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