This week was election week, and I’ve also been able to think a lot about that. I skipped my classes (for the first time) to stand in line for for 1 ½ hours to vote. It was a good experience to see so many people in line, and to spend the evening watching the results of such a historic election with our international friends.
I can’t help comparing the atmosphere with the energy in Ukraine after the Orange Revolution ended and Yushchenko became president. Ukrainians eventually became more discouraged than ever when Yushchenko’s presidency didn’t meet their expectations. I don’t think that the same thing will happen in the USA, but I know that Americans have difficult times ahead.
As a future doctor, I’m not sure how the political situation will affect my career. However, I know it will, and I hope positively. The health care system in the USA isn’t really “systematic.” The current organization evolved without any planning. And surprisingly, the government currently pays for over 50% of national health care costs already, and has a huge influence on the medical system.
I realize there is a I should learn about health care management and payment. I am surprised and a bit dissapointed that nothing has been mentioned in my classes yet. Perhaps I should be getting my Masters in Public Health too!
