My dear godmother, Dr. Marites Ansay, is an angel in disguise. In a world that needs more people with good character, compassion, and dedication; let me tell you why my Ninang (Filipino word for godmother) is an inspiration.

Ninang Tess is soft-spoken, thoughtful, and affectionate. She always has a cheerful smile, soothing voice, and a warm spiritual attitude. No wonder a lot of her patients love, trust, and admire Dr. Ansay because she is so sincere, and they know she has their best interests at heart.

She is a "rockstar" in her own right. She is a well-known, admired medical practitioner and has recently been awarded by Blue Cross Blue Shield as "The Provider of the Year" in her Michigan community. Not only does she continue to serve her community in the medical field, but also in the Catholic church.

I am so blessed to have a second mother and a beautiful angel as my wonderful Godmother. I am thankful that she loves me unconditionally like I am her own child. As a sickly girl, I am so lucky to have a doctor Ninang who checks on me.

Also, I will never forget the first time my mom and I were separated. It was when she flew to the Philippines and was there for almost 3 weeks when Uncle Samboy was in a coma. Ninang Tess called everyday to see how I was doing. She even shipped a big box filled with packaged food and all sorts of goodies for me and my dad.

My mom's second trip was to celebrate my Uncle Samboy's birthday on April 1, which coincided with my 17th birthday (March 30). I was so lonely, but Ninang Tess did all she could to cheer me up and make my special day memorable.

One more thing I admire about Ninang Tess is her humility. She never boasts about her medical practice, awards, successes, or material possessions. Instead, she asks how you are doing, reassures, gives spiritual advice, and shares stories about her many travels abroad.

When she talks about her closely knit family, you know where her heart is. The love she has for her parents is awe-inspiring. She took good care of her dad until he passed away last year and remains a devoted daughter to her mom. She is a caring sister, a loving aunt, and the pillar of her family. Whenever her hectic schedule allows, she travels with her mom and family.

Ninang Tess is well loved by her many friends, which include my mom, Tita Linda, Tita Sandy, Tita Liane, Tita Emma, and many others. Her sisterly bond with my mom is one of my friendship goals. I remember she would bring mom's gifts for my Uncle Samboy and family whenever she traveled to Manila. She and Uncle Samboy were also close. He even took Ninang Tess and family to see a PBA game.

Still now she remains a true, loyal friend. When she is in the Philippines, Ninang Tess makes it a point to visit and check on Uncle Samboy; she continues to pray for his recovery.

She is also loved by so many friends not only here in the United States but all over the world. The bond of friendship that my mom, Ninang Tess, Tita Linda, Tita Sandy, Tita Emma, Tita Liane, and many others share continues to this day. I like how they include us, the children/second generation, in the close knit bond. We are a part of their extended families. This is the rare type of friendship that endures the test of time and distance.

My Ninang Tess is a perfect role model. She inspires me to lead a purpose-driven life. She truly is an angel in disguise. I am so proud of my loving godmother and as a tribute, I wanted to know more about her life and share her story. Please check it out:

1. "What was your educational background: College and Medical school? Did you intern or take your residency in New York?"

Ninang Tess: "My educational background includes getting my B.S. in Zoology from the University of the Philippines. I attended University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center's Medical School in 1984. Then, I interned at the University of the East's Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center in 1985. For my residency, I was with in the University of the Philippine's Family Medicine and Philippine General Hospital divisions from 1985 to 1988. Afterwards, I was a pediatric resident at Mt. Sinai - Elmhurst Hospital in New York from 1995 to 1998."

2. "Why did you want to be a doctor? What are the qualifications and perks of being a doctor? Who inspired you to be a doctor?"

Photo Caption: Taken on a Medical Mission in Bila, Philippines with ASEC classmate, Dr. Tayag

Ninang Tess: "Why? I wanted to be a doctor because I like studying science and helping sick people. I have a cousin who's a doctor. When I see her, I think being a doctor is cool. The qualifications are nothing much in particular: just passing the medical school entrance exam. If one has patience to wait and finish longer years of studying, that's important."

3. "What is your field of specialty in Medicine? Why did you choose it?"

Ninang Tess: "My first field was Family Practice because it's about taking care of people from all walks of life. Opportunity wise, the demand is high. I took up pediatrics as a second specialty because children are not small adults. I like children; they could be real sick, but they could bounce back to health quicker than adults."

4. "Give us an insight into one of your typical days as a doctor. How many patients do you see each day? Do you make hospital visits? How often?"

Ninang Tess: "In a typical day, I am doing Family Practice now, so I see 15 to 20 patients a day. On average, I have a 4 day workweek. I make hospital rounds usually one week in a month. When I am on call at the hospital, we usually start rounds during the first 2 hrs of the morning. Then we go to the clinic afterwards."

5. " Are there any unforgettable patient case(s) you have encountered?"

Ninang Tess: "Unforgettable cases; so many to mention. Each patient is unforgettable in more ways than one. Each baby born in this world is a miracle. When you see the mother's tired but happy and relieved face, it's so unforgettable."

6. "Were there any cases you found to be challenging?"

Ninang Tess: "Challenging: I take each patient as a challenge and how to make he/she be proactive in their care. Examples include diabetes, chronic illness, watch diet, his/her exercise, not giving up."

7. "Do you have any annoying patients? How do you handle or deal with them?"

Ninang Tess: "Annoying: sometimes patients who get addicted to narcotics, drugs, and alcohol."

8. "What is your goal for patient treatment? You have been awarded as Provider of the Year-- that means your patients love you and think highly of you? What is your secret to achieving this honor?"

Ninang Tess: "The award was given by Blue Cross Blue Shield. There are goals you have to meet (we call them metrics): Diabetes and High Blood Pressure should be controlled, patients should be up to date with their preventative measures (Like mammogram, bone health. and colon care), and high patient satisfaction surveys. The secret of the award? Getting the support of the nurses, staff, receptionists, or the front liners. If you love them, they'll help you achieve your goal which is the BEST practice."

Aspirus Iron River physician named ‘Provider of Distinction’

9. "What keeps you up at night? Do you worry about your patients and think how much more you can help treat them?"

Ninang Tess: "What keeps me up is when I am on call, I think of my patients and the nurses who call for questions. And when there's a hospital admission, I think about how best to help the patient."

10. "What are your passions? Hobbies and sports? What do you like to do in your spare time?"

Ninang Tess: "In my spare time, I like watching TV, YouTube, and listening to music."

11. "Any goals, plans for the immediate future?"

Ninang Tess: "Plans for the immediate future are to have a balance of 'work and play", to maintain BEST practice, to be able to travel sometime soon, and to put GOD always first in everything."

12. "If you were to live your life all over again, would you still want to be a doctor?"

Ninang Tess: "If I were to live life all over again, I would still choose to be a physician. I think this is what God wants me to do."

Thank you for sharing your purpose-driven life story, Ninang Tess. Love you!