First Couple Days

 When I first arrived at the University of Crete Hospital, I immediately noticed that most of the signs that provided directions were written in Greek.  All of the patient charts were written in Greek.  The only thing that I was able to read in the hospital were the ECGs.  For me to understand what was going on, one of the Residents or attendings would have to give me an explanation in English.  Being in this position made me realized how difficult it must be for non-English speakers who are seeking medical care in the United States.  

I immediately began noticing some differences between the American and Greek healthcare systems.  In America, patients generally have their own room or share a room with one person.  In the Greek hospital, rooms are large, male/female patients are separated, and the contain 3-6 patients per room.  There is a lot less privacy for patients in the Greek hospital.  I have also noticed that patients and family members like to pop into the documentation room to ask questions to the doctors.  It seems like the interactions are more informal, but the patients generally accept what ever plan the physicians make for them.

Since I am in an Erasmus program, I have also had the opportunity to meet students from all over Europe.  It is a great opportunity to learn about other cultures and I am looking forward to getting to know them better.