A Room With A View

We had the opportunity to experience Taiwanese healthcare from the inside. Once we figured out that Mark probably had a hernia, we decided to go to the doctor. This is where the Taiwanese network healthcare system really kicked into gear. It's different from Taiwan's national healthcare system, but they are integrated in amazing ways. You see, the NATIONAL healthcare system applies to everyone with a health card in Taiwan. The NETWORK healthcare system applies to you and your friends and relatives. Our network is amazing.


Ping's niece, whose husband is the head of neurosurgery at Taipei Veterans' General Hospital, gave us the name of a doctor who granted us an appointment for two days later. Once the hernia was diagnosed, one of Ping's cousins recommended a surgeon he knows. The next morning, we showed up at the hospital at 8:20 and her cousin personally walked us straight in to see the surgeon before office hours officially started--no waiting. The surgeon explained everything in good English and we arranged for the operation for his very next surgery day. Baba and Mama drove us to the hospital on Sunday and stayed with us until Mark was settled in Room 28 of Ward 102 on the 10th floor. The surgery was first thing Monday morning. By Tuesday, we were back home. Done.

It was a total of six days from discovery to starting recovery. That's the power of the Taiwanese network healthcare system.

Mark got to wear this stylish standard-issue ensemble. It even had Chinese knot buttons up the front. (Click on the picture to see a larger view.)



The room was set up for two people. The other half was shared by a guy and his younger brother who was helping care for him. The guy had just had 60% of his liver removed after being surprised to find out he had cancer. He was an amazingly positive fellow. His younger (and taller) brother was a very quiet sort who was helpful even to Mark with whom he could only communicate with sign language and basic Chinese. They were great roommates.


The staff was gentle, courteous, lighthearted and effective. The Taiwanese people are helpful by nature and the hospital staff was an excellent example of that caring personality. Never once did Mark feel like a number or "the hernia in Rm. 28." Ping was there each day until late and had nice conversations with the resident doctor, the nurses and the cleaning lady. When she wasn't there, any communication difficulties were easily overcome with body language, hand gestures and giggles. The doctors all communicated clearly in English and answered all Mark's questions. If you have to end up in a hospital in a foreign country, Mark highly recommends Taipei Veterans' General Hospital.

Here's the view from the 10th floor. Twice a week over the last year, Mark has waited for the bus in the thick row of trees in the center of the picture. He's been working as a homework and writing coach for an expat high school Junior in Tianmu. It never occurred to him that he'd be spending two nights in that big building behind him.

Here are Mark's sketches:

The view from his perspective (that first night).

(Mssr. Van Gogh, himself, is included in the lower right of the picture because...well...it's a "Van Gogh" sketchbook. Vincent does not emerge entirely unscathed, as you'll see.)

Standard Issue Outfit
- 3/4 Sleeves
- Chinese Knots for Buttons
- NOT embarrassing
- PLUS! Blue Pinstripes!
- (Mostly) Fits

Mark's view the day after surgery.

And, no, I'm not going to show you my scar. :)

For more on the experience from Mark's point of view, check out "Mr. Speedy, X-Ray Orderly" here.