When I first came to Spain, I always felt that the healthcare system here was great, with good benefits and very patient doctors. But recently, I saw a post online from a doctor working in the emergency department of a public hospital in Madrid. It was basically a tearful rant session, and it made me, a long-time lurker, feel compelled to break my silence and discuss this topic with everyone.
This doctor said that the biggest problem they face now isn’t viruses or complex diseases, but—patients. He said people are increasingly treating the emergency room like their own living room, coming in for the most trivial things. For example, a paper cut on a finger, a slightly itchy throat, or even someone who comes to the ER for a full check-up because they “don’t feel very happy today”… My goodness, I was shocked when I read this. This is an incredible waste of precious medical resources!
What drives him even crazier is that many patients come in clueless about their own symptoms but are very opinionated about how they should be treated and what medicine to prescribe. They come in armed with ‘miracle cures’ they found online or folk remedies from their neighbors, trying to direct the doctor’s work. “Doctor, I think I need a shot of antibiotics,” “Just prescribe me that popular painkiller I saw online,” “I’ve Googled it, I’m pretty sure I have Disease X.” The doctor said his blood pressure skyrockets every time he hears these things. Seriously, if Googling symptoms for seeing a doctor in Spain actually worked, what was the point of medical school and all those years of training for patients in Spanish hospitals? Was it to argue with people on the internet?
The doctor also compiled a list of patient types they least want to see in the ER. I’ve put it into a table for everyone, as it’s quite representative. See if you fit into any of these categories. If so, it might be time for a change; if not, keep up the good work.
| Patient Type | Doctor’s Gripe |
|---|
| “Dr. Google” | Has done “in-depth research” on their condition and likes to instruct the doctor. |
| “ER Tourist” | Treats the ER like a convenience store, using up resources for non-emergencies. |
| “The Self-Prescriber” | Demands specific prescription drugs without listening to the diagnosis. |
| “The Family Entourage” | One person is sick, but the entire extended family crowds around, interfering with the consultation. |
Honestly, I have mixed feelings after reading this post. On one hand, I feel for the doctors who are clearly overworked, dealing with so much pressure and unreasonable demands daily. On the other hand, I understand that some fellow expats, perhaps facing an ICU in crisis situation or just dealing with the language barrier and unfamiliarity with the healthcare system, can get anxious and stressed when seeking medical care. I think that as foreigners living in Spain, we have a greater responsibility to understand and respect the local medical protocols. For minor ailments, we can see our family doctor first or consult a pharmacist, saving precious emergency room resources for those who truly need them. Has anyone had similar experiences or thoughts? Let’s discuss it!
