Friday, May 01, 2009

The sorry state of Dutch medicine

The following is a transcript of an actual conversation I had with my new (female) doctor this morning.

Doctor: What brings you to my office today?

Emma: I regularly have serious trouble falling asleep.

Doctor: Do you live together with someone? Maybe your boyfriend snores and that's what is keeping you awake.

Emma: I sleep alone.

Doctor: I see. Well, maybe that's what keeping you awake.

Emma: I doubt it.

Doctor: So what would you like me to do for you?

Emma: I'd like a prescription for sleeping pills.

(Doctor writes prescription)

Emma: Thank you.

(Emma takes prescription, leaves office)