Jet-lag got me. I was exhausted after flying across the country and walking 25,000 steps. I did not feel well. I booked a hospital visit for the next day to check out what was going on.
The hospital was nothing like in America. America’s hospitals are barren and cold. There was color in this hospital. There was projected light onto the floor in fun shapes and colors. I did not feel scared and cold, but warm and safe.
I checked in with the front desk and within 10 mins I met with a doctor who spoke English. She talked to me and figured out what we should do. They gave me a sheet of paper with steps in order and the locations to get tests done on me. The paper came with a bar code that I scanned at every location. There was colored lines on the floor leading me to my next location. There had to be 50 people in the room where they draw blood. My name was called within 10 mins of arriving. I hate getting my blood drawn, but it was clear she was a professional. In and out. I did a bunch more tests and left the hospital quickly.
I was amazed at the atmosphere and efficiency of the hospital. Later I talked to our guide about my experience. She said of course ppalli-ppalli. Palli-Palli means hurry hurry. It is what made Korea what it is today, a country that runs on efficiency and progress. She said Korean people are impatient and laughed. Maybe impatience, something frowned upon in America, is not a bad way to live life. They are a people who get things done and fast. That is how all things should be especially health care.
I took away from this experience that I should expect more from the systems around me. They do not have to be slow and unrewarding. They do not have to be cold and scary. Things will be what we settle for.