Time for Transitions/Training

Orientation for the U.S. Department of State Foreign Service Specialist is a three week program that takes place at the Foreign Service Institute in Arlington, VA. It is followed by four weeks of training in the Office of Medical Services of the State Department. I began this program on June 9, 2008 and it marks the beginning of a big change for Laura and me.

As part of the Foreign Service MED office, I will be providing health care services to American Embassy communities around the world, with a 1-3 year posting in any given country. Posts are throughout the world, offering outstanding opportunities to travel and experience a broad array of cultures. In addition to offering primary care services, I will arrange for long-distance specialty care when needed, and help promote the health and well-being of the Embassy community.

Shortly after arriving in Washington, I learned that my first post will be Dhaka, Bangladesh. The Embassy community is comprised of several hundred people. The country of Bangladesh has a relatively young democratic government formed after a struggle for independence in 1971. It is one of the world's poorest nations, and also the most densely populated. There are 130 million inhabitants in a county about the size of Wisconsin.

This is quite a departure from the peaceful life in rural Minnesota. Why the change?

As friends and family know, Laura and I have had a long-standing interest in international travel, cultural learning, and community involvement. Our experiences in Europe, the Middle East and with many exchange student relationships have led us to this challenge. My experience and interests area a good match with the Foreign Service's medical provider needs. Laura is nearing completion of a Master's degree that will prove very useful for involvement with either government employment or non-governmental organization (NGO) work or consulting. After finishing one remaining course and doing some research for the International Studies Office at St. Cloud State University, she will join me after Christmas. She is now staying busy with work, getting the Willmar house sold, and organizing the "home base" townhouse we have bought in Minneapolis. Our children are quite independent and supportive of our "adventure". It is a great time to try something new.


The purpose of this blog is to keep friends and family up-to-date on our whereabouts and activities. Feel free to bookmark the site and check back from time to time for postings and pictures. Your comments and greetings will be much appreciated.

Mike, Washington, DC