Global Health Spotlight on Extraordinary Healthcare Volunteers: Chris Lo

I was born and raised in a Christian household in Bangkok, Thailand, and was baptized at 18 years old. I graduated from UC San Diego in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and cell biology, and I worship with the Coastal ministry as part of the San Diego Church of Christ. Currently, I am a research associate at a biotech company, Eclipse BioInnovations.

Growing up in our church family, I have participated in several service projects in Thailand and Singapore. In 2017, inspired by my Cambodia HOPE Youth Corps (HYC) service, I decided to lead international volunteer trips as a Global Service Intern (GSI). In 2019, I led a HOPE worldwide Volunteer Corps (HVC) to Bolivia, during which I worked closely with Dr. Kevin Broyles and a team of doctors and nurses on a medical campaign in Rurrenabaque. Working with a traveling free clinic, I assisted elderly and vulnerable patients with appointments and prescriptions.

Listening to a heartbeat is a powerful moment of vulnerability that connects doctors to those they serve. One of my most memorable moments was when I observed Dr. John Prucha in a makeshift consultation office with a young boy named Juan. He politely asked Juan if he’d allow me to listen to his heartbeat, and Juan agreed. Carefully, I placed the stethoscope on Juan’s chest to listen. Even to my untrained ear, the arrhythmia was unmistakable. Dr. Prucha reassured Juan that he would receive the care he needed. Compassionate people like this reaffirm my choice to practice medicine.

Soon I’ll be heading back to Singapore to attend Duke-NUS medical school. I hope to coordinate future medical service projects in Southeast Asia, focusing on health education in rural areas. I also want to inspire students -- this is great exposure to life-changing medicine practice. Here they can soak up unforgettable experiences that they could never get in a classroom.

Are you interested in using your time, talents and training as a healthcare professional to meet needs all over the world with HOPE worldwide ?

To learn more visit
hopeww.org/volunteer-opportunities.