Medical Tourism Pros and Cons for last-minute AOL Travel article

[Jordan Simon]

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

[Jonathan Edelheit]

Contact Renee Stephano President of the Medical Tourism Association at [e-mail] or [e-mail]

[Ed Wetschler]

The plus side is pretty obvious, but the downside is a little subtler:

-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.

[Jordan Simon]

Very good points, Ed. Jon, thanks. I just got back to hotel from 9 hours of grueling hotel site inspections, etc, but will email Renee tomorrow to get the ball rolling. Again, many thanks!

[Jordan Simon]

Hi Jon. I've written Renee, and then forwarded the email. Haven't heard back. Will try calling the office. But I hope you see this. Deadline is looming, and your organization could provide some much-needed perspective. Many thanks!