BERLIN, GERMANY
November 23, 2023
A visit to the doctor in Berlin is a unique experience for the traveler from San Francisco.
One of us caught a ‘bug’. Being exposed to the 30° temperatures and surrounded by many coughing locals.
It’s no surprise one of us would succumb to the elements.
Fortunately we are partaking in our third trip to Berlin and are somewhat familiar with the City and its customs.
It helps that Liz speaks some German.
The manager at the Hotel Tiergarten assisted me in finding a nearby medical clinic. It is across the street from the Berlin criminal court house. A 10 minute walk through Kleiner Tiergarten Park.
When I explained to the hotel manager we are up to date on our Covid booster shots she laughed and said, “Some people collect stamps. Others collect covid shots.”
When we arrived just past 9AM the waiting area was full of local Berliners. Some coughing. Others wearing face masks.
The clinic staff was initially reluctant to take an American patient. We, of course, do not have German health insurance. We engaged staff and after providing passport identification were logged into the system.
The person who needed evaluation was seen immediately.
The traveler with the ‘bug’ was seen by the equivalent of an American doctor. Except for one major distinction. The title on the doctor’s name badge was “Frau.”
Even though she had studied eight years, the prestige of being called “Doctor” was denied her.
To be awarded the more prestigious title of “Dr.” the American patient’s provider needed to have completed extensive research.
Despite the fact she had spent extensive time in the critical care Emergency Room the title of “Dr.” remains out of reach.
The “Frau” conducted a thorough examination and provided her analysis.
A run of the mill virus. A couple of prescriptions were written up by the “Frau” and we were out the door on a windy rainy Thanksgiving day in Moabit Berlin.
The entire visit took only one hour.
Surprisingly the appointment cost less than $25.00.
We were impressed by the effectiveness and kindness of the clinic staff and departed feeling reassured.
We then retired to a neighborhood Cafe for a caffe latte.
Lee's Perspective 