Here an opportunity to get up close and personal with the Dean of the Medical Technology Department, Miss Sergia S. Cacatian. This interview was featured in the L-N Medtek Alumni Newsletter 2nd Edition. Enjoy!

I was going on my instincts that she wouldn't let us down. I based these instincts on my relationship with her as a student, peer, and as a friend. From the first time I met her as my Botany instructor to the present, she remains to be the same kind-hearted soul that makes her a favorite of many.

I can say that I knew her before she adorned her dean-hood status. I can honestly say that success hasn't affected her humility.

I am by no means an investigative reporter but I did bring up the questions most of us would probably ask. With her pleasing personality this was a fun and easy assignment.

How long have you been working at Lyceum-Northwestern?
I started as a medtech at the school's hospital laboratory in 1975 and joined the teaching staff in 1980.

Are you still as happy and excited with work as you were when you first started?
I am happier and more excited with my work, especially when classes start because I know I'm going to meet new students who are most eager to start adult life. I believe that their stay with us will be as fruitful as when they were in high school or even more. I also feel younger when I interact with them. These young people have an invigorating and rejuvenating influence that is transmitted to whomever they get in contact with (especially me). It is contagious and I look forward to a new day.

Has much changed from your days as a medtech student? What are the most striking changes?
Definiel yes! The use of automated procedures and constant updates in the methods of determination suprise me to no end. What might be in today could be passe' tomorrow.

With advances in technology occuring almost daily, how is L-N keeping up with the times? Are we far behind?
Not really. L-N is trying to keep up with the day to day changes by acquiring new instruments for the students to use or at least for demonstrations.

Has enrollment changed over the years?
Actually we have our ups and downs for the medtech enrollment. It isn't as drastic as the other new courses being offered. It's manageable and I'm comfortable with the number.

How do you explain the recent popularity of the medtech course?
Medical technology is popular not only because it is the best preparatory course for medicine but also because of its involvement in the delivery of healthcare services. The involvement now is more direct than it use to be.

How many full-time instructors do you currently employ?
We currently have seven full-time and five part-time instructors handlig the major subjects.

Are any of your staff L-N alumn?
Vicente Vila (he was a fifth placer in 1996), Nelly Villamil, Lilimar Tagavilla, Madelyn Aquino, and Reggie Ubando(part-time).

How much has the school changed? Would most of us still recognize the campus?
There have been many changes but you would still recognize it because it has maintained its character.

Enough about L-N. How have you been? What other activities keep you busy?
I have been very, very busy lately. For starters I am an active member of the Neo-Catechemunal Way. As a responsible catechist I attend meetings several times a week.
I am on the PASMETH Board of Directors. We are really busy now planning our annual convention. It will be April 27-30 in Iloilo.I'm also the chair for the program and invitation comittee for the 26th Comencement Exercises his year.
I just turned over the presidency of the Aliguas Na Muyongay Baay this year. I held that position for the past two years. We were involved in both religous and civic outreach programs and conducted seminars and laboratory testing in the depressed areas of Lingayen.
I have been the outgoing treasurer for AHRP-I (Association for Health Related Programs in Region I) the past year.So as you can see these activities along with the students and upcoming internship keep me occupied.

I remember you visited your sister here in the U.S.. When was that? Where did you go? How long did you stay? What kind of impression did it leave you? Did you enjoy your stay?
The main reason for going to the U.S. was to attend the PAMET-USA Convention which was held in Santa Clara, California in 1992. I stayed with a cousin in San Francisco for the duration of the convention. I then went to West Palm Beach, Florida to spend time with my sister. I stayed there for the rest of my 10-month stay. I also also saw my brother and other relatives in Virginia Beach and Maryland.
I did a lot of sight-seeing in Washington DC. I was a child once again in Walt Disney World and in the MGM Park. Key West was awesome with its endless trek above the ocean. Jacksonville was enjoyable. I even met some L-N grads there.
On my way back home, I spent another week touring California visiting the cities of Napa, Vallejo, Modesto, Oakland, Fresno, and a few others which can't come to mind.
The over-used phrase "there's no place like home" ran true during my visit. I'm glad I had a most fruitful experience. I was most impressed by the advanced technology and hope that third world countries will benefit from these advances

This may come across as a stupid question but would you prefer staying in the U.S.? Why or why not?
I would have loved to stay in America but not in my old age, like when I'm 75??? The Philippines would love to have my old decomposed body as fertilizer, Ha Ha Ha !

Could you ever trade in your title and office for a chance to work as a medtech?
I have learned to love my work minus my title and office. For as long as there are young students to mold into better citizens and effective medtech's, I will enjoy my job. I am a medtech and it's the only job I know.

As you know you've got many students who are now in the U.S.. Is there any message that you would like to address to us?

I am most happy that you all have carved your niche in the world, whether as a medtech or as a professional because I know that the little knowledge that L-N has imparted on you gave you the most trying challenge to be the best you can be. You all know what you are capable of doing.
Only you can make your present the best stimulus to a secure future because you stood on a solid and firm past. My warmest regards! Good luck to you all.

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