THE job of a medical technologist is often misunderstood as simply drawing blood or examining samples. But for Jherry Andrei Dellica Arbotante, the role goes far beyond that. Medical technologists are crucial in ensuring accurate laboratory results -- findings that guide the majority of a physician’s decisions and can ultimately save lives.
Arbotante was the only Cebuano from a Cebu-based university to make it to the Top 10 of the March 2025 Medical Technologist Licensure Exam, earning a 92.30 percent rating.
For him, it was not just a personal achievement -- it was also a chance to shine a much-needed spotlight on the often-overlooked heroes of healthcare: medical technologists.
Arbotante, the 23-year-old Velez College graduate from Kinasang-an Pardo, Cebu City and the youngest of Herfa and Jerome Arbotante's three children, described this moment as significant.
Misconception
Reflecting on his achievement, his thoughts immediately turned to advocating for medical technology, a profession he initially entered without knowing much about but has since grown to deeply respect.
“We often get misidentified or misinterpreted as we mostly work behind the scenes in the context of patient care, but I hope this achievement is an opportunity to show to others that we are more than just ‘taga kuha ng dugo’ (examine blood) or ‘taga-examine ng tae at ihi’ (examine urine and feces or stool),” Arbotante said in a chat interview on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
This passion for raising awareness stemmed from a growing understanding of the vital role medical technologists play behind the scenes, he said.
While doctors and nurses often take center stage in patient care narratives, medical technologists are the meticulous detectives in the lab, their expertise crucial for accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans.
Medical technologists or medical laboratory scientists perform complex laboratory tests on biological specimens, analyze the results with precision, ensure quality control, and provide vital data that physicians use for diagnosis, treatment monitoring, disease screening, and overall patient management.
Arbotante's journey to becoming a topnotcher was not a straightforward pursuit of a lifelong dream. Initially considering medical technology as a pre-medical stepping stone, his perspective shifted as he delved deeper into the curriculum at Velez College.
He witnessed firsthand the rigor and dedication required in the field, recognizing the critical link between their work and patient well-being.
"It was a learned passion," he said.
"Looking back, I can see how medical technologists in the laboratory, having worked behind the scenes in the context of patient care, deserve so much recognition in their crucial role in the healthcare team," he added.
Now, armed with the distinction of topping the national licensure exam, Arbotante saw his achievement as an opportunity to amplify this message.
He envisioned a future where the crucial contributions of medical technologists are more widely understood and appreciated by both the public and other healthcare professionals.
"I hope this achievement is an opportunity to show to others that we are more than just 'taga kuha ng dugo' or 'taga-examine ng tae at ihi'," he said.
"We are the ones responsible for ensuring quality laboratory results that affects majority of a physician’s decisions,” he said, and this he plans to pursue in medical school.
"I am also looking forward to working with other members of the healthcare team and upholding that quality healthcare is a right, not a privilege," he states.
Moment
In an unexpected moment, while alone at a mall, Arbotante received the news that he passed the exam from a phone call from his older brother.
It was not until he personally checked the official results that the magnitude of his achievement became clear.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Arbotante's phone call with his mother, filled with tears of joy, drew the attention of onlookers and even mall security.
“I was so thankful and happy at that time that I got to share the news with my family first, because right after the calls, my phone died -- the battery was just enough for us to exchange our thoughts and emotions,” Arbotante said.
Motivation
Velez College is known for its tough medical courses, and Arbotante said that training really helped him pass the exam.
But college was not the only help. His family and friends were a big support, always encouraging him. This shows that having a good education and people who believe in you can make a big difference when facing tough challenges.
Arbotante credited his faith and the unwavering support of his family as key motivators throughout his journey. He expressed immense gratitude for his parents, Herfa and Jerome Arbotante, and his two older siblings for their constant encouragement.
"I would not be here today if it weren’t for the unconditional love and support from my family," Arbotante said.
Review
During his review, Arbotante revealed that he chose to review away from home.
“I am so grateful and lucky because I had the privilege to really focus on preparing for the board exam,” he said.
He added that he did not adhere to a strict schedule. Instead, he focused on setting achievable daily goals, dedicating approximately 10 to 12 hours each day to his studies.
A visual learner, Arbotante found success in watching related videos and creating his own diagrams.
He also emphasized the importance of repetition and active recall, frequently rewriting information from memory and tackling numerous practice questions to sharpen his test-taking abilities.
He said there were moments of anxiety, doubts, burnout, demotivation, academic pressure, and trying to survive independently.
“My journey wasn’t perfect -- I’m sure none of us have -- but it’s how we can grow and learn. Each one of us has our own struggles and battles, but I believe it’s what makes success taste sweeter when the journey is filled with hurdles and obstacles that you have to overcome,” he said. (CDF)