Job Discussion Forums

Daphne · Joined: 02 Jul 2004 Posts: 119

I've always been able to get around mandatory health exams in the U.S by proving that I'm a certified Christian Scientist.

What are the chances of accomplishing the same in Taiwan?

Fortigurn · Joined: 29 Oct 2003 Posts: 390

Taylor · Joined: 24 Oct 2003 Posts: 384 Location: Texas/Taiwan

Kremlin · Joined: 02 Aug 2004 Posts: 3 Location: Adelaide, Australia

What is the problem with taking the Health Examination? If you believe that any kind of health problem is merely a state of mind, it shouldn't bother you.

Laughing

Daphne · Joined: 02 Jul 2004 Posts: 119

It's kind of like asking a Muslim why he or she needs to go to Mecca Rolling Eyes

matchstick_man · Joined: 21 May 2003 Posts: 244 Location: Taiwan

Not taking a health exam is hardly a pilgrimage. The way your original post was worded it appears you're using religion as an excuse. It's not a blood transfusion.

clark.w.griswald · Joined: 06 Dec 2004 Posts: 2056

I have to agree with Matchstick_man on his observation about the orginial question. It does seem to suggest that the whole Christian Science thing is being offered as an excuse to get out of something that is mandatory for everyone else.

peggiescott · Joined: 20 Mar 2004 Posts: 162

Hi Daphne,

I was raised a Christian Scientist and, like you, was exempt from the usual childhood vaccinations that are required for everyone else. I am, however, surprised to hear you say that you were not required to take physicals. When I went to Girl Scout camp, started my government job and traveled in the 70s I was, indeed, required to take health exams and even needed to have a smallpox vaccination to travel outside the US.

There are two issues at work here. The first is the potential health risk we may pose to others. We may chose to treat our belief of tuberculosis metaphysically but the germs we pass to others can still make them sick. The second is whose jurisdiction you in. Your "green card" (I doubt they're still that color) was issued by the US (or some other Western country) but you are going to teach in Taiwan. You will need to abide by the regulations of the country you chose to live in.

Best of luck to you,
Peggie

Girl Scout · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Posts: 525 Location: Inbetween worlds

There is no good reason you should not take the health exam. There are no treatments involved. They are not going to give you anything. The most invasive part of the health exam is the two vials of blood they take and the chest x-ray.

Like peggiescott alluded to the health exam is to protect the Taiwanese for you, not the other way around.

Daphne · Joined: 02 Jul 2004 Posts: 119

I don't mind informing you that for someone who hates things like the sight of blood, needles and such, being A CS is a divine blessing (pun intended Laughing

)

As far as more info on CS and how it relates to health care and such things; it would be best for y'all to do a web search, or even better go to a CS reading room!

TaoyuanSteve · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 1028 Location: Taoyuan

I highly doubt Taiwan will make any exceptions in your case. As another Christian scientist already told you, the medical test is necessary to protect the people in this country (and their publicly funded medical system) from you, not the other way around. Just my hypothesis, but Taiwan is doesn't seem to me the kind of place where exceptions are made for every interest group and minority. The Chinese are definitely not PC. I wouldn't hold my breath hoping to be excused from having to take the physical.