Peace Corps Medical Sent

Well, it has been a month in the making, but this evening we finally sent the reams of paper back to the Peace Corps medical staff, so that they can review and decide if we are fit. Mostly, it was all another test. Not that they don't need to know all of this stuff about their volunteers, they just do it in such a way that it provides ample opportunity to make small, seemingly insignificant mistakes.

Trying to get your doctor to actually read directions, or follow them, is apparently a highly sought after skill for PC volunteers. Better yet, just try to get them to fill in information (or at least an N/A) about things that don't apply to you. Thanks to our managed health care system, they enter the room like a quick order chef looking at the next ticket... getting them to pause and write an explanation...not part of what our insurance companies want to pay for.

The advantage you have is that most doctors are apparently under the impression tha the PC is a "noble" thing to do, so they are willing to pay a bit more attention to you. Actually, all sarcasm aside, my doctor really did go out of his way to help me. He had done a lot of overseas volunteer doctor work early on in his career, he was excited to help me on my way.

So, finally, the proverbial ball is out of our court, now in the capable hand of UPS (we wanted a tracking number, so the business reply freebie envelope the PC provides was not an option). On Thursday morning, the medical staff will have it...and the clock starts ticking on their end.