Have you ever thought about how long it takes to see a doctor in different countries? Today, I want to share a real story about my experience with the health care system in Japan and compare it to my home province of Nova Scotia, Canada.

My Experience in Japan

Last weekend, I felt something unusual in my throat. I decided to see a doctor. Here’s what happened:

• Saturday: I went to a small ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) clinic. The doctor checked me and gave me a referral letter for a bigger hospital.

• Monday: I went to Kitasato University Hospital. Five ENT doctors were working that day!

  • I saw a doctor the same day.

  • He sent me for an ultrasound imaging and blood tests immediately.

  • After two hours, I had all my results, and the doctor explained everything to me.

  • He made a follow-up plan for two months later to check if anything had changed.

From start to finish, it took only three days to get answers and a clear plan.

What Happens in Nova Scotia

In Nova Scotia, the process is very different. If you find a lump in your throat, you need:

• A referral from your family doctor (general practitioner).

• Wait 28 weeks (about 7 months) to see an ENT.

• After that, wait another 4–16 weeks for an ultrasound.

• Blood test results can take about a week.

• Total time to get a diagnosis: 6–12 months or more.

If the doctor wants to check again in two months? That could be another long wait.

Why This Matters

Both countries have good doctors, but the system is different.
In Japan:

• You can go to a specialist directly.

• Big hospitals have many doctors working together.

• Tests and results happen fast, often in one day.

In Nova Scotia:

• There are not enough specialists.

• Patients wait months for appointments.

• It can be stressful when you worry about your health.

   

   

  Big Difference in Access to Specialists

  Did you know that Nova Scotia has only between  2 and 5 ENT specialists for the whole province (population 1 million people), while Kanagawa Prefecture in Japan has around 150 ENT specialists and dozens of clinics? This huge difference explains why:

  • In Japan, I could see a doctor, get an ultrasound, blood work, and a treatment plan in just three days.

  • In Nova Scotia, the same process could take 6 to 12 months or more.

  Access to specialists is a big part of why medical care feels so different in each country.

Vocabulary to Learn

• Referral – a letter from one doctor to see a specialist.

• ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor) – a specialist for these parts of the body.

• Ultrasound – a medical test that uses sound waves to see inside the body.

• Follow-up – a second appointment to check your health after the first visit.

• Diagnosis – the name of your health problem after tests.

Discussion Questions-- Come chat with me in a relaxed chat about this topic for discussion. 

1. Which system do you think is better for patients? Why?

2. How is health care in your country now that you`ve read about my experience? Is it fast or slow?

3. What would you do if you had to wait 6–12 months for a diagnosis?