Charming my way across Polish medical facilities

 

Why would someone want to happily go to the doctor especially in these turbulent times right? I don't know about you but if there's something not perfectly normal with my health I'd go to a professional and have it checked rather than go psycho researching my condition on web MD or the likes of it. Maybe a little web MD but more towards observing the condition myself and going to a health professional. That said, this post is aimed at sharing my experience as a foreigner in connection with visits to the clinics in Poland. 

I've often heard people around me saying going to a doctor is a painstaking experience. The nurses or doctors aren't polite, the process is delayed, etc you know what I mean. Let me share my story in this regard as a foreigner. I do not speak fluent Polish but I do really try. I'd say my Polish level is approximately B1. 

I know I'm sidetracking a bit - but hear me out. Learning to speak Polish has been my greatest advantage in this country ever since I got here 5 years ago. With this skill, my experiences with the grocer, the salesperson, the old lady in my building, the postage system, the health clinics have been positive 80% of the time. Specifically, with regards to the medical facilities, it's almost always been zip zap in and out. 

Which makes me ask - can I influence the experience? Absolutely Yes! Here's me, a medium height. small body. brown-skinned Indian woman with a very charming European name (Oh thank heavens for parents who gave me my name!). I smile at the customer attendant and show my ID while confirming in Polish the appointment I've come for and then head to the doctor's office. Are my sentences fluent? 40% of the time probably not! Can I communicate what I want to say? Yes. Almost always. 

I enter the doctor's office, introduce myself and start explaining my symptoms. Honestly, in my experience, they have been wonderfully patient. They listen to what I have to say and help me find a solution through their professional advice 95% of the time. Sometimes I use google translator to translate some words that are new to me. This becomes the opportunity to add new words to my Polish vocabulary. The doctor uses some English to help me understand. 

Perhaps fate has been kind to me. But I'd also emphasise that my transparency and just genuine sincerity coupled with my natural enthusiam to find a solution to my condition has been so effective. The doctors are delighted to meet me and so am I. This experience is not just with private medical care. With the public system as well. 

Never have I thought they would treat me differently because of my brown skin. In fact, I feel the opposite. They love it that I am different. There was a time when my colleague referred me to a doctor as a favor where I didn't have to pay for my visit. A friend suggested I take a cake or a cheesecake to show my gratitude for their help. I did so and the doctor really appreciated it. 

Recently a doctor responded to some of my queries through email after the visit. She even wrote me a letter of fitness and sent me a scanned copy I could show the airport authorities on my trip abroad. On my next visit to the same doctor, I gave her a box of chocolates from the country I visited, as a way of showing my gratitude. 

To say that as an ex-pat I do not have the power to influence a situation to bring it to my advantage would be highly incorrect. Speaking the language and my personal attitude towards every situation, being proactive, calm, pleasant and upfront has served me well in so many ways. Stay tuned for another post from me about my experience of living in a Polish hospital for 2 months. It was like heaven. I'll keep the details for my later post though. You have a lovely day and be sure to check that attitude on your next visit to the doctor. 

Photo credit: https://www.careersinpoland.com/article/arrival-and-stay/health-insurance