During an open medical procedure in Cebu, I noticed something that stopped me cold: the patient was fully exposed. In the U.S., this would break every privacy standard I know, but here it was normal. I wasn’t sure whether to turn away or continue helping. That moment showed me how cultural and systemic differences can unintentionally affect dignity. It wasn’t neglect; it was reality shaped by limited resources. I walked away realizing that leadership in volunteer work means balancing respect for local practices with the universal need for patient dignity.

●     Summary:
 A surgery in Cebu challenged everything I thought I knew about privacy.

●     Quote:
 “Dignity means more than following your rulebook.”

●     Tags:
 #DoctrineOfTheMean #VolunteerLeadership #MedicalEthics #CulturalAwareness #HarmonyForHealing