Discovering Humanity Through Medicine - Dr. Daniel’s Volunteer Story

Dr. Daniel in Malawi during her first year of medical school.

At a young age, Dr. Susannah Daniel knew she wanted to serve people across different cultures and continents, but she didn’t yet know how. When she realized at just 14 years old that she could do this through the practice of medicine, she found a passion that would change her life. “Little did I know that 20 years later, telehealth technology would allow us to help people anywhere from the comfort of our own homes.” Dr. Daniel loves being a doctor because “no matter the culture, religion, socioeconomic status, or geographical location of the people you work with - you always discover humanity.”

When the first wave of the pandemic hit, Dr. Daniel was reminded of how she wanted to foster the thing that initially inspired her to be a physician. Volunteering with World Telehealth Initiative (WTI) is the way to do just that. “WTI provides an opportunity to connect with people thousands of miles away from a different culture, facing challenges every day that are beyond anything I’ve experienced. It’s wonderful that we can use technology to make the world a little smaller, share resources, and learn from each other.”

As a WTI volunteer, Dr. Daniel provides medical expertise and collaborates with local physicians to treat patients in the Rohingya Refugee Camp and Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. “Patients are thankful for the care they receive, and fellow medics, no matter where they are in the world, seem to share the same goal of helping the people in the communities they serve. Discovering this humanity…that is what drives me!” WTI’s mission is only possible with the help of volunteer physicians, like Dr. Daniel. Thank you to Dr. Daniel, and all our dedicated and passionate partner physicians.