An update from Mark

Greetings from Rochester, New York!

I’ve now been here for eight months…time really flies! I’m approaching my one-year mark in the United States.

At present, I’m studying at the University of Rochester Medical Center (Eastman Institute for Oral Health) in the Master of Dental Science and Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency Programme.

Most of the patients at my hospital come from low-income backgrounds and are covered by Medicaid, which is similar to Thailand’s 30-Baht healthcare scheme, as it covers nearly all dental treatments.

My first year of studies has gone well. The primary focus this year has been on my Master’s project and lectures, while the residency programme’s clinical work will become more intensive next term. For my Master’s project, my supervisor is currently developing a dental clinic specifically for pregnant women.

As many may already know, accessing healthcare in the U.S. can be extremely difficult. Even with health insurance programmes for low-income individuals, my hospital is the only one in the city that accepts patients under this insurance scheme. As a result, we currently have a waiting list of nearly 20,000 people, meaning that patients often have to wait more than two years for treatment. If they wish to receive care sooner, they must pay out of pocket at private clinics, which, as everyone knows, can be extremely expensive in the U.S.

The goal of establishing a perinatal clinic is to provide an additional treatment option. From speaking with patients, I’ve found that even those who are willing to pay out of pocket often struggle to find a private clinic that will accept them, making access to care even more challenging than for the general population. Therefore, this clinic aims to offer holistic treatment and education, serving as a starting point for preventive care that will ultimately contribute to better oral health for future generations.

In terms of daily life, I feel like my lifestyle has changed drastically. Even though I had mentally prepared myself before coming, I still found I had to adapt a lot, especially when it comes to food. I really miss Thai food! Back home, I could eat whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted, with both convenience and affordability. However, I’ve now started enjoying cooking and baking much more, mainly because I want to eat food that suits my taste without spending too much. It has become part of my daily routine, and I genuinely enjoy it, though I still miss Thai food a lot! 😂

The people at my school are also wonderful. Everyone is really kind. On weekends, we often gather at someone’s house to cook and eat together. We also take part in various activities together, such as hiking, playing tennis, and skiing, which has been a fun new experience.

Overall, this has been a truly eye-opening experience. I feel like I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone in ways that I would never have had the opportunity to do in Thailand. Life here is slightly more challenging than back home, but it’s also fun. This year has been a period of adjustment, adapting to the language, lifestyle, and academics, and I think I’m managing well. Next year will be even more demanding, as I’ll be treating patients intensively from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, including some Saturdays. I’ll be sure to share an update next term!

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