2 weeks Ago By N/A (Jane Kingsu-Cheng)
How Ken-z Teo’s passion for healthcare and advocacy is shaping his future Seventeen-year-old Ken-z Teo, being the eldest of three siblings, is the first to be exposed and be involved in Beauty Beyond Borders (BBB)—a medical mission established in 2017 that provides free consultations and minor aesthetic surgeries to underserved communities. On-ground exposure He is no stranger to this work, sharing that it always feels surreal to see so many people waiting to be treated at BBB events. “I admire how it offers vital medical services to people who need them.
It also helps me understand how big of an impact practical dermatology can have on a local community,” he tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. Ken-z wasn’t there just to observe, he was eager to help in any way possible. As a young adult, he has a natural connection with children.
“One of the challenging tasks is handling patients’ emotions, especially young children who are nervous about procedures,” he shares, citing how he volunteered to put them at ease prior to their treatments. “I distinctly remember one child who was crying and refusing to do his procedure. I noticed he was wearing a Pikachu shirt, so I started to talk to him about Pokémon, which helped calm him down,” he continues.
‘This ability to find common ground and connect with patients is critical when dealing with little children who cry before their procedures. His empathy stands out as both a rare and remarkable quality, especially for someone his age. These are just some of the many unforgettable interactions Ken-z made in the BBB events he’s attended, each of them leaving him with a desire to do even more.
“I love seeing the organization’s impact on the patients. Knowing that we could provide people who otherwise wouldn’t have access to it is truly rewarding.” Strong foundation A 12th grader, Ken-z finds subjects that challenge his critical thinking, such as Mathematics and Chemistry, interesting.
“I also enjoy studying Biology, particularly Genetics, Immunology, and Biochemistry, as they appeal to my interest in the systems of the human body.” He balances school and sports, and has been a baseball player for many years. “I really enjoyed it.
Working in a team helped improve my collaboration skills and also allowed me to make a lot of new friends,” he says. “I also started playing golf and found it really relaxing. It isn't as intense as other sports, and playing golf helps me switch off my brain for a while.
” Like most boys his age, Ken-z enjoys spending his free time playing video games. He recently came across an interesting study published in the Journal of Endourology 1 , which explored the connection between gaming and surgical performance. “The study found that surgeons who play video games perform laparoscopic procedures 33 percent faster and with greater accuracy than those who don’t.
The quick reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and precision needed to conquer a tough boss level in a game actually translate surprisingly well to the delicate maneuvers of minimally invasive surgery.” With amazement, he adds. “Who would have thought that saving the virtual world could actually prepare you for saving lives?” Just recently, over the summer, he shadowed a doctor in the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center.
“I found it astonishing how he made such complicated procedures look so simple, and I admire the skill and effort that his team put into their work,” he reflected during one of the operations. These experiences made him even more interested to pursue surgery. In a few months, Ken-z will be going to the university and he already has a clear plan in place.
He is aiming to study for a medical degree abroad. “Surgery and dermatology are two fields I am passionate about, as I’ve seen their life-changing impact on patients. After my studies, I want to bring these advancements back to the Philippines to improve healthcare standards in my home country.
” Learning about the latest technological advancements, including artificial intelligence, is essential in any field of study, especially in medicine. But Ken-z believes that incorporating the healing power of traditional medicine can also be highly beneficial. By blending these innovations with the irreplaceable value of personal human touch, his goal is to offer a more holistic approach.
Realizations on healthcare Ken-z has always looked up to his parents, Dr. Aivee Teo and Dr. Z Teo, and he also understands that “doctors cannot do their jobs without the help of many people—from the nurses lending a helping hand to the logistics team ensuring everything runs smoothly.
I’ve come to appreciate that everyone involved is admirable, and they all rely on each other for the success of the project.” He deeply values everyone who contributes to improving the lives of others. “This is what medicine is really about.
” After participating in many BBBs, he additionally concluded that treating skin conditions goes deeper, “It’s about empowering people to feel confident in their skin and improving their well-being. For some participants, the impact is instantaneous, as we’ve sometimes treated conditions that had been long-term insecurities.'" It is also through BBB that he realized how much he wants to dedicate his life to helping others.
“Healthcare has the power to transform lives, and I know my interest in it marks the beginning of a lifelong goal and commitment.” Reference: 1 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamasurgery/fullarticle/399740.
