Johns Hopkins Outpatient Surgery

An Experience at Johns Hopkins

One of the realities of life as one ages is that illness or disease will strike. Medical science has made it possible for us to live longer, but the unfortunate consequence is that as we age it becomes more likely that we will require hospitalization. I have never been sick more than a day in my life - up to this point. However, I am now beginning an adventure that might be my very last on earth. It's a bit of a mystery as to whether medical science will prevail or not.

I recently had some exploratory outpatient surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital and was amazed at how one of our nation's best hospitals functions so efficiently. The following observations are provided for any of the thousands that might be seeking treatment at one of our nation's premier hospitals.

Johns Hopkins, located in the center of Baltimore, Maryland, is rated as the best hospital in our country and as such attracts patients from throughout the nation and the world. My story is just one of the tens of thousands that are experienced each year.

Perhaps one of the most surprising features of Johns Hopkins is the sheer size of the hospital. It occupies several city blocks and consists of numerous multi-storied buildings. Each is dedicated to a particular specialty. Thousands of people are moving about in what takes on the appearance of a large shopping mall. I was seen by no less than a dozen specialists who carry out their specific role in what can best be described as an industrial health plant with numerous workers, each performing their assigned tasks in an efficient and caring manner.

I was a bit fearful of such a large institution. The sheer number of people involved in the process at Johns Hopkins would lead one to believe that a breakdown in the communicative process was very likely. However, no such thing occurred and at each station in the process I was greeted by a friendly and helpful staff of administrators, medical technicians, nurses, doctors and others involved in my health care. I will admit that there was some waiting involved, but that experience is common even when one visits such mundane places as a local automotive repair facility or a grocery store.