No hablo español
The week of October 1st was the first week of clinical rotations. I had a chance to sit in during a consult for a woman who did not speak Spanish, she spoke Mazateco. It was interesting to hear her life story and about her journey as a mother. She was married at age 12, and had kids until about age 50. It was interesting to hear the narrative of someone with such a traditional background and upbringing.
It was also saddening to witness her medical care be affected by money (she was unsure whether she would get an endoscopy because it was so expensive). The woman initially asked for yerbas, or herbs, instead of an endoscopy, as she was looking for a cheaper alternative within traditional medicine. The doctor replied abrasively and said she did not know of any.
When I’m a doctor, I’m going to make sure to hear out the patient and take into account their beliefs about traditional medicine and use of herbs and natural treatments. I think it really brings down a person and their culture when physicians respond so negatively to something they cherish and believe in.