Remarkable openness

Cambodian-style hospitality.

The two months I spent at Kantha Bopha Hospital were an extremely formative and enriching time for me, which I will look back on with great gratitude. From the very beginning, we were welcomed with remarkable openness, which made it extremely easy for me to settle in. The atmosphere towards us Swiss medical students was warm, uncomplicated, and often accompanied by humor. This made many situations that could quickly become stressful in everyday clinical practice feel easier. I was particularly impressed by the composure of the staff: they managed to maintain a calm working atmosphere even in acute moments.

With two Cambodian students in the delivery room. It was impressive to witness births and, in some cases, even accompany them from start to finish.

During these weeks, I, like my colleagues, learned an incredible amount. Each ward had its own dynamic, and I am grateful to have been able to experience all these different perspectives. From the warm days in the pediatric and maternity intensive care unit to the almost overly air-conditioned operating rooms of the general surgery department, every department was educational and impressive. The mission in neonatology with Prof. Fauchère was particularly memorable for me. The combination of bedside teaching, open professional exchange, and numerous case discussions gave me an insight into the care of the smallest patients. Other moments also remain vivid in my memory: an afternoon in oncology, where we were allowed to draw and paint with the children, or a day in psychiatry, which showed me how empathetic and pragmatic the work here is.

An afternoon with the children in oncology.

At the same time, it was important to me throughout the entire period to consciously reflect on my role as a foreign medical student. I wanted to take responsibility seriously, respect boundaries, and ensure that the focus was always on the children and their families, not my own learning interests. It was therefore essential for me to only perform tasks that I felt confident doing. The fact that the team supported me so attentively in this was particularly valuable. The staff explained a lot, encouraged me to practice, and supported me with the necessary caution. This type of guidance helped me enormously in my professional and personal development.

What I take away from the hospital goes far beyond individual skills. I have learned how much commitment and passion goes into medical care and how valuable it is to remain calm in the face of adversity. I have seen that high-quality medicine is possible even in a resource-limited environment—supported by an open learning culture, pragmatism, and mutual support. I have also learned how much you gain when you approach new situations with curiosity and humility.

A visit to Kantha Bopha Hospital in Phnom Penh during a trip through the country.

It was only when I left the hospital and traveled across the country that I realized how diverse Cambodia is. I was fascinated by the tranquil, rain-filled jungles of Mondulkiri, the wide beaches of Koh Rong, and the impressive temple complexes, whose history remains just as fascinating even on a second or third visit.

I am deeply grateful for this experience: for the trust that was placed in me, for the patience of the staff who explained so much to me, and for the many small encounters that enriched my everyday life. Cambodia impressed me with its hospitality, diversity, and tranquility. Kantha Bopha, like Siem Reap, will always remain places where I learned a lot and felt very comfortable at the same time.

With warm regards

Devanshi

A final photo with the team from the neonatal intensive care unit.