How do you know each other?
“We’re all medical students studying at the same university in Amsterdam. We are currently medical interns in different hospitals.”
“If you could change something about the medical system what would it be?”
“The current system is very hierarchic. As a medical intern you work full time for three years without getting paid a dime. The appreciation you get for the hard work comes mostly from the patients. Most of the doctors are under big pressure and that why they don’t get to spend a lot of time with their patients. The good thing is though, that we as interns get to spend a lot of time with them.”
“Isn’t it hard to have a close relationship with patients, even though sometimes there is a chance you won’t be able to help them?”
“That is one of the biggest misconception people have about being a doctor. Many think that as a doctor you’re supposed to extend the length of life but in fact as a doctor you’re supposed to contribute to the quality of life, while the patients are still living.”