For over a decade, Dr. Sithach Mey has served as on-site coordinator for HVO’s dermatology project at Preah Kossamak Hospital in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. As Head of the Dermatology Department at Preah Kossamak, Dr. Mey works with HVO to coordinate volunteer assignments, providing on-the-ground support, guidance, inspiration and continuity.
“I was profoundly impressed with and inspired by Dr. Mey, who is a fantastic clinician and a dedicated, passionate proponent of medical education in Cambodia – he clearly has a far-reaching impact,” noted a volunteer following her assignment in Phnom Penh.
In 2018, Dr. Mey received the HVO Golden Apple award in honor of his support of HVO’s project, as well as his work to promote quality dermatologic care throughout Cambodia.
“Dr. Sithach Mey always inspires me to not only be a better doctor, but a better person. He works so hard for our profession, the residents, his patients, his country,” wrote Dr. Roland Beverly, director of HVO’s dermatology project at Preah Kossamak Hospital.
Dr. Mey ensures every volunteer is able to build on the lessons taught by previous volunteers. He facilitates continuing education and training for nurses and physicians involved in dermatologic care. Dr. Mey also provides support, encouragement and mentorship for students enrolled in the dermatology residency at Preah Kossamak Hospital – a program he developed – and works with HVO to ensure ongoing improvement in the quality of the program.
“Communication between [HVO] volunteers and residents is more and more intensive,” noted Dr. Mey in a 2018 report to HVO about the project. “This will be a good way to improve dermatological care when those people go to work in the provinces.”
Dr. Mey completed his dermatology residency at the University of Muenster in Germany, and he has served as head of the Department of Dermatology at University of Health Sciences and Preah Kossamak Hospital since 2005. During his tenure, in addition to developing the dermatology residency program, Dr. Mey established a Cambodian Dermatology Society in Phnom Penh to bring together all local dermatologists, residents, nurses, and students for the exchange of knowledge and to promote the profession of dermatology.
Dr. Mey’s tireless efforts to improve dermatologic care in Cambodia have earned him an award from the Cambodian Minister of Interior. Most importantly, these efforts are leading to improvements in the quality and availability of dermatologic care throughout Cambodia.
Please join us in celebrating the contributions of dedicated on-site personnel like Dr. Mey, whose hard work and dedication ensures the work of HVO volunteers carries forward, leading to long-term improvements in global health.
Next week, we will celebrate the seventh annual World Health Worker Week (#WHWWeek), which culminates in World Health Day, Sunday, April 7. In observance of the global day of awareness and celebration of health workers, HVO will announce the 2019 Golden Apple Awardees. We look forward to continuing this annual celebration honoring those who work tirelessly to realize our vision of a world where all people have access to quality health care delivered by local health professionals.