Hannover

There are very few aspects in which hospitals can differ. They can be private, public, community, or even a teaching hospital; but all hospitals serve the same purpose and that is to treat or even cure patients. Germany’s healthcare system amazes me as how it works to benefit everyone.  All the patients in the hospital were afflicted with illnesses that were not uncommon to Americans, but in someway the patients were different. These patients were reassured that their healthcare costs would be paid for, with no fear of medical bankruptcy. Also doctors were reassured that they would be compensated for their work and not left unpaid.  It is a great system, that admittedly is hard to initially implement, but I believe it does more good than harm.  People on dialysis at the Nephrology department did not have to worry about medical bankruptcy as we often do when were plagued with a chronic illness.  I also enjoyed speaking with the young female cardiovascular surgeon who gave my fellow female classmates and I hope. She reassured us that we could succeed in a predominately male dominated field.

Before this day, if asked about an Axolotl I would have answered, “What is a mythical creature for 100.” However, these are very sophisticated amphibians that through strenuous research can aid in knowledge of scar healing and limb regeneration.  In addition, they are really cute creatures that respond to human interaction.  These definitely are not fish, but more like less cuddly dogs.

In honor of Meghan day, an outing for our pre-veterinarian student, we celebrated by touring Hannover zoo.  I think everyone enjoyed Meghan day even more than Meghan.  As a child you look at zoos for entertainment, but as an adult you can apply your knowledge from school to actually understand the animals. Surprisingly, animals exotic to America were also exotic to Germany.  We were even lucky enough to meet a very “friendly” gorilla that made me feel personally welcomed. Sadly, Hannover was short lived, but Goodbye Germany and Hello Austria!