Some days you just need to sleep for 12 hours straight. Today was one of those days. After waking up from one of the deepest sleep of my life, we met with Dr. Flo Ledesma, health innovation manager of Medife. Medife is the owner of an insurance company of the same name as well as an Obras Social, or a union called ASE. The insurance section of the company operated much like US companies, with premiums and plans. A difference from our US system is that the higher plans will actually cover the cost of concerts, sporting events, and other social events. Their obras can contract their own insurance for an individual, can contract the company’s insurance, or they can bypass and contract other hospitals. Below is an image to really map it out. Overall the system is definitely over complex. However, it is easy to see the original intention as Argentinians did not want any one entity in charge to create a system that would not take advantage of the people. 

Afterward, we went to a private cardiac clinic owned by Swiss Medical. The group focuses on outpatient procedures that focus on the comfort of the patient. With rooms resembling an airport lounge, knowingly so. The clinic was nothing less than pristine. The floors were clean and the departments were extremely modern. We were able to see OR rooms and learn about the different opportunities available.

Following our cardiac visit, we spent some time in the MALBA museum focused on the modern art of Latin people, primarily those of a Brazilian African. We were able to see some of Frida Kahlo’s most notable works as well as art from a well-known Brazilian African artist and an artist whose works were made in a mental institution. 

We decided to stay in after our night out yesterday. Being Sunday, yesterday we explored antique markets in San Telmo. I was able to buy myself a pair of earrings made of a pink stone only found and mined in Argentina. I was surprised to learn that several vendors who did not accept credit cards did accept US Dollars. I also splurged on a very cute poster of La Bocca’s colorful buildings. So today, we decided to stay in and struggle to order salads and fries in a nearby store. Spoiler alert, we did not do a very good job as my salad had no dressing. Hopefully, tomorrow will bring well-dressed salads. I am sure my dreams will be filled with thoughts of Vinagarette, caesar, Italian, and Thousand Island. Good night!