Recently I had an opportunity to visit the Philippines as an invited faculty for a Hernia workshop

The opportunity resulted when one of our trainees – Dr. Domingo Sampang- an extremely talented, skilful and kind-hearted surgeon who spent a couple of weeks with us at our centre, recommended our name to Dr. Alfred Allen Beunafe- the president of the Philippines Surgical Society.

Frankly, I was expecting a small training center attached to a private hospital in Manila. What I saw took me by surprise. There it was – a 4 story building with state of the art animal lab and a cadaveric station. The lecture hall was also well equipped as was the rooftop hall overlooking the stunning Manila skyline meant for refreshments.

I was stunned by the logistics and on enquiring, I found that this was a brainchild of none other than Dr. Alfred (I call him Allen now)

He was one of the pioneers in advanced laparoscopic surgery in his region and was enthusiastic even then to spread the knowledge and skills that he was acquired from the world over

This led him to start a nationwide tour where he would visit a surgeon in provinces and teach and train them free of cost

When he joined a premier private hospital in Manila he ensured that his spirit of imparting training did not end and ensured the creation of this state of the art training centre

I was also amazed at the energy Allen possesses. After a long day of clinical work involving multiple operations and training, he goes home way past midnight and sleeps as less as 4 hours (please don’t try this, I don’t recommend it) and is up again with full vigour and passion to lead the life.

Over a lunch the day after the workshop, I asked him and his lovely wife the reason behind the cheerfulness, contentment, and happiness that Allen has despite these long schedules

And Allen said – I love to give what I receive

And that line explained to me crystal clear why this man was happier than a lot many despite his mad rush.

He was interested not only in TAKING knowledge and learning skills, but he was also eager to GIVE it away too.

This way he contributed to his community of surgeons eager to learn from him. He was full of gratitude for those who taught him and received it manifolds from whom he trained

Probably that weaved a web of positive energy all around him keeping him and his companions always happy, always positive.

People like Allen make this world a better place to live in.

They know the value of the gift of GIVING!