Long Study Tour: Budapest/Vienna - Day 3

Our third day in Budapest, we visited another private clinic, the National Center for Spinal Disorders. Much like the Maternity Clinic, it was clear which sections of the hospital were devoted to public and private care. I was a little disappointed that we didn't get to do more than glance/walk through the public areas, but I think that was mostly because they were a lot more busy. A group of 20 people standing around in a crowded waiting room would probably get in the way of everyday business. Dr. Jakob Gabor gave us a tour of the ambulance (outpatient) clinic as well as the "selfness" clinic. "Selfness" includes massages, acupuncture, and other forms of holistic medicine. After the tour, another doctor gave us a presentation on research and development. The clinic receives money from international funds which is supplemented by its own income from private care for research in areas such as biogenetics, preventative medicine, biomechanics, spinal tumors, etc. A picture tour of the clinic:

A typical private patient room. Very well decorated and clean.

The physical therapists introduced us to the hot
oil massage table

The table surface is made of wood so the oil can drain down
 into a bucket awaiting below. Where do I sign up?

A steam room. Patients sit in the chair and are zipped
into a relaxing steam bath.

We were also able to visit the private and public gyms that were available to recovering/current patients. While private gyms offered one-on-one classes, public gym activities were conducted in groups. I know what I feel like when I do Insanity/P90X so I thought it would be best if I refrained from photographing the sweaty ladies in the class. Afterwards, we were also given a presentation by several psychologists. At the spinal center, they paid special attention to patient's mental well-being both before and after procedures. Studies show that patients with depression show more negative outcomes and lower success rates after surgery. Talking through fears and concerns, amongst other issues, with a psychologist before the procedure has been shown to lead to more positive outcomes. I am interested to learn more about whether these practices are done in the United States.

That evening, we took a train from Budapest to Vienna, Austria. The train ride was about three hours, and when we arrived, we were starving. Luckily, DIS had arranged for us appease our raging stomachs at Stadt Park Brau:

Looks like hygge is not just a Danish tradition

"Sliced pancake in clear beef broth". At first we were skeptical, but this
soup was the business! So good. I'm not terribly classy
 and my first thought was, "Tastes like fancy chicken ramen." Mmm.

Turkey breast and mushrooms in a garlic cream sauce

Beer and other beverages were on us. I heard the red beer was delicious.

Kaiserschmarrnauf Zwetschkenröster -- otherwise known as
 fried goodness with plum sauce.

Crepes with nutella and chocolate

We splurged a bit and got a few desserts to split, but as you can see, it was well worth it. A good first night in Vienna! :)