Global Health Systems 1st Edition by Margie Lovett Scott ,Faith Prather

Exercise 3

Case Scenario
Marietta: No disrespect!
Marietta is an 18-year-old who waited several months for an appointment for a required physical examination needed before she can begin her college based nursing program. Just as she was resolved to the fact that she was not going to make the deadline for submission of a satisfactory physical she got the appointment. Her parents have, for over a year, discouraged her from pursuing a career in nursing, arguing that it pays poorly, is not highly regarded, and she would be bothered every day with patient complaints about the poor care and long waits to be seen by a doctor. She stood firm, told them that she planned to make a difference as a nurse, and continued focusing on fulfilling her dream. Excited, she arrived at the clinic 20 minutes early. As she sat in the overcrowded waiting room, she became slightly nervous about the impatience of the people waiting to be seen. She waited over an hour in the waiting room before being called into an examining room and waited an additional 20 minutes for the doctor. Just a few minutes into the first part of the physical exam Marietta was asked about her choice of nursing as a career. The physician asked, ?Why nursing, and not medicine?? and mumbled in an almost inaudible tone, ?You?ll probably die a pauper if you choose nursing.? Marietta was speechless, hung her head, and did not respond.
Considering that the healthcare system in Italy is considered the second best in the world, explain Marietta's long wait for a physical examination. Is this typical of the Italian system?