Sara Resende, a Portuguese national, shared her unsettling experience with the U.S. healthcare system after moving to Memphis, Tennessee for a promising career in scientific writing. In 2023, after obtaining her Ph.D., she made the leap across the Atlantic, seeking better job opportunities and new challenges.

While she initially relished the bustling atmosphere of Memphis and the vibrant work culture, her perspective on healthcare was drastically altered following a serious medical scare. Sara experienced intense abdominal pain for two weeks, prompting her to visit a local doctor who recommended immediate treatment at the emergency room (ER). Unfamiliar with the U.S. healthcare system, she was apprehensive about what was to come.

Upon arrival at the ER on a Tuesday, Sara underwent a series of diagnostic tests that revealed a concerning 3.5-inch mass in her abdomen. In a swift decision, she was admitted to the oncology unit for further examination, including a biopsy, which would determine whether the mass was cancerous. After five long days in the hospital, she left with a staggering medical bill that totaled over $1,600, primarily for the initial tests and consultations.

The emotional toll of the experience was profound, especially when the attending oncologist suggested the possibility of cancer before the biopsy results were available. This premature speculation cast a shadow over her thoughts, leading to intense stress during the wait for the biopsy results, which ultimately confirmed that the mass was benign. However, the damage was done; the fear of a potential cancer diagnosis lingered long after her hospital stay.

Determined to find closure, Sara sought a second opinion in her home country of Portugal. She visited three different oncologists and two general surgeons who conducted several follow-up examinations. They all concurred that the mass was benign and indicated that while surgery was necessary to remove it, her prognosis was good. The entire cost for these consultations and treatments in Portugal was remarkably low, amounting to approximately $380—less than a quarter of what she had paid in the U.S. for just the initial emergency evaluations.

Reflecting on her experience, Sara expressed disappointment with the U.S. healthcare approach. The way the oncologist delivered the potentially life-altering news without confirmed test results left her feeling uneasy and stressed for months. The six-day wait for her biopsy results compounded her anxiety, leading her to consult multiple doctors in Portugal before she could finally find peace regarding her health.

Given her experiences, Sara has made the decision to return to Portugal annually for all her medical needs, including routine check-ups and specialized consultations. Although this entails an $800 round-trip flight, she believes the financial and emotional benefits far outweigh the costs.

Despite her healthcare frustrations, Sara remains optimistic about her life in the United States. She values the overall quality of life, which she perceives as superior to that in Portugal. The professional landscape in the U.S. offers a plethora of opportunities for career advancement that she feels are not as readily accessible back home. Moreover, the competitive salaries and the cultural openness of the people in Memphis contribute to her satisfaction with her new life.

As she continues to establish herself in the U.S., Sara has grown fond of her adopted city. The kindness of the local community and the diverse cultural environment make her feel welcome and embraced. With her career on an upward trajectory, she remains committed to balancing her professional aspirations with her healthcare needs, ensuring that she receives the best possible medical attention from the system she trusts the most.