Sitting at my desk in my modern Chicago office after a long day of cataract surgery, I close my eyes for a moment before reviewing my cases for tomorrow. I’m transported back to my recent surgical experience in Italy.

As I walked slowly through the waiting room over in Italy, past the patient and family, where I was fortunate to be able to witness a surgery not yet approved in America, I took the time to absorb their restlessness and body movements, clearly showing their anticipation, anxiety, and fear before their surgery began. I thought about how fortunate they were to be able to have one of the most advanced surgeries performed, which promised to restore their vision and allow them to begin seeing life as though they had a brand new pair of eyes. The ability to offer this type of cutting-edge technology in medicine is exciting and very fulfilling to a doctor, as well as being able to offer hope for patients, when it seems all else has failed. Not knowing when and if this procedure would be approved by the FDA in America was frustrating, because it meant that I wouldn’t be able to offer the very best possible options to my own patients back in the states, but for now, I was in my glory.

While back in Bari, Italy, I was surrounded by many family members seated at the kitchen table. We were enjoying the various, wonderful foods of southern Italy, consisting of panzeroti, focaccia, fave, chicorrie, bruschetta, and mozzarella balls. After this feast was quickly devoured, it was followed by an incredible glass of homemade vino. The conversation was lively, animated, and loud, as all Italian family gatherings are. The discussion led to a request. Could I examine my cousins and their friends who have eye problems? I sensed their pride in their tone of voice as they asked. “Of course”, I replied. How could I say no? This is the Italian way. I was fortunate that a very nice lady doctor in the next small town, Valenzano, allowed me to use her office to examine my family. As I entered the large office with marble floors and walls, I noticed it was sparsely furnished, but had enough chairs to accommodate my family and their friends. I was greeted enthusiastically by the young female doctor, who began proudly instructing me on how to use her equipment and began showing me around her office. The equipment was state-of-art and had a surgical center incorporated into the office.

After examining my family members and their friends, I could see a sense of pride in my cousins, that they were able to be examined by a family member with an American medical degree. This resulted in their trust to accept my recommendations. I was filled with a sense of humility and accomplishment, as I reflected upon my grandparents’ lot in life during the 1920s and ‘30s. A warm smile and a sense of contentment washed over me, as I pictured my nonni and genitori and all of their hard work and sacrifice. But the sacrifice was made by all, in an effort to provide a better life for their families and children. The men would leave their wives and children behind. They were Pilgrims in a strange land, unable to speak the language, trying to locate other paesani, who would hopefully help them in their scramble to find employment and lodging. The wives were left behind to care for the children and other family members, praying that their husbands would find a way to send money back home. I am privileged to now be able to offer more than just gratitude for all they have done. It is such a small price for me to give up my time to help others.

While I sit at my desk back in Chicago, I realize how blessed I am to be a doctor. I have many thanks to give to people who have helped me on my journey, including grandparents, parents, cousins, and others. It takes much work and dedication, not only for me, but for the family members who suffer with me, the long hours of studying and work, and the many frustrations that go along with becoming “a good doctor”. In the U.S., we are fortunate to have modern equipment and good medicine to help our patients, but that is not always the case in Italy. Many times, there are not enough beds, medical personnel, or other items that are needed to care for our loved ones while they are sick. I was reminded of this fact when my Uncle Mike was taken to the hospital, very ill. He was placed in a bed in the hallway because there were no rooms available. His blood pressure was running high and his daughter, who was standing alongside of him with a worried look over her face, stopped the doctor and asked if they could monitor his blood pressure more frequently than twice a day. The physician’s response was, “You are lucky that your father even has a bed in the hallway”. This is the other side of Italian medicine that exists, a side we do not want to look at.

It makes me sad to realize that Italy has so much to offer, but in the medical field, it can be very alarming. Their resources are limited, as the money is divided to provide as much as possible for the masses. Only if you are fortunate, willing to travel, and have enough money will you receive the best medical care. I have experienced the medical community in Italy through various eyes, that of a patient, a family member and a doctor. They offer cutting-edge surgery and research, and provide excellent medical care, if you have the luxury of time and money. They also have “bare bone services” provided for people who do not have that luxury, as I have experienced personally when going through their medical system. It is a system about which I feel both pride and shame. It is my observation that the Italians have a better understanding of life. They realize that nature has its course, that certain consequences are inevitable, and that not everyone can obtain a favorable medical outcome. The Italian people are also very appreciative for what they are able to receive, and have great respect for their doctors.

My dream is to combine the best of both American and Italian medicines. We must strive to keep the good and extricate the bad, much as a surgeon operates to accomplish the same.

As for now, I must return to reviewing tomorrow’s cataract surgeries. This dream will continue to motivate me, so that my patients, as well as I, can look forward to a better life.

Dr. John Bello recently traveled to Italy to begin the process of bringing cutting edge medical techniques to Chicago. His remarkable medical sojourn will be detailed in future Franoi and newsletter issues.

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Read Dr. Bello's first newsletter in this series: Return to the Future