CSC Impact on Medical Training

February 16, 2024

How can a small not-for-profit surgical centre like CSC in Cambodia influence medical care around the world? Your financial support for CSC is pivotal in sustaining our noble mission. Read what a recent visiting medical student had to say:

Hello, this is Nea from Australia: I just finished 6 weeks at CSC, where I encountered children awaiting cleft lip repairs, whose hopeful eyes and bright smiles evoked images of the iconic Bayon temple smiles. However, their joy contrasted with harsh realities they face in accessing healthcare. Some families traveled from rural Cambodia, resorting to borrowing money from relatives to afford transportation. Witnessing the determination of these parents deeply moved me, and I felt privileged to contribute to restoring the children’s beautiful smiles. Limited financial resources in Cambodia often prevent patients, especially children, from affording necessary surgeries, leading to delays in interventions. Inadequate access to surgical facilities outside of Phnom Penh poses difficulties for families in remote areas for essential care. During my elective,  this experience ignited a passion within me to advocate for improved surgical accessibility, ensuring equitable care for all individuals.  I had opportunities to meet with surgeons from diverse backgrounds who shared a common goal of enhancing surgical care accessibility. Witnessing their dedication to imparting knowledge and skills to local staff and students at the centre filled me with optimism for the future of healthcare accessibility in Cambodia.  As I continue my medical journey, I am committed to carrying forward the spirit of collaboration and advocacy fostered at the Children's Surgical Centre. I aim to work alongside like-minded individuals to address healthcare disparities and ensure that every patient, regardless of their background, has access to the surgical care they need and deserve. This transformative experience has strengthened my resolve to advocate for equitable healthcare systems and drive positive change within the medical community. Thank you to everyone at CSC for offering me this wonderful opportunity.

Author: Ellen Interlandi

Ellen, a registered nurse, and her husband Brian, an anesthesiologist, have been active volunteers at CSC since 2008. Ellen has undergraduate degrees in both Nursing and Spanish Literature, and a graduate degree in Health Management. Since 2020, Ellen has volunteered in the role of Stakeholder Relations, connecting with our generous supporters, interacting with visiting surgeons and students, and disseminating updates on Children's Surgical Centre.

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