Description
This presentation features a married couple, Sarah and James, who are both orthopedic surgeons sharing their experiences and insights from their professional journey in Cambodia. They discuss their backgrounds, including their fellowships in various international locations such as Sydney, Sheffield, and Cambodia. They highlight the challenges and rewards of balancing family life with demanding training commitments, leading to their decision to undertake a fellowship together in a developing country.
Throughout the talk, they reflect on their motivations for working in Cambodia, stemming from prior experiences during their medical training and a desire to make a positive impact where healthcare resources are limited. They emphasize the importance of preparation—both in terms of professional experience and family logistics—when taking on such an ambitious opportunity.
The couple also sheds light on the healthcare landscape in Cambodia, underlining the significant challenges posed by a history of trauma, a shortage of experienced medical professionals, stark differences in patient pathology, and limited resources. They present their roles as not only contributors of surgical expertise but as educators and collaborators with local practitioners, focusing on sustainable practice and skill transfer.
Sarah and James discuss how they have adapted surgical techniques and training to the local context, facilitating educational workshops and utilizing local resources creatively. They detail their commitment to teaching local surgeons in a way that is mutually beneficial and highlights the importance of partnership in global health initiatives.
The session concludes with an endorsement of the Kadoorie Fellowship, emphasizing its enriching experience in both personal and professional development, and encouraging others to consider similar opportunities abroad.