Centro Escolar University
My academic journey began at CEU. I later realized that I needed a different environment in which to grow.
Manila Central University
College of Medicine
SUBJECT 01RMT / MD 1-1
A STUDY OF SCIENCE, SERVICE & GROWTH
JohnDerrickDC. Esguerra
RMTRegistered Medical Technologist
Stay curious.
Stay humble.
Keep learning.
ABOUT THE STUDENT
Medicine begins with the willingness to keep asking why.
Hi, I am John Derrick DC. Esguerra, RMT, a 26-year-old medical student from Nueva Ecija.
This portfolio is a modest record of my time in medical school. I created it not to present grand achievements, but to document an honest journey through the science of healthcare and the continuing work of serving others well.
My approach to medicine is simple: stay curious, stay humble, and keep learning. I hope these pages will always remind me where I started and show me how far I have come.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
The route was not straight.
It was still forward.
Each change of direction added a new layer to the foundation I now bring to medicine.
Manila Adventist College
I transferred and completed my degree. The decision taught me that changing direction is not the same as giving up.
Registered Medical Technologist
I earned my professional credential and strengthened my clinical and laboratory foundation.
Biosafety & Biorisk Management
I completed training in Biosafety, Biosecurity and Biorisk Management.
Manila Central University
As a first-year medical student, I am learning to see the patient beyond every laboratory result.
BIOCHEMISTRY PRELIMS
Three rounds.
One lesson.
Biochemistry initially felt like an overwhelming exercise in memorizing amino-acid R groups, molecular structures, enzyme kinetics, and regulation. As the lessons progressed, its real value became clearer.
01
THE PRESSURE
Beyond memorization
Biochemistry is not simply a basic-science subject to pass. It is the foundational language of human health, disease, and therapeutics. The reactions that once looked disconnected began to reveal how the body works as one system.
02
THE MUDDIEST POINT
Enzymology
Enzymology became my greatest challenge. There was a point when I nearly gave up and told myself, “Bawi na lang sa midterms.” The kinetics and regulation tested both my patience and confidence.
03
THE BREAKTHROUGH
Support changed the result
With Doc A’s guidance, I found the clarity and support I needed to keep going. I passed both the prelim long examination and the prelim examination. It showed me that difficult material becomes manageable with determination, support, and the right mindset.
6 recorded rounds
Learning
by the date.
Each checkpoint records a challenge, a lesson, or a moment that moved my understanding forward.
JUL13
ROUND 01
Start of the Biochemistry Journey
We began Biochemistry by examining water and pH. The lesson made it clear how essential these basic chemical principles are to keeping the body functioning properly.
JUL30
ROUND 02
First Challenge
Our class balanced science and communication, moving from quizzes on water and pH to an exercise in strategic questioning. Amino acids and peptides became my first major challenge because learning their distinct structures demanded focus and patience.
AUG04
ROUND 03
A New Virtual Laboratory
Learning about Labster showed me how virtual simulations can make laboratory activities more interactive, engaging, and accessible.
AUG14
ROUND 04
Quizzes 5 and 6
Doc A’s lecture helped me prepare for the quizzes, and I was proud to come close to earning a perfect score.
AUG27
ROUND 05
The Long Examination
Although I barely passed the challenging long examination, it revealed my weak areas and pushed me to study more effectively moving forward.
SEP03
ROUND 06
The Prelim Examination
I found the examination extremely difficult and expected to fail. Learning that I had passed was a wonderful surprise and a clear reminder of God’s grace.
Every complex pathway is part of the chemical logic that allows life to exist.
THE EVIDENCE
Preparation.
Practice. Service.
Select a record to view it in full.
REFLECTION
A NOTE TO MY FUTURE SELF
Laban lang.
Aral nang mabuti.
This is only the beginning of my Biochemistry journey. I want this portfolio to remain a reminder of my starting point, the challenges I overcame, and the distance I am still willing to travel.
John Derrick DC. Esguerra, RMTYear 1 • MCU College of Medicine
CONTACT
ACADEMIC COMMUNICATION