“I first travelled to Cambodia in 2002 and fell in love. The ancient history fascinated me, and the more recent history scared me. But it was the people that hooked me in, the friendliness and generosity of spirit that was apparent everywhere.”
Dr Claudia Edwards is reflecting on what first attracted her to the country where she would go on to live and work.
“There was a desire to rebuild, to educate, and to make sure that the next generation did not have to go through what so many had experienced only a few decades ago.”
“I wanted to be a part of that, and I hoped that my skills and experience as a paediatrician would be useful.”
In 2012 Claudia moved from Thailand to Cambodia to work at Angkor Hospital for Children (AHC), first in a research and teaching capacity, and then, in 2015, she became CEO of the organisation.
“There were a lot of challenges but also, as part of a team, many successes.”
“Our mission at AHC is to improve healthcare for every child in Cambodia. We do this through directly treating children, through education of healthcare workers and parents, and by developing speciality services not readily available in Cambodia such as child cancer services.”
“One of the most important things we do at AHC is holistic care; we don’t treat illnesses, we treat a child and their family, making sure that there are no barriers (such as poverty) to a child receiving treatment.”
In 2024, Claudia was awarded an OBE in recognition of her work at AHC. On receiving the news Claudia says:
“I was at home in the UK, on a wet Sunday afternoon, when the ambassador to Cambodia messaged and asked to speak with me about some happy news. I thought that it was probably about some funding or support that he had found for Angkor Hospital for Children. He phoned me and broke the news. I was floored and did not act cool at all!”
“It feels like recognition, not only of the work I have been doing but also for all the amazing, dedicated people I have worked with, under sometimes very difficult circumstances, over the years.”
“My time spent in Thailand and Cambodia has been a marvellous adventure and a great privilege. I am most proud of getting the organisation onto a stable footing and of ensuring the succession to a Cambodian-run organisation. I have worked with some remarkable people and would not have achieved all that I did without them.”
On how university helped shape her chosen path, Claudia says:
“I have very fond memories of my time at St George’s. I think the main thing that has stayed with me is to work hard and play hard.”