Critical care provided by ECRI volunteers in Panama litterally saved lives.
In May 2025, a team of volunteers from ECRI, a non-profit organisation specialising in healthcare, travelled to Bocas del Toro, Panama to support Floating Doctors. Floating Doctors is a nonprofit that delivers medical, dental, and veterinary care to underserved populations in remote island and jungle communities in Central America.
The ECRI volunteer group included staff from clinical, engineering, and operational backgrounds. Ismael Cordero, Senior Project Engineer of Health Devices at ECRI, used his technical skills to repair damaged medical equipment during the trip. Theresa Maas, a nurse and Healthcare Value Analysis Strategic Business Leader at ECRI, found interacting with children to be a special part of the experience.
The team encountered serious health issues among their patients and logistical challenges. Despite limited resources, the individuals they assisted were found to be strong and resilient. In a recent case, ECRI leaders helped coordinate the treatment of an infant with a serious infection in the closest available hospital.
The volunteers valued the connections they made during the trip, including working alongside volunteers and clinicians from other countries such as the Netherlands, Italy, and the U.K. Diaz, an ECRI Grant & Proposal Specialist who is Panamanian-American, served as a translator during the trip, finding translating to be a personal experience, connecting with patients in their own language and briefly being a part of their community.
ECRI's involvement with Floating Doctors extends beyond annual volunteer trips, providing support to local villagers throughout the year. Timothy Browne, ECRI Vice President of Global Supply Chain, emphasized the importance of healthcare equity and the right of people to be seen, heard, and cared for, even in areas with limited resources.
If you are interested in joining ECRI on their mission to support Floating Doctors, visit their official website to apply or send them a direct message on Instagram expressing your interest. Typically, the volunteer process involves completing an application and providing relevant information about your background and skills. Floating Doctors also encourages direct contact, meaning you can inquire via their social media such as Instagram for current volunteer opportunities or guidance on how to apply.
Remember, if you are interested in medical or health-related volunteering, ensure you have the necessary credentials or licenses as relevant; some medical volunteer positions may require professional qualifications and experience.
For more information about Floating Doctors and their work, visit their website. Floating Doctors accepts donations and supplies via an Amazon Wish List for those interested in supporting the organisation. The May 2025 trip was the first of two planned for 2025, with a team of volunteers returning in September.
- The ECRI volunteer team, consisting of clinical, engineering, and operational staff, repaired damaged medical devices during their trip to Bocas del Toro, Panama for Floating Doctors.
- Ismael Cordero, a Senior Project Engineer from ECRI, utilized his technical skills to support Floating Doctors' mission by fixing healthcare equipment.
- Despite encountering serious health issues and logistical challenges, the patients the team assisted showed strength and resilience with limited resources.
- Theresa Maas, a nurse and ECRI's Healthcare Value Analysis Strategic Business Leader, found interacting with children to be a special part of her experience.
- ECRI's collaboration with Floating Doctors goes beyond annual trips, providing ongoing support to local villagers and promoting healthcare equity.
- Timothy Browne, ECRI's Vice President of Global Supply Chain, underscored the importance of equality in healthcare, stating that it is every individual's right to be seen, heard, and cared for.
- If you wish to join ECRI on their mission to support Floating Doctors, visit their official website or send a direct message on Instagram expressing your interest.
- Interested individuals can explore Floating Doctors' Amazon Wish List for donations and supplies or find current volunteer opportunities by reaching out through their social media platforms like Instagram. It is essential to ensure you have the necessary professional qualifications if you are applying for medical or health-related volunteering positions.
