On Call

- Gent, Belgium July 7
One of the things we have done here at Pre-Field Training is to divide into “service teams.” Being one of two doctors here, I was asked to be on the Medical Team. Well, part of that means that I am “on call” half the month. But, don’t worry, there are only about 50 of here so it shouldn’t be too bad. In fact, it has been interesting so far.

The other day I decided to go to a local pharmacy to see what meds would be available in case one of my patients got sick. I had to go to the pharmacy because there are no over the counter meds in the grocery stores or “Wal-Mart” type places. Interestingly, there are very few meds available without a prescription here. However, after talking with the pharmacist a bit, to my surprise I discovered that I could write a prescription here and it would be valid. That is such a blessing.

Another interesting opportunity I have already had here, is that one of the participants had a severe sprained ankle which she suffered on her way here (she didn’t enjoy the planes, trains, and automobiles as much as I did!). Anyway, she had a plaster splint on that was to come off yesterday. She asked me to go with her to the doctor here. Since I was on call, I happily went. I am glad I did. I learned a lot about the practice of medicine here.

The physician we went to was a Family Physician. His practice was in his house. We entered a back door and sat in the tiny waiting room a few minutes. Then, he called us in. We sat at his desk while he interviewed my “patient”. Then, he invited her to sit on the exam table that was also in the “L” shaped office. Next to the table, he had a counter and shelves that was filled with equipment and supplies. Once done, he went back to his desk where he used his Electronic Medical Record on his computer.

I asked him about his office and hours. He told me that he saw about 20 patients a day and had about 6,000 visits a year. I also learned that he did house calls. I also learned that he enjoyed being the doctor, nurse, and receptionist. He told me all of his patients have National Insurance and that the patients only had to pay 12% of the costs. He proudly stated that he thought Belgium had one of the best health care systems in the world. From my brief encounter, I didn’t disagree.

Comments

[Eric Wenger]

So glad to hear you are having a good experience there in Belgium. I am praying for your whole family to experience the peace of God as you encounter new things in preparation for Kenya. God bless!