Cebuano doctor accepted as volunteer athletic doctor for Rio Olympics

RENOWNED Cebuano doctor Rhoel James Timothy Dejano is headed to the biggest athletic spectacle of all as he was accepted as volunteer athletic medical doctor for South America’s first ever Olympic Games later this year in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Dejano, who specializes in rehabilitation medicine and is an expert in sports medicine and conditioning who has done extensive work with the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. as well as some of Cebu’s finest athletes, was selected from thousands of applicants from all over the world. He will be assigned to the Carioca Arena 1 where the Olympic basketball games will be staged.

Dejano, in an exclusive talk with Cebu Daily News, related that the application process started way back in August of 2014.

“You can apply in any field you want. They have different fields that you can apply depending on your preference and profession. The application process involves filling out an application form, then you will wait for an interview by phone or by Skype after which you also have to take some simulation tests as well as language tests,” said Dejano of the tedious process.

He continued, “Then they will review your application and the job offer comes. And if you accept it then they will then send you a confirmation email. Of course since I’m a doctor then I applied as a medical doctor for sporting events. I placed in my application basketball, lawn tennis and athletics as my preference and they matched me with basketball.”

Dejano added that he will be working at the quadrennial event for 10 days – a dream come true for the veteran sportsman and doctor.

“I am very excited to be part of the coming Olympic Games. All of us probably dreamt of joining the Olympic Games and donning our national colors. I might not be able to join the Olympics in my lifetime as an athlete but at least I will be able to be a part of it as a medical volunteer. It is a dream come true and I am looking forward to it.”