It was the 1990s, and in Fleitas, Manatí, a little boy harbored a dream that years later would become a reality. As he chased animals and enjoyed the countryside, he knew that one day he would proudly wear a white coat and save lives. There are goals that are woven from childhood, that grow and drive us to fight until we achieve them. The key to success is not giving up. Loisi Rojas Báez understood this, and that's what he did…

“I always wanted to be a doctor, and I'm the only one in my family. No other profession ever crossed my mind. That sensitivity for people, that desire to heal them, has never been lacking. I'm from the countryside, I grew up surrounded by animals, and everyone was sure I would become a veterinarian because I was constantly helping to heal them. But I told them no, that my future lay elsewhere. It was a desire stronger than myself.”

And it is precisely that yearning that motivates him every day. His face is a familiar one in the emergency room of the Guillermo Tejas Silva polyclinic in this city, although he has also worked at the Ernesto Guevara Hospital. But his professional life began in Potosí, a settlement belonging to the main municipality, in a medical office. That close connection with the residents, the follow-up within the community, is an important pillar of his healthcare work.

This community experience served him well in his work in Caruao, a coastal town in the state of La Guaira, in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, where he served for almost four years and from which he has fond memories.

“There was a lot of work, but it was very rewarding because the people there loved me. One woman even said she was my mother, and we still keep in touch. It was a great opportunity that helped me grow in every way. In fact, the first birth I ever delivered was there; I carry that experience with me.”

For this intrepid young man, with over a decade of experience, a specialization in Comprehensive General Medicine, and diplomas in Natural and Traditional Medicine (NTM), Intensive Care, and, most recently, Gynecology, his desire for self-improvement is far from over. He still aspires to one day become an otolaryngologist, a discipline he has always admired.

Due to the high incidence of arboviruses, the organization of healthcare personnel has been essential to controlling transmission. However, Loisi emphasizes that the responsibility lies with everyone.

“In the Emergency Room, there are two doctors on call from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and one emergency physician who is on call 24 hours a day and is responsible for attending to emergencies. When there is an epidemiological situation, a consultation room is designated for these patients, and if a complication arises, the emergency physician takes over.

“In the midst of a large outbreak, we all focus on attending to all the sick, as in this case of chikungunya, which has affected a significant percentage of the population, and every consultation room was open for that purpose. I have remained in the life support area, attending to those who develop complications."

“In this scenario, environmental control is very important; it has a significant impact. On the medical side, we always organize ourselves to address what is necessary; however, everything is triggered by the existing hygiene and sanitation conditions, because if there were more control in this area, the epidemic would pass more quickly, and we could manage it better.

“Despite the scarcity of resources, care is prioritized.” The situation with arboviruses has been serious, but it's painful to see so many garbage dumps. If everyone looked after their own surroundings, everything would be better. This work isn't just the doctor's responsibility, but an intersectoral one, and success depends on everyone's collaboration. The issue isn't focusing on the shortcomings, but rather that everyone assumes their responsibility.

"I also emphasize timely care to avoid complications. If people take the appropriate measures and comply with isolation, they avoid infecting others," he maintains.

Those around him recognize his dedication to his work and exemplary behavior; so it's no surprise that, since 2023, he has led one of the Party's cells in his health area, something that has been a great source of pride for him.

While we talk, he can't help but glance at his wife's belly, which is already carrying their second child. So, I can't help but ask him how much it means to him to share his life with a doctor. They both smile… and the answer comes quickly.

“For me, it’s a blessing to have a partner who understands when you get a call outside of work hours, even if you finished your shift the day before, or when you have to work on New Year’s Eve, holidays, or even Valentine’s Day. Yamilet is my support, especially because she understands our commitment to the community, to the Maternal and Child Health Program, and all the other programs carried out at the medical clinic level. We both love the profession we chose, and we help each other.

“A doctor doesn't have set days off; emergencies can't wait. A teacher might have difficulty teaching a class today, but they can make it up tomorrow. However, a patient's life, if lost, cannot be recovered. Our responsibility is immense.”

In your opinion, what is essential for a doctor?

“First and foremost, sensitivity. Resources are indeed scarce, but sometimes people don’t need much to solve their problem; they do need kind treatment and proper guidance. For example, we have Traditional and Natural Medicine (TNM), which also helps. Someone with hypertension might not have their medication and be advised to use orange tincture, which is more readily available. That suggestion alone helps alleviate their suffering. It’s important to explore other alternatives. Not everyone who comes to us needs a pill; sometimes, they just need someone to listen and guide them appropriately.

“We must also have love and patience… I’ve never brought my personal problems to work. Those who come seeking help need to find refuge in you. Mistreatment isn’t just about using harsh words; indifference is also mistreatment.”

“Many people indeed thank me, hug me… but in the end, I use the same medicine, only I also give an overdose of affection, of attention. I’ve also cried in the ER with the families when I’ve lost a patient; that hurts a lot,” he admits, looking downcast.

“For me, there’s no greater satisfaction than helping someone heal. No money or job in the world can compensate for that gratitude; it simply can’t be compared to anything. I’m a doctor, I always wanted to be one, and I’ll be one as long as I have the strength.”