The Truth Behind Medical Tourism

(PRWEB) May 29, 2005

The topic of medical tourism has exploded into the headlines of late with stories appearing in nearly every major metropolitan newspaper and television network, including a recent package on the mainstay CBS news program “60 Minutes.” The public is clamoring for more information, sifting through the propaganda and healthcare myths so they can make their own decisions as to whether medical tourism is the right choice for them.

In March 2005, writer and journalist Eric Paul Erickson traveled to Malaysia and Thailand to follow the journey of two American women, Kimberlee Tyner, R.N. and Katherine Bogardus, as they underwent medical procedures after traveling halfway around the world. With the intent of bringing the truth to the surface, Erickson spent two weeks investigating the truth behind medical tourism.

Erickson was given unprecedented access to hospital facilities in Penang, an island state in northwestern Malaysia. He interviewed Penang Adventist Hospital staff, doctors, and administrators as well as touring the surrounding area with a film crew, investigating accommodations and activities available to medical tourists. During his time in Asia, Erickson kept a blog at http://www.medicaltourmalaysia.com which received thousands of visitors from around the world.

Since returning, Erickson has been featured on NPR’s Here on Earth with Jean Feraca and his writings on the journey have been featured in numerous media outlets. Tyner and Bogardus have taken part in a Washington, D.C. press conference discussing their experiences with Malaysian medicine, Beautiful Holidays and Medretreat, the companies that provided the Americans with procedure arrangements.

During his career, Erickson has worked for the Chicago Tribune’s City News Service, the Roswell Daily Record and CNS News. Currently he works as a freelance writer in Chicago where his work appears regularly in the Chicago Tribune, Hollinger newspapers and other media outlets, as well as national publications. His articles and photos have continually received national recognition and distribution.

During his adventures Erickson has been given unusual access to many areas, including participation in the Chicago Police Department’s Street Survival course, being given clearance to observe anti-terrorism and explosives training in New Mexico, interviewing secluded Poor Clare nuns and spending Spring Training on the field with the Chicago Cubs in Arizona.

For interview, article and photo information for Erickson, please contact Shari Peterson at (773) 732-7612. For information on Tyner and Bogardus, please contact Judson Anglin at (301) 519 8042.

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The Truth Behind Medical Tourism