Welcome, dear Marco

Starting in July 2026, Marco will be joining our team in Cambodia. The medical student will be working at our children’s hospital in Siem Reap for two months. He’ll introduce himself here.

Marco Sallenbach, 28, Wiesendangen ZH

I’ve been passionate about medicine from an early age. I’m fascinated by how scientific knowledge can be combined with compassion. I value the close contact with patients and the opportunity to get to know their stories and work together to find solutions. At the same time, I love the versatility of the field—you never stop learning, and you can constantly grow both professionally and personally. It was precisely this combination that led me to study medicine.

For me, this assignment in Cambodia is a special blend of purpose and personal growth. I want to help where medical resources are limited and where my efforts can make a difference. It means a lot to me to be part of Beatocello’s work and to actively uphold the values of this project. At the same time, I’m looking forward to living in a predominantly Buddhist country, getting to know a different culture, and growing personally through this experience.

I’m going into this assignment without any major expectations. I want to keep my eyes and ears open, learn as much as possible, and soak up the local experiences like a sponge. I’m especially looking forward to getting to know the people, letting them inspire me, and trying the local fruits.

Most of all, I’m looking forward to meeting the local children. I hope that, despite the language barrier, I’ll be able to connect with them and share a laugh, especially when they’re able to go home healthy. And I’ll admit: I’m also really looking forward to discovering Cambodian cuisine.

I don’t have any real concerns. But I know there will be emotionally challenging moments, especially when a treatment doesn’t yield the desired results or when all medical options have been exhausted. Such situations affect me deeply, especially when children are involved.