Doctor

Since moving to Scotland, I've been sick more in a two month stretch of time than I ever have before. I figure that it's the added stress of being in a new country, trying to train 15 hours a week, and having flat mates who party around four nights a week (those guys are virus factories...). But today I went in for my first doctors visit. The system here - the National Health Service - is very different than in the United States. First off, its free. Second, its fast. When you want an appointment you call the morning of and you get an appointment the same day. If you show up on time to check in, you wait literally a half minute before they call your name. When you walk into the exam room, the doctor is already sitting there ready to check you out. There aren't any magazines, pointless conversations or hours of wasted time. You're in, out and done. I spent a total of 15 minutes in the hospital and was pleased by the doctor and the service.

Now, I'm sure that there are some downsides to the system. All Scottish citizens pay for the system through their taxes, and I'm not exactly sure how high the tax is. My flat mates have remarked on the absurdity of our system, and after this, I'm inclined to agree. Who needs to pay several hundred dollars for teeny doctor visit? No one...