Subscribe Log in

Log in

Remember me. [?]
Forgotten password
Not got an account?

Subscribe or register here

Toggle navigation
Student BMJ
Search
  • News & views
    • At a glance >>
    • Life
    • Briefings
    • Research explained
    • Views
    • People
  • Clinical
    • Practical skills
    • Clinical reviews
    • Ethics & law
    • Picture quizzes
    • Junior doctor survival kit
  • Specialties
    • Cardiology
    • Emergency medicine
    • Gastroenterology
    • General practice
    • General Surgery
    • Geriatric medicine
    • Neurology
    • Obstetrics & Gynaecology
    • Paediatrics
    • Psychiatry
    • Radiology
    • Respiratory
  • Careers
    • Career planning
    • A career in...
    • Electives
    • Foundation programme
    • Careers advice
  • Applying to medical school
    • At a glance >>
    • Application timeline
    • Considering medicine
    • Medical School Selector
    • Work experience
    • Personal statement
    • Entrance exams
    • Interviews
    • Plan B
    • Graduate entry medicine
    • Mediprep course
  • Subscribe

Is the grass always greener on the other side?

We're always hearing how advanced medical care is in other countries, especially the USA. Rishi Kotecha wondered if it was true and tells us how he found working in health care in America and Australia compared to the UK

By: Rishi Kotecha

Before my elective I was captivated by stories about medical practice in Australia and the United States. I had heard that medicine in Britain is 10 years behind these countries. I had a vision of limitless resources, pioneering procedures and research, high wages, and short working hours. My elective gave me an opportunity to assess the reality of this dream.

Penrith is a small town near the Blue Mountains, one hour's drive west of central Sydney. Nepean is a small hospital with 400 beds serving west Sydney. All specialties are represented except specialised surgery. Facilities and technology are similar to those in Britain; the hospital can perform a wide range of procedures.

I spent four weeks working closely with the intern on the coronary care unit and consulting new patients with the resident. Although there was no set timetable, I attended tutorials and the extra teaching offered.

I was exposed

To read the rest of this article log in or subscribe to Student BMJ.

If you're not ready to subscribe yet you can access News & views for free or register with us to receive free updates on our latest content.

Log in Subscribe
  • Most viewed
  • What's new

Stay in touch

  • Register for email alerts

Contact us

  • Contact us
  • Advertisers and sponsors
  • Media

About Student BMJ

  • About us
  • Join the BMA
  • Subscribe
  • Write for Student BMJ
  • Review articles for Student BMJ
  • The BMJ
  • The Student BMJ scholarship
  • Request permissions
  • Sitemap

Terms and Conditions

  • Website T&Cs
  • Medical School Selector T&Cs
  • Privacy policy

© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2018. All rights reserved.