A pastor transitions from theology to medicine after Marawi siege

Reverent Loribel Adeser-Bontilao, MD, 35, overcomes life’s hurdles to fulfill a calling sparked by her experience during the Marawi siege. Photos courtesy of Loribel Adeser-Bontilao/Facebook. Graphics: Lance Uy/INQUIRER.net

Loribel Adeser-Bontilao is far from your ordinary medical student.

At 31, at a time when most are well-established in their careers, she started her medical journey at Our Lady of Fatima University. A pastor with two young children and no prior background in medicine, her journey was filled with challenges, further complicated by her decade-long battle with lupus.

Despite these hindrances, she persevered, completing her medical studies by age 35 and now being a mother of three.

Her divine calling

Bontilao’s desire to become a doctor wasn’t always part of the plan. Originally focused on her pastoral duties, she moved to Lanao Del Sur in 2015 to lead a church. But everything changed during the Marawi siege in 2017 when a violent conflict arose between a terrorist group and the military that lasted for five months.

During this time, she witnessed the devastating impact of war on the community. Their church became a safe haven for many, and she was involved in providing relief and humanitarian aid, as well as spiritual support to displaced families. However, Bontilao couldn’t ignore the deeper, unmet needs of the people: the urgent need for medical care in the area, which inspired her to do more.

“It was during that time, I realized that those were not enough, many needed immediate medical attention in remote places like Lanao. The desire was nurtured in my heart: What if I could also be a doctor?” she mentioned on her Facebook post, reflecting on her calling.

READ: Yes, Maricar Reyes-Poon is a licensed doctor of medicine but she has another calling

This realization, coupled with a clear divine calling during prayer, led her to pursue a path that seemed impossible yet she made it possible for the masses. 

Her prescription is perseverance

Starting medical school without a background in science was a tough experience for Bontilao. She struggled with subjects like biochemistry and physiology and faced even more difficulties when she became pregnant and had a Cesarean section during her clerkship this year. Despite this, she continued her studies just two weeks after giving birth.

READ: Malaysian, 70 years old, Cebu university’s oldest medical graduate

Her prescription is perseverance, driven by her faith and purpose. As she graduates this August, Bontilao aims to specialize in trauma care and is committed to using her skills to serve others, fulfilling the vision she held in her heart years ago.

READ: Paying it forward: Cebu graduae, Physicians Board topnotcher, plans to serve community for 2 years

“I endured because I am fully convinced of this calling. I embraced it. I dreamed of God’s dream. I desire His desire. I see the doctor in me with a purpose—to touch lives and honor Jesus,” she expressed in her Facebook post. — Joanna Mascardo, INQUIRER trainee