The Guildry was delighted to support Guildtown resident, Susannah Welch, with the annual John Montgomery Travel Award to assist her travel to Central America with a group of medical students as part of her studies.
Susannah spent 4 weeks volunteering with the non-profit organisation, Floating Doctors, which delivers essential healthcare to remote island and indigenous communities in the Bocas del Toro region of Panama. These communities are geographically isolated and would otherwise have little or no regular access to medical services.
During her time there with Floating Doctors, Susannah travelled by boat to reach villages scattered across the archipelago. Clinics were often held in simple community spaces or open shelters, with limited equipment and resources. As one of the students, Susannah assisted with basic examinations, health education and clinic organisation.
Susannah said: “I am extremely grateful to the Guildry for their financial support, without which this opportunity would not have been possible. The elective has had a lasting impact on both my professional development and personal outlook, and I sincerely appreciate the Association’s role in enabling such a formative and meaningful experience.”