Volunteers from ECRI Provide Crucial Medical Assistance in Panama

Volunteers from ECRI Provide Crucial Medical Assistance in Panama

In a commendable act of service, ECRI, a leading non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing evidence-based, high-quality healthcare, recently sent a team of volunteers to Bocas del Toro, Panama to support Floating Doctors, a non-profit that delivers medical, dental, and veterinary care to underserved populations in remote island and jungle communities in Central America.

Timothy Browne, ECRI's Vice President of Global Supply Chain, emphasised the importance of healthcare equity and the right of people to be seen, heard, and cared for, even in places with limited resources. This sentiment was shared by all the volunteers who travelled to Panama, including Theresa Maas, a nurse and Healthcare Value Analysis Strategic Business Leader, who expressed enjoyment in interacting with children during the trip.

The ECRI volunteer group included staff from clinical, engineering, and operational backgrounds. Ismael Cordero, Senior Project Engineer of Health Devices, repaired damaged medical equipment during the trip, which had been rendered unusable by saltwater. Diaz, ECRI's Grant & Proposal Specialist and a Panamanian-American, served as a translator during the trip.

The team encountered serious health issues and logistical challenges among their patients, but they were impressed by the dignity and strength of the individuals they were there to assist. In one recent case, an infant developed a serious infection from an animal or insect bite, and ECRI leaders helped coordinate the child's hospital treatment.

Partnering with Floating Doctors aligns with ECRI's mission to advance evidence-based, high-quality healthcare for all, including those living in remote or under-resourced settings. ECRI President and CEO Dr. Marcus Schabacker serves on the board of Floating Doctors.

The mobile clinics of Floating Doctors are often the only contact with a healthcare provider for many patients. The volunteers helped set up and operate the mobile clinics, performing tasks such as triaging patients, translating, assisting with ultrasound exams, and distributing medications.

For those interested in volunteering with Floating Doors, typically the process involves visiting their official website to review volunteer opportunities, which often include medical professionals (doctors, nurses, dentists), as well as non-clinical support roles. After completing an application form and undergoing an application review, volunteers participate in orientation or training to prepare for the unique challenges of remote community work. They then commit to a specific trip or duration to serve with Floating Doctors on their boat clinics delivering care to remote coastal and island communities.

The May 2025 trip was the first of two planned for 2025, with a team of volunteers returning in September. The volunteers valued the connections they made during the trip, including working alongside other volunteers and clinicians from various countries. For more information, visit the Floating Doctors website or contact them directly for the most current and specific steps.

Floating Doctors also accepts donations and supplies via an Amazon Wish List for those who want to help from home. The search results do not provide direct information about the process for volunteering with Floating Doctors, but for the most accurate and up-to-date information, visiting Floating Doctors' official website or contacting them directly is recommended.

1. ECRI, a non-profit organization focusing on evidence-based, high-quality healthcare, recently sent a team to Bocas del Toro, Panama to support Floating Doctors, delivering medical care to remote communities.
2. The ECRI team, which included clinical, engineering, and operational staff, faced serious health issues and logistical challenges but was moved by patients' dignity and strength.
3. Ismael Cordero, a Senior Project Engineer of Health Devices, repaired damaged medical equipment during the trip, making it functional again despite saltwater damage.
4. In one case, an infant developed a serious infection from an animal or insect bite, and ECRI leaders helped coordinate the child's hospital treatment.
5. Partnering with Floating Doctors aligns with ECRI's aim to advance high-quality healthcare in remote or under-resourced settings.
6. The mobile clinics of Floating Doctors often serve as the only contact with a healthcare provider for many patients, offering medical, dental, and veterinary services.
7. Interested individuals can volunteer with Floating Doctors by visiting their official website, completing an application form, undergoing an application review, participating in orientation or training, and committing to a specific trip or duration to serve onboard the boat clinics providing care to remote communities.

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