Miss Medicine 2015: She's Beauty and She's Grace

This year, a lady with a reserved personality, who is much more comfortable with a paintbrush in hand, filling an empty canvas with colors has stood out and was chosen to represent Silliman University Medical School in the prestigious 70^th Miss Silliman Pageant.

 “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did so. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”  Inspired by these words from Mark Twain, Miss Katrina Ucat Logarta is sailing away from her safe harbor.

We were able to have a one on one interview with Miss Medicine 2015 to get to know her more.

Vital Signs: What was it like for you growing up?

Katrina: My fondest memories growing up was the beach since my home province is known for its beautiful white sand beaches. I would beg my parents to take me there as often as they could.

Vital Signs: What was your family like?

Katrina: I actually come from a family of lawyers. Even my mother is a lawyer. It came as a slight surprise to them that I opted to be a doctor instead. They are God fearing Catholics who believe and uphold justice. They instilled in me my moral values and they are very supportive in all my endeavors.

Vital Signs: When you were a kid, what did you want to be, did you always want to be a doctor?

Katrina: As I child, I’ve always wanted to be a doctor. My family is close friends with my doctor and I was always so amazed at how he seemed to know a lot of things. I suffer from allergic rhinitis and asthma, which sends me to the doctor's clinic often.

Vital Signs: What are your dreams and aspirations now as an adult?

Katrina: As of now I just want to finish my medical education and pass the licensure exam.

Vital Signs: What are your hobbies?

Katrina: I love cooking and baking. Despite my appearance I really enjoy food. I also play the violin (more like scratch on the violin) ha-ha

Vital Signs: When did you realize that painting is your passion?

Katrina: I have been interested in art for as long as I can remember. My parents first sent me to art class at the age of 5 because they noticed how I really loved to draw.

Vital Signs: What is your favorite subject when painting?

Katrina: I like painting portraits because I find human subjects most interesting.

Vital Signs: Can you tell us, about your art exhibit?

Katrina: I was fortunate enough to join an art exhibit because of my friend who was a professional artist. I showed him my works and he introduced me to other budding artists like myself. We banded together and formed the Lakgaw Art Group. With the support of the local government, we were able to hold our first group exhibit at the Bohol National Museum.

Vital Signs: How is your life as a medical student?

Katrina: On being a medical student, I’ve never been under so much pressure in all my academic life. But it has also been a very rewarding experience, because of this I got to meet some very interesting people. Being a medical student of SUMS, I got to experience some unique activities like the variety show when we suddenly become medical students major in performing arts. Definitely one of the highlights of your stay here.

Vital Signs: What drives you to keep on going?

Katrina: No matter how difficult being a medical student gets, I keep going because I remember why I got in here in the first place. Also, you've already spent countless sleepless nights studying; you can’t let all that effort go to naught. Now that you've got your feet wet, you might as well take the plunge.

Vital Signs: How do you cope up with the stress in Medical School?

Katrina: I de-stress by spending time with people that I care about. It also helps to try to have enough sleep.

Vital Signs: So, how did you decide to join Miss Silliman?

Katrina: I was actually quite hesitant at first in joining the Miss Silliman pageant because it is very contrary to my reserved personality. But then the opportunity presented itself to me because of the panel's decision and I thought to myself that the only things you will ever regret in life are the things that you don’t do. So here I am, and I will do my absolute best to represent this prestigious institution.

Vital Signs: How are you preparing for the pageant?

Katrina: I am actually spending my weekends with my public speaking coach. And I spend the rest of my free time practicing my walk, talent and other preparations.

Indeed, there is so much to admire about our Miss Silliman representative. Beyond her beauty, there is a soft-spoken woman who definitely has a lot to offer. Let us continue to give her our support for the upcoming Miss Silliman pageant on August. 

Interview by: Caesey Mae Yurong