many.

“I was supposed to call mama and prank her but I failed again but when I heard her voice, I immediately broke down and told her the good news. It was surreal, I can’t help myself to get emotional,” he said.

He shared he is happy that he was used by God to inspire others especially those who were hopeless in achieving their dreams.

At present, Tumuran is now a resident doctor at Malita District Hospital during weekends. On weekdays, he is hands-on at his own clinic in Toril, Davao City.

“Also, when my schedule allows, I work as a vaccinator in various vaccination hubs in the city to help our city on its vaccination rollout,” he said.

Tumuran has a strong message to all aspiring medical doctors who are taking up medicine and are preparing for the exams this month.

“To all med students who will be taking the exams this September, always pray to the Lord and claim that you will have the license and you will become a doctor,” he shared.

Meanwhile, to all retakers like he once was, Tumuran said: "Always remember that God has a perfect timing. It is never early, never late, it takes a little patience and faith but it’s always worth the wait. Claim it, you can do it, always do your best."

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