Published: 09 September 2024
Congratulations to Dr Claudia Edwards, Class of 1997 alumna, who has been made an OBE in the recent New Years Honours. Claudia received the award in recognition of her work at Angkor Hospital for Children in Cambodia.
A desire to rebuild and educate
Explaining how she ended up working in southeast Asia, Claudia says:
“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."
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.
- Dr Claudia Edwards -
"I wanted to be part of that, and I hoped that my skills and experience as a paediatrician would be useful.
“It took some time to get there but in 2012 I moved from Thailand to Cambodia to work at Angkor Hospital for Children (AHC), first in a research and teaching capacity, and then, in 2015, as CEO of the organisation. There were a lot of challenges but also, as part of a team, many successes.
An adventure every day!
“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.
- Dr Claudia Edwards -
“Living and working in Cambodia is amazing – it’s an adventure every day! New experiences abound, from the delightful (the food) to the scary (a snake once came up the drainpipe in the toilet – my friendly neighbours helped with that one and it wasn’t poisonous anyway!) The countryside is steeped in history, I spent years exploring the temples around Siem Reap and adjacent provinces."
I would recommend living and working in Cambodia to anyone, but with respect, friendliness and in collaboration with established local organisations, and then you will have an experience of a lifetime.
- Dr Claudia Edwards -
Some happy news
On receiving the OBE itself, 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!"
I had no idea that I had even been nominated for an OBE. I then had to keep it secret until the official announcement which was three weeks later – that was difficult!
- Dr Claudia Edwards -
“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. I am proud, humble and happy. I’m a little apprehensive about receiving the award. I’m not so keen on being the centre of attention and wouldn’t want to trip or make an etiquette faux pas! But I am thrilled and a little overwhelmed to be given the honour.
“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.”
Work hard and play hard
In terms of how St George’s prepared Claudia for her career which has followed, she replied simply:
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.
- Dr Claudia Edwards -
Many congratulations Claudia.