Medical & Nursing - Volunteer Testimonials

What previous volunteers have to say about this project

Karen - April 2011 (3 weeks) - Australia

What can I say?? These last 3 weeks have been an amazing experience, one that at times is indescribable to anyone that has not been here and seen what the project is about and the lives that it affects. To see the smile on the children's faces when you arrive in the morning and to see them waving at you from there homes as you leave is something that will stay with me forever. The joy that these children get from playing a game with you or just listening to you speak to them in English is unbelievable. The medical project opened my eyes as to how fortunate we are in Australia and the conditions we work in and the equipment and supplies we have. Out there on the project medical care consists of trying to help out with a problem with limited resources and supplies, but regardless of what we could or could not provide for the people of Prolit they were always grateful for what ever we could do. My time at mad has been one that I will remember fondly for the rest of my life Thanks mad and the team for a great 3 weeks

Trina – December 2010 (3 weeks) - Australia

Great time, amazing people, Khmer staff made my day every day. Can't wait to come back and see how things have progressed! Keep me posted!

Nicki - November 2010 (1 week) - Australia

I have loved every minute of my very short time here at MaD!! From the dusty roads, the mozzies, bee sings, bugs in eye, bumpy tuk-tuk rides and the hot days to the beautiful, resilient people of Cambodia and in particular Prolit village. I would not change a minute of it!! MaD has been everything I expected and so much more. I love hearing about and seeing the progress that is being made in the community. Such simple things I have taken for granted are basics everyday things that so many people don't have access to such as clean drinking water and very basic medical care. I'm so glad to have been a very small part of this.

Aryn - June 2010 (3 Weeks) - Canada

This was my first overseas medically related volunteer experience and I can easily say that I am hooked! I loved helping people who really needed it and volunteering for a great cause. I found MaD and the people who run it to be friendly, easy going, welcoming and willing to help make my experience unforgettable. Looking back, I remember how nervous I was to randomly select MaD and Cambodia as my destination of choice, having based my decision solely on their website. But MaD was well organized and provided amazing pre-departure information, personal airport pick up, a relaxed environment, great food, friendly staff, and above all... MaD was a fair and ethical NGO. I strongly feel that this experience has helped me understand more about the needs of people in third world countries and how we as inpiduals can make such an impact on so many people when we take the time to volunteer. Thank you MaD for allowing me to experience Cambodia and make a difference!

Dani - June 2010 (3 weeks) - Canada

Volunteering at MaD was one of the most rewarding and eye opening experiences of my life. I absolutely loved the hands on approach and the feeling of actually making a difference. The people and staff at the MaD house were fantastic and I felt at home away from home. Would do it again in a heart beat.

Dave - January 2010 (6 months) - Australia

At home people take health care for granted. We have come to expect only the best, anywhere and anytime we need it. But for the majority of Cambodians there is very little in the way of health care available to them, and what there is, is expensive, hard to access and often ineffective. There is an enormous amount of money coming into Cambodia in the form of foreign aid and donations, but very little of it makes its way to the ordinary people. In so many ways Cambodia is a land of extremes: shopping malls and ancient temples, wealthy tourists and rice farmers, fancy hotels and thatch huts, rich people and poor people. To the casual visitor, Cambodians come across as quiet, smiling, contented people, despite the hardships they face. In my opinion they are simply too polite to voice the discontent they must feel. I certainly don't know what the answer is, but I do know that it involves people like Phil Starling and organisations like MaD, willing to start at the bottom and help people one at a time, teaching the children how to do it for themselves along the way. I understand what Phil meant when he said that I wouldn't be able to change the world by coming here. But if I can help one person a day by cleaning a wound and preventing an infection, or teaching children to wash their hands before eating, or just showing some kindness to someone who has had a hard life, then maybe I really am making a difference.

Dora - January 2010 (1 week) - Australia

As I was not there for long, it was difficult to see the differences I have made (if any). Nonetheless, it was a very eye opening experience. I was able to see the differences in the medical system in Cambodia compared to back home. There was no confidentiality, privacy or autonomy, which were one of the first few things they taught us in med school. I do not even know the age and name of most of the patients I see in Cambodia. And with the lack of resources and continuity of care, I did not know what exactly I was treating at times. We could only do what we could on the spot. Thus, I had some doubts in how much difference I have really made. But I hope I have helped the communities overall!

Cristalle [Angel] - June 2009 (2 weeks) - Philippines

I believe that if MaD will continue doing what we do now that it can make a whole lot of change to the people's lives. If medical personnel will continue on seeing these people on a regular basis to monitor, reiterate teachings on healthcare, hygiene, good nutrition and hydration, safe sex, etc. then lives can become better, fuller.

I have enjoyed the time I have spent here, I am able to appreciate what I have more because of my experiences here.

Sarah - April 2009 (10 weeks) - UK

What can I say about MaD?!? MaD by name MAD by nature.

The most amazing 10 weeks I have spent so for in my life!!!!

Such an experience and challenge, A million miles away from the western world we know but the people are properly happier here ( Cambodia). The MaD team are a lovely fun and supportive team and become your surrogate family. Would I recommend it to anyone? In two words "HELL YER!"

Donna - January 2009 (13 weeks) - Canada

I have had a great experience doing my project. I feel we have made a difference to many people. The project was developing throughout the time I spent here and I found the MaD staff were open to any new ideas I had. I was very interested to see that MaD try to work with the regional health authority to ensure that the work they are doing is of the most benefit to the most people. I was given the opportunity to attend some government health meetings which were very interesting to sit in on. I have found the MaD staff to be very welcoming and it has been great fun.