Hi. I'm a features writer for AOL Travel (and many other outlets). They have a tendency to hand down last-minute assignments. They want me to do a piece on the Medical Tourism phenomenon (including accurate statistics, top destinations, protocols, concerns, quotes from leading medical and tourism authorities, real-life anecdotes.... a LOT to cram in).
Problem is, I have to provide a synopsis of my approach tomorrow (Friday, mid-afternoon ET), and I'm currently traveling on assignment, too. The full main text is due Wednesday.
Any info, sources, statistics, comments, potential interviewees -- from both pro and con standpoints -- would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks! Jordan Simon
Replies
-How do you research the standing of the doctor and facility that will be working on you? (This may not lead to a downside; I just don't know the answer.)
-While recuperating, you are (very) far from your friends and family and support group.
-Your post-op checks are done with an American surgeon who wasn't personally in on the surgery.
-If something goes wrong, you have little or no legal recourse.
Is there a way to somehow insure/assure procedures done via medical tourism? I don't know the answer, but I think it's a good question.