Med Exam review (vancouver)

[Carlos at Tessa 0]

Hello!

Ok where should I start? Hmmm...a few days ago, I read Our Mao's review about the medical exam experience she had and it was very helpful. I even printed it out to bring it with me for my medical today (Thanks Mao! ). Since I'm going to take the public transpo, I went to translink.bc.ca to find out how to get to 1144 Burrard St, Vancouver (Woking Medical Center). I had to ride a bus from my house going to Skytrain station (in Surrey) then get off Granville Station, and lastly, take #17 Oak at Robson and Granville. I have to get off at Howe & Helmcken and walk 2 blocks going to Burrard St. I was looking at Google Earth and trying to figure out the landmarks close to the clinic. I don't want to get lost in downtown Vancouver...hehehe. Anyways, I had it all figured out, Tuesday night I gathered all the requirements that they've asked me. I have my passport, appointment letter, 3 photos, immunization record (I got my TD booster and MMR blood test results-passed on all of them), and $275. I even bought a book in case I get bored of waiting.

I set my alarm for 430am and I planned of leaving the house at 5:15am. Since there's no bus at that time, I had to ask my dad to drop me off the station. Well, I wasn't out of the house at 5:15, I left at 5:35 am. In short, I was late. I don't want to blame him anymore. Instead of taking #17 Oak bus, I just walked from Granville Station to the clinic. I want to do a little exercise before getting there.

I was at the clinic around 6:40 am (10 mins late). 12 people were ahead of me. I was #13 in the line (I guess this is my lucky #). The receptionist asked my name, check it off her list and gave me 3 pieces of paper. (1 that I should read and copy the last sentence at the space provided and then sign my name at the bottom, the other 2 were stapled and she wanted me to check my medical history. Also, on top you have to fill out your name, birthday, passport #). After filling out everything she had asked me, she took my passport, immunization record, 3 photos and copy the case # off my appointment letter. She also asked me if I'm currently living in Canada then signed on one of the pages. After I've done that, I was told to go to BCBIO Lab, 3 doors down the hall to do the blood test. The technician took 2 vials of my blood. I wasn't looking at it because I was a little bit scared. After that, I went back to the waiting room near the receptionist where Xray clinic is located (beside Woking Medical). I had to wait about 30 minutes for my turn. I was told to take off my shirt and bra, then have to put the robe. I was wearing my hair down, the technician asked me to tie it up. They have rubber bands there so don't worry. Anybody who's wearing necklace should remove it too. I was done with the blood test and Xray at 8am.

The physical exam was the longest wait. I was waiting for 2 hours for my turn. The lady called me at 10:10 am. She led me to a small room and asked to take off my clothes, leaving my bra and panties on, then I have to put the tissue paper around my body and sit on the bed. She told me that the doctor will attend to me in about 5 minutes. Well, 5 minutes became 20 minutes. I wanted to go to the washroom so bad, but I can't, duh! I just counted the cats in the frame that was hanging on the left wall. It says on the title "onehundredcatsandamouse" so I entertained myself by counting the cats. I counted 98...it wasn't 100. LOL!

The doctor came in finally accompanied by another lady. They were asking about my surname etc etc. It took about 5 mins to finish the physical. I was asked to put on my clothes and get out of the room to take some measurements (ht & wt). There was an eye exam too. After that, I paid her and was asked to come back at 2pm.

I got out of there around 10:45am. I was planning to go home but I thought 3 hrs is a short time. Travelling from Surrey to Vancouver is almost 1 hr so I'll just find things to do. I took my lunch and read the book I bought. I went back around 1:30pm. The results were given at 2:00pm. The lady told me to give the medical results and xray when I get to my interview in Montreal.

Overall, it was a good experience. It was very straightforward. Everything is in order. I was just tired for not getting enough sleep. Thanks to VJ! I had an overview of what to do with a lot of stuff. I'm glad I'm done with one of my worries. I can relax this weekend. Next week, I'll be more worried because my interview is on the 12th. Wish me luck. Hope my review is worth reading.

T&C

[Eli 0]

Your experience in Vancouver sounds a lot like mine, except I was starting at a picture of cartoon pigs dressed like humans. They looked familiar because I'd seen them before on greeting cards.

Best of luck to you on your interview next week! I found it to be less of a bother than the medical. Don't worry yourself about it

-Eli-

[Our Mao 0]

Glad to hear that your medical went well! Good luck on your interview next Thursday! Mine will be on Friday!