Sturya of the Month,  SturyaPreneur

From Dreamer to Aesthetic Doctor: How Dr. Rovi Found Her True Calling

Sometimes, life’s most profound decisions arise from the unlikeliest circumstances. Such is the case for the talented and sophisticated Dr. Rovi Valerie Baguhin-Cayetuna, whose unwavering dedication to saving lives took an unexpected turn. Her journey is a testament that life’s truest fulfillment lies in embracing the unforeseen.

Dr. Rovi, an epitome of grace and intellect, stood out wherever she went. Our paths crossed during high school, where her radiant smile and friendly demeanor left a lasting impression. 

I had the chance to know her up close as we were hand-picked together with other talented students in journalism to represent our school and participate in the Division and Regional Schools Press Conference. 

Image of Dr. Rovi smiling at the camera.
Dr. Rovi Valerie Baguhin-Cayetuna

From witty remarks and intelligent discussions, I knew this extraordinary lass had much potential and would one day carve her path to greatness. And indeed, many years later, I was correct in that notion.

A Dream Can Change Into Something Better

From a young age, Dr. Rovi had already set her sights on becoming a doctor. As she embarked on her educational journey, her determination remained unwavering as she tirelessly pursued her dream career with outstanding grades. She underwent training in Internal Medicine and had an earnest desire to specialize in Oncology, driven by her compassion to make a tangible difference in the lives of those battling cancer.

However, the road to Oncology proved challenging and emotionally draining for her. “When I was in training, I realized I was too empathetic towards my patients. The emotional baggage of losing one was too much to bear. Still, I endured because I was too stubborn to change my dream,” Dr. Rovi recalled. “When I handle patients, I give them everything I have and it frustrates me that sometimes my efforts are never enough and they still succumb to death. I still remember their names and the time when they died. When I recall how I couldn’t save them, I still get heartbroken.”

Image of Dr. Rovi' working at her clinic.
Image of Dr. Rovi smiling at the camera.

When the pandemic happened, it was also the same time Dr. Rovi gave birth to her daughter. At that instant, life presented her with a profound moment of self-reflection. Becoming a mother changed her perspective on life, and the transformative journey of motherhood prompted Dr. Rovi to reevaluate her priorities.

“I realized that dreams can change. You could reach for another star and let go of the one you were chasing your entire life,” she shared. It dawned on her that she didn’t want to come home late at night, carrying heavy emotions from work and unconsciously projecting it onto her daughter and husband.

Amid this transformative period, Dr. Rovi found herself at a crossroads, questioning the essence of her being. “I wanted more work-life balance, financial stability and control of my fate. Life is about living, not just enduring,” she revealed. But how was she going to achieve the life she envisioned?

An Encounter with Fate and the Birth of a Brand

It was as if the universe heard her deepest thoughts and desires. In its enigmatic ways, Dr. Rovi came across a sponsored Instagram post that would forever change her life. Through this platform, she found herself captivated by the field of Aesthetic Medicine. The post depicted the life of a doctor living her best–enjoying food, fashion and travel while being a hands-on mom, which embodied Dr. Rovi’s ideal life. It resonated deeply with her desire for balance, personal growth and the ability to make a positive impact on people’s lives. “Since then, I never looked back. It was such a beautiful world,” she said.

Inspired by what she had witnessed, Dr. Rovi fearlessly ventured into Aesthetic Medicine. This newfound path allowed her to blend her artistic sensibilities with scientific expertise, empowering individuals to embrace their unique beauty, restore confidence and embark on transformative journeys. 

At this turning point, Dr. Rovi found her true calling, fulfilling her new role as an Aesthetic Doctor with intellect, flair and commitment to her patient’s well-being.

Dr. Rovi founded her own clinic, Piu o Meno (+/- Clinic). Inspired by a waitress in Italy who asked, “Piu o Meno?” (Plus or Minus) regarding the amount of parmesan cheese she wanted on her dish, she realized that beauty is subjective. “She (the waitress) continued by saying that life is just a series of choices between Piu and Meno. Everyone’s choices are always different,” she recalled. 

Image of Piu o meno or plus minus clinic
Image of the interior of Piu O Meno Clinic or Plus Minus Clinic

“It was then I realized that we have different standards of beauty. It’s preposterous to shove one’s standard to another.”

At her clinic, patients are encouraged to embrace their individuality and make choices that align with their personal beauty standards. “You decide if it’s Piu or Meno. Add or subtract it however you want to,” Dr. Rovi expressed, emphasizing the freedom for each individual to pursue their unique definition of beauty.

The +/- sign in the clinic’s name also represents the precision of an approximation, which aligns with Dr. Rovi’s philosophy of progress over perfection.

“I do not believe in perfection. It is unattainable and, quite frankly, unrealistic. What I believe in is progression,” she asserted.

Her Definition of Success

Image of the exterior of Piu o meno clinic or plus minus clinic
Located in Dao District, Tagbilaran City, Bohol

As Dr. Rovi continues to make a difference in the lives of her patients through Aesthetic Medicine, her definition of success has also evolved.

“When I was younger, success meant earning accolades and validation from others. But when I became a doctor, it meant impacting patients’ lives and effectively managing their conditions,” she explained. 

“After I found the love of my life, became a wife and a mom, success meant finding the right balance between work and life while keeping my family safe and happy.”

Now, at this juncture in her life, success for Dr. Rovi means being granted the opportunity to live her dream while still being present for her loved ones. 

It encompasses the pursuit of her passions, the fulfillment of her aspirations and the joy of witnessing her patients’ transformations. Through her courage, compassion and commitment to her patients, Dr. Rovi continues to redefine success and make a difference in the world, one transformative journey at a time.

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