I had an unbelievable time in Thailand that went by far too quickly. I had never been anywhere outside North America until this trip, so I came into the trip with no expectations. While most of the trip was amazing in so many ways, things were not perfect, and I think that is what makes these experiences so meaningful.
Some positive things that stand out to me culturally include the minimal expression of anger, the pride shown in their work, and the amazing sense of community that translates into great transitions of care. As you may have read, the driving in Bangkok is crazy. People cutting others off regularly and not using turn signals. You would think people would be outraged but there are no honks, yelling, or even rude gestures. The Thai people work very hard for very little. While going out to the markets, at first I did not realize the work it takes to put out and take down all the goods, box them up, go home late at night, then wake up and do it all again, every single day. Also, within each village, the residents take on different roles. These roles can include healers, cooks, tailors, and many others. The village residents take care of each other like family. When a patient is released from the hospital and goes back to their home, there is a trained healthcare worker for the village who will see them on a regular basis to discuss medications and symptom relief.
As much as there is to love about Thailand, there are also some negatives. For instance, individuality seems frowned upon and diversity is not commonly seen. There is a very strong promotion of a certain shape, size, and color that Thai people should be, women specifically. Comments were even made to our group pointing out "flaws" of some individuals during a lecture. We also saw ill-looking stray cats and dogs on the streets daily, along with rats and cockroaches. And some of the methods used in one the institutions was haunting, involving restraints and densely packed dormitories.
Every experience is not going to be perfect or better than what you are used to. I feel like it is important to look at another culture, hospital, or healthcare system and use it to determine what you can do better, what you are doing well, and what should not be taken for granted.
As I was going through my photos from this trip I saw temples, nature, food, museums, clinics, hospitals, more food, white coats, factories, waterfalls, beaches, elephants, and even more food. But what they all have in common is how much we all enjoyed each and every one of these things, as well as sharing the experiences with each other. Having the other students along with me throughout this journey, especially two of my best friends, helped me get so much more out of it. Not only did we have fun, but we were able to reflect on the experiences with each other and point out different viewpoints that we would have otherwise not seen.
Going back to the U.S., I will forever cherish our automated dispensing machines, our pharmacy-to-dose protocols, our clean streets, and healthy pets. And I will always remember the lengths they go to in Thailand to continue following the patient after they leave the hospital to ensure proper understanding, medication adherence, and symptom management. Although my aggression while driving may not change, I respect the ability of the Thai people to just let it go. Lastly, my new diet will consist of more limes and spices, and more Thai food in general, with the exception of cilantro, lime leaf, lemongrass, and coagulated pig blood.
Finally, our preceptors Dr. Krebs, Dr. Choi, and Dr. Warren were amazing. It was so good to have them there for their support and guidance. It was lovely getting to know each of them a little better. Our coordinator Noi and driver Nu answered all of our questions (no matter how absurd), ordered our food, led us through the streets of Bangkok and Chiang Mai, and were so much fun to hang out with for the past month.
I will never forget this experience!
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| Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai |
Khob Khun Ka [Thank you],
Sara Stafford
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