Dresden readers… help!
May 31st, 2007 by B.
I need to go to the doctor very soon, but I’d prefer to find one with an excellent grasp of english. The last time I went it was for something straightforward- and I’m still not sure what my actual diagnosis was. I sounded like I had whooping cough and was immediately prescribed a bunch of stuff, beyond that it’s all speculation on my part. He just pointed to my throat, shook his head and said “not happening, not gut”.
Anyway, this time I need to describe stuff to him/her and also ask for a continuation of meds I had from the states that need to be an ongoing thing. And since I’m such and idiot when it comes to speaking/understanding german, I need to find a physician who can dumb it down to my level.
If you can help at all I’d be eternally grateful… if not I’m going to have to widen my search. I’m willing to drive as far as Berlin to track someone down, but would prefer not to have to.
On this day..
- I'm nuts. - 2007
- The things you find at markt (by Jim)..... - 2006
Boy do I understand the need for understanding at the doctor’s office. I wish I had a recommendation for you. The best I can offer is to ask if you’ve ever tried using the forum on toytowngermany.com? It’s a site that started in Munich but has extended to cover other areas. Now the coverage for Dresden is not great, but you could post this doctor question and see if something comes back. It’s probably worth checking out.
You’ve gotta be kiddin’ me? … Seriously? You found a doctor who couldn’t speak English? That’s just too weird. To think this individual went through his whole University and practical experience and didn’t find it a complete necessity… I’d say run far, far away. The hospitals I’ve been to in this area, I’ve spoken extensively with the doctors and 99.9% of them have already studied or practiced in the States or are young enough and early enough in their practice that they’re planning to in the near future and consider it a must.
ANYWAY… wow, I’m blabbering but that shocks me. As for the return favor I’m no better and I’ve been here longer. Michael calls around for me when I need to see someone and informs them what a dummy I am and how much coddling I’ll need ahead of time.
There’s a shortage of English speaking doctors in Berlin as well (they all seem to be in West Berlin and I lived in the East). I was lazy, so instead of taking the U-bahn to the West, I just typed up my medical history in German and wrote up a short paragraph about why I was there and had Rainer correct it before I went. Then at least I knew the doctor knew why I was there and what I wanted. It was tough at first, but it made me learn German.
Megan- That’s not a bad idea at all… I’ve been avoiding posting there because a couple of the Dresdeners seem like jerks. But if they’re jerks who happen to know english speaking doctors… I might just have to get past it.
Lisa- Over here in former east germany (the dark part of germany… heh) there aren’t that many english-speakers. Or if there are they’re all hiding from me. The doctor we’ve seen in the past is probably in his 50’s and has practiced in Dresden the entire time as far as I know…
Christina- All I need is a Rainer to proof my writing! Seriously though, it’s not a bad idea if I can’t find anyone soon…
I think I’ve got something for you:
http://tu-dresden.de/internationales/infosfuerintwiss/aerzte_mit_fremdsprachenkenntnissen_in_dresden
It’s a list of doctors in Dresden who speak foreign languages.
Janine… this is great! Thank you sooooo much.
Late, B! Just got back from GREAT week in London (5 shows in 4 days) and read this request. Good Luck! I mean. IF you need a dentist I DO have a great reco. Wonderfully good, kind, believes in PAIN-LESS, and tries his damnest to speak in English. Had an ortho man there (University doctor) who wanted me to speak to him in English but answered in Deutsch. MARK was with me at EVERY appointment for ALL doctors. FIRST dentist would NOT let him in the room. (I had three there, as my American teeth routinely fell apart … literally.) I would try the University for English speaking. Contrary to most comments, MANY Dresdeners DO speak English but are scared as Scheiße as WE are scared to try Deutsch. Pay back time! BIG TIME! Luckily EACH kind of doctor I have here is English all the way….if ONLY the receptionists did as well. My dentist here worked in South Africa. Early on his recpetionist was SO proud of her English she would write me about this or that. HORRENDOUS English. But would I tell her “NEIN, Frau”? NEVER!