A View from Abroad

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A View from Abroad

The FOGS/ACOG Annual meeting is almost here. The combination of the joint meeting with FSREI and Dr McCarus's program should prove to make this a special meeting indeed. Please preregister with the FOGS office, but if your plans are not clear don't hesitate to drive to the fabulous Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando and register on site. The Friday and Saturday evening social hours are also productive and important opportunities to see colleagues and network on all conceivable topics. I have not missed many of these meetings the past 30-plus years but this August I will still be on sabbatical in Germany. I look forward to the next time we meet.

During my time in Germany, I have tried to understand through observation and conversation why Europeans have superior outcomes in things Obstetric and Perinatal. It remains a longtime personal concern that the US, Florida, and particularly North Florida (where I practiced) fall below the standards of Western Europe 2008 Annual in Maternal and Perinatal Mortality and Morbidity. Noone to date has a clear answer to this complicated question. Here are my observations: Germany in particular (and most European countries) has universal health care. Most have some variation on a single-payer system. This has not caused problems in quality of care. Despite Americans spending far more for technology and health care, my German friends are generally more satisfied than my friends and colleagues in Florida. Doctors here work long and difficult schedules and are under similar ressures (primarily financial) to keep their practices healthy.

Lifestyles bring a mix of both positive and negative observations. I believe that considerably more Germans smoke cigarettes than in Florida (especially young people), but this and fast driving are the only negative issues I see. On the positive side, the German diet seems healthier with more opportunity for seasonally fresh vegetables and fruit as well as daily and free-time exercise. Most people—especially housewives—walk to the store, to the playground, to the swimming pool, you name it. Also, most houses are several stories high and stair climbs are a part of daily life. Weekends and holidays (there are far more holidays and vacation times are longer than in the US) bring out walkers, joggers, hikers, cyclers, equestrians and more. Generally, the German people seem fit. Their diet does include a lot of butter and other fat but I don't see it on the waistlines. The climate here is ideal to allow for exercise with long days and moderate temperatures making such activities possible. The heat and humidity of our Sunshine state complicates this opportunity. Maybe all we need to do is walk more.

Last weekend I attended a fete celebrating the hundred-year anniversary of a hunting club in Nurnberg. An ensemble of Parforce horns and a smaller group of Waldhorns played traditional hunting folk music through operatic selections highlighting the gala evening. The music was terrific with my favorites being Fantasies from both Wagner and Weber. But, believe it or not, the conductor looked just like Jay Trabin! He had longer hair of course to flop around like conductors do but he could have been Jay's twin. If I told you the first Parforce horn player looked like Karen Harris or the Waldhorn soloist looked like Bob Yelveton you would think I was dreaming. My point though, as this is my last column, is that I am very confident in the leadership of the Florida Section of ACOG.

For our section to continue to make music, however, it takes the help and attention of our entire membership. Our success remains in your hands. I am honored that you have allowed me to serve for these past years. Thank you for this privilege and for the continued work you do for the women of Florida.