3/27-Before the trip

I am excited and nervous to begin my experience in Crete, Greece. I have been trying to do my research, have been doing Doulingo for 3 moths, and have packing for weeks but still don't feel ready. I don't think any amount of research could prepare you for living and working in a new country than diving in head first. Unfortunately, as I sit here before my flight, I am feeling so sick. I woke up yesterday under the weather so many medications were purchased to withstand the flights and travel. With my medicated, sick, nervous brain, several thoughts occur to me. I wonder if many people speak English. Being in the US, we rely on people speaking English during medical visits but are not expected to know other languages. We do not do a good job being culturally welcoming in the US especially in the medical setting. It will be good to get a taste of our own medicine (for lack of a better phrase). I also wonder how primary care will be viewed in Crete. From research, there seems to be a strong emphasis on primary care but anecdotally, I have heard otherwise. I am also curious about the National Healthcare system in Greece. This type of system with universal coverage is a foreign concept to us but a medical bill may be foreign to them. As a future family medicine physician, I am curious about the path to becoming a family family medicine doctor. As the boarding announcements begin, I can't wait to embark on this journey