Through the Klemm Fellowship, I had the opportunity to observe the medical system at Athens General Hospital in Greece for three weeks. This experience provided insight into a system in which healthcare is considered a public good. Despite my placement in the large city of Athens, the hospital functioned more like a close-knit community, as medical teams worked together to navigate the continued repercussions of the 2008 economic crisis. After observing orthopedic surgeries, sitting in resident rooms, and greeting patients before their procedures, I hope to share the lessons I learned about hospital organization, professional culture, and empathy.
Acknowledgements: I am so grateful to the Klemm Fellowship for granting me this opportunity and making this incredible experience possible.