A legacy that connects generations

During the eight weeks we spent in Siem Reap as medical students, we laughed, cried, learned, and above all understood what a tremendous legacy Beat Richner and Peter Studer have left behind here.

No matter where we went or who we spoke to, the hospitals named after the late Princess Kantha Bopha are firmly anchored in the consciousness of the population. I was deeply impressed by the openness with which we were welcomed and the profound gratitude shown to us on behalf of the founders and generous donors from Switzerland.

Knowledge transfer on equal terms

A cornerstone of Switzerland's ongoing commitment is the regular medical missions to the Kantha Bopha Foundation's hospitals. We were fortunate enough to accompany three of these missions. It was fascinating to observe how medical knowledge is successfully imparted despite linguistic and cultural barriers. Two insights in particular stuck with me:

• Learning is not a one-way street: knowledge transfer takes place in both directions. While we brought new therapeutic approaches and guidelines with us, the wealth of experience of the local staff – for example in operative obstetrics, with around 20,000 births per year – is simply unmatched.

• Adaptation instead of resignation: In the short time we were there, we learned to better understand the local circumstances. Limited resources do not mean compromising on quality. It means becoming creative, breaking new ground, and never giving up.

What I take home with me

I am deeply grateful for the impressions I was able to gather in Cambodia. The beaming faces of the children, the open hearts of the families, and the unwavering humor of the staff will stay with me for a long time to come.

Cambodia has a turbulent, often painful history—and yet the people we met greeted us with a cheerfulness and warmth that humbles me. When I one day unravel the secret behind this zest for life, I will be happy to share it. Until then, all I can say is a heartfelt:

arkoun chraen! (អរគុណច្រើន)

Daniel