“There’s so much deprivation on your doorstep”: The volunteers tackling health inequalities, one phone call at a time

“I think volunteering at Doctors of the World really humbles me because I’ve had access to healthcare all my life. But to see how difficult it is for some members of the population in this country, it’s an eye-opening experience… there’s just so much inequality and so much deprivation on your doorstep.” Ga Kitada is a fourth-year medical student at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry in London. He’s also a Doctors of the World UK (DOTW) volunteer. During Volunteers’ Week, June 1-7, we’re honouring Ga and some 100 others who selflessly give their time to DOTW and keeping our clinics and advice line running. Clinic and Helpline Lead, Rita D’Alessio said volunteers are at the heart of the organisation. “We are grateful and privileged to work with such a beautiful team made up of amazing people who donate their time and expertise to support people to access mainstream healthcare,” she said. “The service would not exist without our volunteers!” Ga Kitada is a medical student and DOTW volunteer. Ga first joined DOTW as a clinic support worker during a student placement in 2018 and has continued to volunteer as a caseworker during the COVID-19 pandemic. The medical student said his time at DOTW has given him more of a holistic understanding of everything that underpins individuals’ health. It has also inspired a passion for ensuring access to healthcare for undocumented migrants, who make up the majority of D...
Source: Doctors of the World News - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: Tags: Uncategorised Source Type: news