EMERGENCY!!

EMERGENCY!!

In my second week I had the ‘privilege’ of having a medical situation. This continues to make me realize that I am somehow bound to have a first of many more! In 2011 I was the first one to have my airport luggage lost, and subsequently the first one to have gone to the doctor! Panicked and worried, as we were leaving to New york the next day, I called the Management team and we were on our way to the HOSPITAL…I would like to use this opportunity to say that I was hoping I would not have to go to the emergency room, I wanted to see a doctor who would be able to give me a cream, and I could go on my way. However as my luck would have me, as a foreigner I could only get medical attention at the emergency room.

Well, I had a sneak peek into the medical system of America, and I must say; their system is extremely complicated. However as complicated as it is, it is very efficient!!The things I have heard about the health system, was that it was extremely expensive, lacks professionalism, and adequate care! I agree that private hospitals are extremely expensive; however I found that they had speedy service, welcoming doctors and I was put at ease with the level of professionalism. I agree that my opinion to the USA health system is biased as I did not experience a public health clinic, or hospital, but I cannot complain about the experience I had.

I will admit, its defiantly not a ‘Greys Anatomy’ moment, but I did feel like a special patient. Since my bite mark was unidentifiable, I had two doctors, and they gave me my medication immediately! 5 tablets later I was drowsy and sleepy, with management (Vivek) making sure I was home safe!

I had to leave Africa for a American bite mark! My experience with their health system, wasn’t unpleasant, they gave me first class treatment and I felt confident in their abilities!

Diagnosis-Insect Bite

Type of Insect: Unknown

Cause- Unknown

Medication- Antibiotics, followed by rest and water

Outcome- A healthy SAWIP intern, who is looking forward to New York

Thank you SAWIP management for holding my hand…literally, as well as the calls and the SAWIP team for the get well wishes!