Thursday:
We met around 7, and then headed out for a nice long drive to Jutland (the part of Denmark connected to the rest of Europe. First stop, Hans Christian Anderson Children's Hospital (by the way, they are absolutely obsessed with him here, even though during his life, he hated it here and did everything he could to leave. But that was partially based on Jantelov, which will need to be another post). Here, we were lectured at for a while, specifically on different methods of ventilation for neonatal care. Interesting, but very difficult to hear one person talking quietly while 35ish American students tried to all crowd around and ask question. But we did get to see their neonatal care unit and see some of the unique methods they are using to care for extreme premies (like 24 weeks, incredible!). Additionally, we saw their labs, which were set up very differently from the US. Instead of having a big lab that focuses on one project, they have a ton of tiny labs that all do just one things (ie- only do PCR). It seems like they do all the PCR for a set of projects, but don't have anything to do with the project as a whole. I'm not sure if this is way more or way less efficient than our system. It seems to work for them, but I think it would frustrate me. I like to have my hands in all aspects of a research project, not just one little part!
So after the hospital, we went to RoboDays! Essentially, we went and played with all the latest and greatest robots... and somehow they decided this was medically related? I mean really, the main highlight was riding around on Segways. But I suppose there were some really interesting new inventions, like a blind-cane with built in GPS that can guide people by vibrations. Or snuggly robots that could comfort children in a variety of situations. ... but mostly we rode on the Segways!
Follow this up with dinner at a hostel and hanging out with our group and the other DIS groups at the same hostel for a good portion of the night, and it was a good day.
Friday:
Another early morning, another drive, another hospital. This time the Arhus PET imaging center. I actually really enjoyed this visit; we saw and heard about new neural imaging techniques, especially for Alzheimers and Parkinsons research. We then had what I thought was one of the best lectures I have ever heard. It was on interdisciplinary methods of studying neuroscience. I love the idea of pulling philosophy, physics, computer science, music, everything, into the study of neuro. It brings a whole new level to research, and allows so many new ideas to develop. This is really the kind of work I would like to do once I get back to school. So this is my new goal for senior year, find a special studies or thesis that allows me to do interdisciplinary work, not just sitting in the basement, injecting mice, watching them, and killing them. Awesome! I have a plan!... now to convince Mary that this is a good idea...
A pretty view from the bus1. Everyone gets universal health care.
2. Everyone is assigned a GP.
3. To see a specialist, you must have a referral from your GP.
4. There are a TON of rules involving how much doctors can work, the hours practices can be open, and what doctors you can see.
Therefore, GPs are very important and plentiful.
This particular clinic was home to 8 GPs, which is very large by Danish standards. I was really interested in this visit, based on all the family medicine I was involved in this summer. But it was a bit disappointing actually... mostly it was a discussion on why the Danish system is so much better than the American system. But we did get to see the practice, which remarkably resembled more of a house than a doctor's office. Each of the GPs practiced relatively autonomously, as each patient is assigned to just one of them. They budget 15 minute blocks of time (or less!) for each consultation, which often involved lab tests, just talking, and even acupuncture. Weird. But a good insight into Danish health care... which may not be as perfect as everyone seems to think. I will withhold any other comments until I know more.
Friday evening in the middle of nowhere, what do you do? Apparently, you go bowling! So yes, we spent several hours bowling, eating really awful food (or in my case, lettuce and bread), and actually having a really good time. And then our tour leaders decided we should all go out. And an entertaining night ensued. Let's just leave it at that.
Saturday:
A day of museums. We went first to ARoS, the modern art museum in Arhus. It was one of the most amazing museums I have ever been in, and this is from someone who is not usually a fan of modern art. First, the building itself is incredible. All white, very open, and full of windows. Second, the art itself. It was so varied: from parts of a horse in jars (long story), to a giant boy, to video installations, to 18th C. paintings. Crazy cool.
Museum #2: History of Science. Sweet. First blood transfusions, ancient ambulance, plague doctors, results of very early surgeries, microscopes, pretty much everything under the sun. Oh, and the same pendulum clock we have in McConnell! It made me very happy. (McConnell is one of the science buildings at Smith, for you non-Smithies, and the foyer contains a giant pendulum clock!)
And that was pretty much the short and sweet version of our study tour. Now I can't wait for the long tour in just a few weeks to Berlin and Poznan!!
... and now I should get back to studying!... and cooking! Cooking class #2 is tonight!
No comments:
Post a Comment