Australia vs US Healthcare

Submitted by Riley Hazel on the 2024 Spring program in Sydney, Australia…

Sadly, while I was in Australia, I’ve been unfortunate to be in a Sydney hospital for 10 days. The reason for my visit was heart complications, but I’m all good now and in recovery. However, while in St. Vincent’s Public Hospital, I’ve noticed some key differences between the Australian and United States healthcare systems. For one, the Australian Hospital staff were all friendly and putting my self first before anything. While it could be said the same for the United States, I’ve experienced plenty of experiences within the US hospital such as rude staff, more time-constrained visits, and a less comfortable experience. Being in a hospital, in general, can put anyone’s mood down, however the whole time at St. Vincent’s in Sydney, I felt cared for and cared for all the time. Everyone was so personable; even the doctors were kind and down to Earth with me. There was a good amount of professionalism, but each nurse and doctor would give off a friend feeling. Then there is the United States, where everyone I’ve encountered would act as when if it was only a job. It’s a lot more serious and less personable in the United States, which just makes the situation more uncomfortable. I’ve honestly enjoyed my time in the hospital in Sydney despite being sad quite a bit to be there. The whole Australian staff made the experience simply better and comfortable for me. Even my doctor, went out of her way, to call my mom to update her on my doctor’s day off. If that doesn’t say anything about the level of care Australian healthcare has over the United States, I don’t know what else. (Submitted on February 3, 2024)