More than medicine

My first few days at Kantha Bopha Hospital were full of new impressions: a different language, a new work rhythm, and a hospital routine that was very different from what I was used to in Switzerland. I was soon given the opportunity to get involved myself – and one experience from this early period has stayed with me in particular.

In the obstetrics department, I assisted with a birth for the first time. At first, I was nervous and unsure, but the doctor at my side took her time, patiently explaining each step and showing me where to place my hands. When the baby was finally born and I was allowed to hand it over to the mother, it was a moment I will certainly never forget.

Over the next two months, I gained a lot of practical experience: I was allowed to intubate a child for the first time, assist with operations, and accompany countless births. Again and again, I was told to watch first, then try it myself with guidance. This way of learning gave me the opportunity to practice many new things and gain confidence at the same time.

But what really struck me was the atmosphere in the hospital. Everyone greeted each other with a smile. All the staff worked with a passion I had never seen before. For them, the hospital is not just a place of work, but part of their lives and identity.

The children were also very impressive. I remember a situation outside the operating room: several patients were lying next to each other on a stretcher, waiting quietly and calmly for their surgery. I was deeply impressed by their calmness and strength, especially in such young patients.

The Kantha Bopha Hospital owes the fact that all this is possible at all to the vision of Beat Richner and the people who continue to carry it forward today. It is a unique place where every child is treated free of charge, regardless of their origin or financial situation.

For me, Kantha Bopha will always be more than just a stage in my studies. It is a place where I have grown not only medically but also as a person – an experience that will stay with me as I continue on my journey.

Finally, I would like to thank all the people at the hospital who welcomed me so warmly, shared their knowledge with me, and included me in their everyday lives. It is all of you who make this hospital so unique.

With best regards,

Elodie