Volunteerism and charity were not Dr Joyoki Chen’s interests. However, a personal tragedy and subsequent experiences led her to a path of selfdiscovery and sacrifice. She shares about her experience with REACH and the work she does with underprivileged communities in rural Sarawak.
Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
According to people around me, I’m a happy-go-lucky person and I, too, would like to think of myself as such. As much as my work in REACH (Rural Expeditions Assisting Community Health) is inspiring, I do not think it makes me extraordinary – I’m still very much a normal person. When I’m not in the hospital, you can find me chilling at home, having a drink or two with my friends, shopping with my sister, playing with my dogs and cats, or just running errands. I also try to do my part in raising awareness on blood and organ donation, as I am a regular blood donor and a pledged organ donor.
What got you interested in joining REACH and motivated you to continue volunteering?
I first heard about REACH in 2015. At that time, I was a medical officer in the Emergency Department in a tertiary centre. I saw people from all walks of life and from different financial backgrounds. I had seen patients travel from afar, only to reach the hospital at 2am, after hours of travel. I couldn’t understand their plight, or maybe I refused to, because after working for a few years, I had grown weary and lost most of my empathy. My mother passed away before I graduated and the second death I witnessed during internship was a painful reminder of her demise. Therefore, I built a wall to barricade myself from most emotions.
When the opportunity sprung for me to go to Baram with REACH, I knew I had to take it. I needed the experience to help me be a better person and doctor.
My first trip was a real eye opener. The villagers were very welcoming and gave us their very best, despite not having much to offer. They gave up their rooms so we would be comfortable. They made sure we always had food to eat and would help us draw water from rivers or streams.
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