Since returning from Honduras 5 days ago, I have spent most of the week back on the consult service. In certain ways, I enjoyed enjoyed medicine in the 3rd world more. No electronic medical record, dictation and billing!
Without a doubt, medical care is infinitely more sophisticated in the USA than in rural, mountainous Honduras. The clinical environment is more advance as are the diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Cost is largely unchecked and out of control here too.
Regardless of the setting, whether remote and primitive or high tech and modern, the doctor-patient relationship has felt the same.
If we lose sight of this goal then we have lost our purpose in medicine.
Happy 4th of July weekend for those who are stateside.
