Performing medical miracles for Cambodian youth
By Christina Lam and Gabe Perna
The work that the volunteer doctors and surgeons do with disadvantaged children at the Children's Surgical Centre (CSC) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, is incredible and yet you've probably never heard of them. Unfortunately, the people who work for CSC don't get the recognition they deserve. But then again, when providing a second chance to a disadvantaged child, you aren't likely to ever get the recognition that you deserve.
CSC is situated in Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre and provides critical surgery and rehabilitation services to poor and disadvantaged youth in Cambodia. Technology is basic in Cambodia and access to government-supported health care is poor.
Much of CSC's success is due to the dedication of its many renowned volunteer doctors and surgeons who come from all over the world. Various surgeries that have been performed by CSC include repairing corneal perforation and facial reconstruction. In 2006, over 524 surgeries were performed and nearly 1800 consultations took place.
The CSC website claims that many not-for-profit organisations and international agencies intent on helping disadvantaged children have downplayed the idea of surgery because it's too costly and sophisticated. However, the CSC website also says that the necessary surgery can be provided cheaply for children for about $US35 with the result being highly beneficial.
Penny Tynan, fundraiser/program coordinator with CSC, has seen much of the work the skilled medicos have performed. Penny talked about the fascinating work of facial surgeons from Germany: "They have performed many extremely complicated surgeries here that, without doubt, would have proved fatal without their skills and volunteered time at our hospital. Their continued commitment to this hospital adds to the skills of our staff and, in a broader sense, contributes to medical services available in Cambodia."
Most of the volunteers at CSC work as medical specialists in different concentrated areas such as facial surgery, hand surgery and orthopaedic surgery. However, volunteers are needed in other areas such as victim speciality, nursing and physical therapy. Administrative and technology volunteers complement the work of medical volunteers.
Geni Blythen, CSC volunteer, once worked as a reporting officer in biological evidence for the Forensic Science Service in London. She explained the reason she decided to become a CSC volunteer. It was because "as much as (she) loved (her) job, (she) felt that there was something more to life than this … " Her time at CSC was spent "assisting nurses and surgeons in theatre as well as helping visiting medical students with their projects". When describing this experience, Geni said: "I have loved my time (here). It has reignited my interest in medicine and proven to me that I want to contribute. The staff always took the time to translate consultations, explain procedures and operating techniques. Patients who were often in great pain didn't complain but were truly grateful for the help they were given."
Every year, various groups of medical students regularly visit CSC on a volunteer basis through university programs. Most of the students assist and observe the medical professionals. While most students enjoy the work, a few students find that surgery is not for them. "Sometimes medical students come to us in the early years of their university programs unsure if they wish to specialise in surgery. We generally don't have any problems with this as it is completely voluntary and they are free to go as they choose. There is a small degree of culture shock, I suspect," Penny Tynan said.
Non-medical volunteers through AUSAid's Australian Volunteers International (AVI) program include Carl Moller who is the stakeholder relations coordinator with CSC. Carl was placed with CSC because he is an Australian Youth Ambassador for Development (AYAD). "AYAD is funded by AusAID and places young volunteers on assignments in developing countries throughout the Asia/Pacific region," Carl said.
Carl says even though he works behind the scenes, he still gets the reward of seeing the huge improvements that rehabilitation makes. "Even a simple procedure such as a cleft palate repair is life changing, as it can give a child access to opportunities such as marriage and employment that would otherwise be denied to them."
Visit www.childrenssurgicalcentre.org to find out more about the Children's Surgical Centre.
The Centre for Volunteering [ABN 28 002 416 024]
Level 2, 228 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000
T: 02 9261 3600 | F: 02 9261 4033 | E: info@volunteering.com.au
www.volunteering.com.au