We are watching the collapse of our medical systems in slow motion. Doctors, nurses, and others are not being produced at rates necessary for replacement of retirees, much less to track growth of our population. Another pandemic could well be the last straw, so better hope that the current wave of bird flu does not make the jump to a human population.<p>Personally, I expect to die of something trivial that could have been diagnosed and treated, but I will not be able to access the necessary expertise and medicine. After repeated experiences been seen by grossly unqualified staff, I no longer trust the system to function, and I have given up with any kind of preventative checkups or exams. I am also likely to refuse emergency care, because I would rather die than bankrupt my family.