The Big Desk

I've written about various doctor experiences in Switzerland before, but I realized I've always forgotten to mention one important thing--the big desk. Every doctor in Switzerland has one. Apparently, it's a requirement. When you are first greeted by any doctor in Switzerland, (who usually takes the trouble to come to the waiting room to greet you personally), after shaking hands, you are immediately asked to have a seat opposite them at a big desk in their office.

Never mind if you speak the same language, somehow, with bad English, bad German, and a few token gestures or maybe a random French word, you will discuss your name, occupation, and what brought you in.

Some doctors have special rooms just for this big desk while others combine them with a more typical examination experience. Anyhow, the whole desk phenomenom is just another way to show how much more formal Swiss society is than American society--In Switzerland, the doctor actually sees you fully clothed before they see anything else.

Think about it. How many of you Americans have ever gone to see a doctor in the U.S. and actually seen the doctor before being in some state of undress? Sure, maybe you saw the nurse and receptionist while you still had some pride left, but a U.S. doctor would never take the time to talk things over with you fully clothed. At least this is my experience.

So in some ways, I appreciate the whole Swiss doctor visit. If only the whole language barrier thing was a little easier.

English Speaking Doctors in Switzerland

One of the most stressful things about living in another country is trying to find a doctor you can communicate with. That's the topic of my column in Swiss News this month. You can read it on the Swiss News website. 

Speaking of doctors you can talk to, if anyone is looking for an American dentist in the Zurich/Baden area, I can recommend Dr. Dehn. He grew up in Chicago, and has a degree from the University of Illinois. (A very fine school, although maybe I'm a bit biased.) His assistants and secretaries don't speak English, but based on my experience, he'll call you personally to follow-up after your appointment to make sure things are fine. And while you're there, he might even ask you if you'd like a cup of tea.

If any of you have a great English speaking doctor in Switzerland, please leave a comment.