Juggling two of the toughest professions is a challenge that few dare to take on. Yet, doctor-lawyer Edward Bautista has defied the odds, successfully navigating the worlds of medicine and law while overcoming significant personal obstacles.
In an interview with WhenInManila.com, he proudly shared his inspiring journey of perseverance, dedication, and relentless determination—a story that may resonate with anyone striving to achieve their dreams.
A Doctorney’s Journey
Dr. Bautista’s pursuit of medicine and law was not part of his plan, but rather an evolving journey driven by a sense of purpose. He admitted that he initially chose to study nursing due to its high demand, but witnessing the profound impact of healthcare professionals inspired him to pursue medicine.
“I decided to take a leap of faith and pursue that career [nursing]. It was not until I did hospital duties and actually had to attend to patients that I realized how important the role of healthcare professionals is. It was then that I decided to take up medicine so that I could provide access to healthcare to those who are in need,” he told WhenInManila.com.
Dr. Edward Bautista during his oath-taking ceremony.
He explained that his experience in the medical field exposed him to systemic issues that could best be addressed through policy and legal advocacy. This realization led him to pursue law, opening opportunities to specialize in areas such as medical malpractice.
“As I immersed myself in the medical field, I learned that it was not only access to healthcare that was the problem, there were problems that would be better addressed by improving healthcare at a policy level while also defending and protecting the rights of my clients,” he continued.
“This is why I decided to take up law, and it only opened more doors as to how I can marry medicine and law such as medical malpractice or negligence which only a handful of lawyers practice.”
Beyond Passing the Bar: Conquering Life’s Toughest Battles
Having earned his nursing and medicine degrees at the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center (UERMMMC) and his law degree at De La Salle University, he reflected on the difficult times when he had to balance his role as a school physician and a law student.
From his 8 AM to 12 PM shift at the clinic, he would head straight to the library to study before attending his law classes from 6 PM to 9 PM. On top of that, he also worked as a corporate physician.
“Sundays were dedicated entirely to law studies, ensuring I was adequately prepared for Saturday classes, which spanned from 8 AM to 5 PM,” he shared.
Dr. Edward Bautista during his clinic duty.
Dr. Bautista stressed that his medical training played a huge role in managing his time, noting, “My medical training proved invaluable in developing essential skills for managing time effectively and enduring long hours as I was accustomed to 24- to 36-hour shifts, during my days as a medical student. This also helped me to function under pressure.”
He then revealed that one of the biggest challenges he faced was overcoming self-doubt, which stemmed from academic pressure.
“The pressure to excel in school and meet academic expectations led to additional stress and anxiety. So many readings, so little time. I needed to juggle working as a physician and studying law, it was during these times that I pushed my body to the limit,” he underscored.
But with the unwavering support of his family and friends, who served as his support system, he was able to persevere.
“My family and friends continue to play crucial roles in who I am today and in our journey. I say ‘our’ because we would not have achieved this great feat without them,” he expressed.
“When I felt I was drowning in self-doubt they would be the source of all the confidence and strength I can muster. One of the pep talks that would be most compelling is to remind me of why I chose this path—a strong sense of duty and dedication.”
Dr. Edward Bautista with his law school friends-turned-family.
Beyond these challenges, Dr. Bautista encountered further obstacles throughout his journey. While studying for the 2024 Bar Exam, he suffered a spinal cord injury that affected his ability to concentrate.
“I experienced severe shoulder, back, and lower extremity pain and weakness. Furthermore, I grappled with an overactive bladder, gastrointestinal issues, and tinnitus. These symptoms made it incredibly difficult to maintain prolonged sitting postures required for studying – impacting my concentration and focus,” he said, adding that his faith also helped him overcome these difficulties.
That’s why he considers passing the Bar Exam a “greater success.”
Dr. Edward Bautista at his roll signing.
“My journey through law school and studying for the bar was not an easy one since life threw punches at every side—financial, emotional, mental, and, physical—but with the grace of God, acting through my family and friends, I was able to push through all those with resiliency and determination,” he reflected.
“I believe that is the true essence of passing the bar. Now that I have been so blessed to become a member of the bar, I shall use my resiliency and determination in advocating for the rights of my clients.”
Inspiring Words of Determination
Dr. Bautista gave insightful advice to students pursuing multiple degrees and striving to achieve their goals, he said:
“Never give up, it will not be easy but it will definitely be worth it because great things take time, and the fact that you are fighting for your wants and dreams will make your journey worthwhile.”
He emphasized that one should not be afraid to make mistakes and try again, as failures serve as valuable lessons.
“Don’t dwell on your past mistakes or failures but rather learn from them and on what you can do to make it better or not repeat the same mistakes,” he added.
“Always find joy in your journey, trust the process that you are in right now, and if the going gets tougher and harder, go above and beyond it, always remember your ‘why,’ why are you here, why are you doing this, remember why you are fighting this battle.”
The doctorney highlighted the importance of believing in the power of God and being kind and humble.
“Allow God to guide you, at first it will be difficult to understand but in the end, you will know why. Give it all to Him. Regardless of the outcome you will feel fulfilled and at peace with everything that you do. Don’t forget to always be kind and humble, you don’t know what other people are going through.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Bautista envisions a future where he can continue to integrate medicine and law to advocate for better healthcare policies and protect the rights of patients.
“Furthermore, I could also tap into the intellectual property field since some medical inventions or developments would also cross over or overlap with the legal requirements of passing a new invention or method,” he stated.
He concluded the interview by expressing his desire to teach and share his knowledge with future generations of medical professionals and lawyers.
Dr. Bautista’s story is a powerful testament that with dedication, resilience, and a strong support system, even the most challenging goals are within reach.
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