I think it’s pretty safe to say (as sad as it is) that after taking two classes on the Chilean health system for the past several weeks, I know more about the Chilean system than the system in the United States. In both of my classes, we’ve exhaustively covered the different insurances that are available to the population here (a public option and a private option) and the different medical facilities that accept those kinds of insurance. In the past couple of weeks, we’ve been able to explore these facilities first-hand and see some pretty stark differences.
For one of my classes, Veronique and I went to explore two hospitals to research them and give a presentation about their services. We visited Hospital del Salvador, a public hospital, and Clinica Santa Maria, a private clinic, both located in Providencia not far from where we live. We made up a story about how we were international students looking to gain residency in Chile full-time (we wish) so we were curious about the different health insurance options available for us. We stuck with the story throughout the day and a couple people seemed to even believe us. It was really interesting to see the different types of securities at the health centers (we were stopped at the private clinic but not at the hospital) and to learn about all the different specialities that they offer (55 in the private clinic, 18 in the hospital).
For one of my classes, Veronique and I went to explore two hospitals to research them and give a presentation about their services. We visited Hospital del Salvador, a public hospital, and Clinica Santa Maria, a private clinic, both located in Providencia not far from where we live. We made up a story about how we were international students looking to gain residency in Chile full-time (we wish) so we were curious about the different health insurance options available for us. We stuck with the story throughout the day and a couple people seemed to even believe us. It was really interesting to see the different types of securities at the health centers (we were stopped at the private clinic but not at the hospital) and to learn about all the different specialities that they offer (55 in the private clinic, 18 in the hospital).
Our clinical observations have also continued in the past couple of weeks with some very distinct experiences. A few weeks ago, I spent the morning at the dialysis clinic at the private health center of the Catholic University. For approximately 3 hours, I got to walk around the clinic with the nurses while they explained the different machines and techniques with me, but I mostly just spent time talking to the patients. There were two patients in particular who were really open to speaking with me about their experiences with dialysis and coming in three times each week for a four-hour treatment. Of course, they also wanted to hear about my experiences so far in Chile and what it was like living in the United States. Overall, it was a really great experience where I got to use my Spanish to communicate with some super sweet patients!
This past week, we found out that we would be doing a night shift (turno) at Hospital Sotero del Rio, a public hospital in the southern part of the city. We were all both excited for the opportunity and a bit unnerved by the idea that 24 hours after receiving the email, we would be spending 12 hours at the hospital. Thankfully, we were able to work in pairs and didn’t have to go alone!
Tuesday was a pretty exhausting day, as I had class and meetings from 10-6:30. Veronique and I stayed on campus for a bit longer to eat dinner and study before taking the metro down to Sotero del Rio to be there at 8:30 pm. We were quickly greeted by the nurses who would be showing us around, so we threw our stuff in the lockers and quickly made our way to Urgencia – the emergency room.
We spent the next several hours exploring the different rooms, from the Reanimation Room to the three Observation Rooms for patients in more critical condition. There were plenty of waiting rooms for the patients, as they would often be moved from the general waiting room, into the back to receive an IV pole and then finally into a room with a camilla (hospital stretcher/bed) for them to sleep. We mostly spent the time walking around with the nurses as they checked on patients, but we also spent some time with some medical students as they were quizzed about the different medical procedures. Unfortunately, despite our attempts at explaining, many people assumed we were doctors or at least medical students because of the lab coats we are required to wear. It was a bit awkward trying to explain to a new doctor at 2 am that no, I do not know what procedure you want me to say to you because I am not in medical school and probably couldn’t explain it to you in Spanish even if I knew it in English… Around 3 am we finally gave in to all the nurses and doctors asking us if we wanted to sleep, so we went into the back rooms with bunk beds to take a nap. When we woke up, there was very little movement in the various rooms, so we figured it was time to head out. A crowded rush-hour metro ride and bus ride later, I was showered and in bed by 8:30 am.
This past week, we found out that we would be doing a night shift (turno) at Hospital Sotero del Rio, a public hospital in the southern part of the city. We were all both excited for the opportunity and a bit unnerved by the idea that 24 hours after receiving the email, we would be spending 12 hours at the hospital. Thankfully, we were able to work in pairs and didn’t have to go alone!
Tuesday was a pretty exhausting day, as I had class and meetings from 10-6:30. Veronique and I stayed on campus for a bit longer to eat dinner and study before taking the metro down to Sotero del Rio to be there at 8:30 pm. We were quickly greeted by the nurses who would be showing us around, so we threw our stuff in the lockers and quickly made our way to Urgencia – the emergency room.
We spent the next several hours exploring the different rooms, from the Reanimation Room to the three Observation Rooms for patients in more critical condition. There were plenty of waiting rooms for the patients, as they would often be moved from the general waiting room, into the back to receive an IV pole and then finally into a room with a camilla (hospital stretcher/bed) for them to sleep. We mostly spent the time walking around with the nurses as they checked on patients, but we also spent some time with some medical students as they were quizzed about the different medical procedures. Unfortunately, despite our attempts at explaining, many people assumed we were doctors or at least medical students because of the lab coats we are required to wear. It was a bit awkward trying to explain to a new doctor at 2 am that no, I do not know what procedure you want me to say to you because I am not in medical school and probably couldn’t explain it to you in Spanish even if I knew it in English… Around 3 am we finally gave in to all the nurses and doctors asking us if we wanted to sleep, so we went into the back rooms with bunk beds to take a nap. When we woke up, there was very little movement in the various rooms, so we figured it was time to head out. A crowded rush-hour metro ride and bus ride later, I was showered and in bed by 8:30 am.