Comparing medical systems...

As a side note, today, for the first time in around 5 years, I paid for a haircut. However, it was only about $1.50. I gestured that I just wanted him to shave my head, and he held out a variety of guards for the clippers. I chose my usual 1/4" and he went to work. Now I just have to try not to sunburn my head/neck. And even further aside, I think I have fleas, but that seems to be my usual summer condition lately. Unlike last summer, at least now I have the option of bathing nearly as much as I want. That helps keep the infestation to a minimum.

One of the cool things about being here is that I'm hanging out with people from lots of places. Mostly Australia, England, Canada, and the US. Since many are in some aspect of healthcare, we often talk about what things are like in different systems. I must say that the US shows very poorly in almost all comparisons. And while I knew it had problems, while trying to explain it to people who are unfamiliar, I can't help but feel like a complete idiot. I know I didn't create it, but I'm part of the people who authorize it, even if in a vague, disenfranchised sort of way.

Instead of ranting on about the problems we have, I'll just recommend Micheal Moore's newest movie.

The most interesting difference (though I can't quite explain why) is that in England and Canada, primary care specialties (pediatrics, family practice) are the most competitive for students to get into. In the US they are the least competitive and the but of many jokes. It all comes down to the dismal levels of medicare reimbursement. The competitive specialties in the US are the ones where you can work 4 days a week and make a decent amount of money. To make half as much as a dermatologist, a family care doctor has to work 50+ hours a week and can only spend 15 minutes with each patient. It's unfortunate for our healthcare system that it is that way, but really, who would want to do that if you can do something else? Elsewhere it seems that primary care reimbursement is comparable to other specialties and so students get to choose based on what they want to do, not what has the best lifestyle. And it seems most of them are led to primary care.