The Alumni Association of Rotary District 1210
Group Study Exchange 2.000. D1210 to D6780 Tennessee.
By Team Leader, Ted Hothersall
All members of the team, including myself, gained a great deal from this Group Study Exchange. We saw a large variety of activities, industrial, social and cultural and we gained an insight into the way of life of the people of Tennessee. Some of the highlights included white water rafting on the Ocoee River and a visit to the Graphite Reactor at Oak Ridge where we were escorted by a Rotarian, who was one of the early workers on the project – the team felt very privileged to meet him. The Chattanooga Aquarium was outstanding as was a visit to The Grand Ole Opry. We saw Rock City, with its magnificent views and had several delightful social occasions with the Maryville Rotary Club. The Lake Cruise and dinner with the Manchester Club were most enjoyable.
The Vocational days were well organised and all members of the team learned a great deal about the lives of their counterparts in Tennessee. I was very well cared for. I saw aspects of my own specialty of Rheumatology in various parts of Tennessee. I spent a day with a doctor who specialised in both Internal Medicine and Rheumatology and saw acute general medicine and office Rheumatology. Another day was spent with a doctor who practised “pure” Rheumatology and spent all his time in office consultations.
Team members spoke of American industry being “ not too far removed from that in the UK”, of “the sense of privilege felt by them in being able to visit Oak Ridge with Donald Trauger”. They spoke of the “sense of friendship”, “experience of a lifetime”, “unique opportunity” and “staying with families………I really enjoyed”.
It was also hard work but the benefits were so valuable to us all in many ways.
The Vocational days were well organised and all members of the team learned a great deal about the lives of their counterparts in Tennessee. I was very well cared for. I saw aspects of my own specialty of Rheumatology in various parts of Tennessee. I spent a day with a doctor who specialised in both Internal Medicine and Rheumatology and saw acute general medicine and office Rheumatology. Another day was spent with a doctor who practised “pure” Rheumatology and spent all his time in office consultations.
Team members spoke of American industry being “ not too far removed from that in the UK”, of “the sense of privilege felt by them in being able to visit Oak Ridge with Donald Trauger”. They spoke of the “sense of friendship”, “experience of a lifetime”, “unique opportunity” and “staying with families………I really enjoyed”.
It was also hard work but the benefits were so valuable to us all in many ways.
