A benevolent doctor with empathy and compassion

Dr Shannon Melissa Chan has a strong belief; that everyone, irrespective of their race or background, has a right to access proper medical care. Therefore, she was determined to equip herself to serve the vulnerable groups who are living with limited resources in war-torn or natural disaster-prone areas. Her aim is simple, "I want to help people who, like you and I, have a right to access proper medical care at the most precarious moment of their lives. "

In 2014, Shannon became part of Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF). Two years later, she was sent to the Bor, South Sudan for her first mission. "We often listen from other doctors about their overseas humanitarian work, but the actual feeling of being there is completely different. Although the locals were constantly faced with life-threatening conditions, they showed strength and resilience. That inspired me to become more determined and motivated to continue humanitarian service."

Three years later, Shannon embarked on a second mission to Mocha, Yemen. It was a hospital built out of a few tents 30 minutes from the frontline. Apart from being responsible for treating all trauma and acute surgical cases, she provided training to local doctors. Yemen had been in a state of armed conflict since 2014. "There were numerous casualties from the war every day. My team and I often had to perform operations under the sound of gunfire. It was very stressful that not everyone could bear.”

The case that touched Shannon the most, was a 13-year-old orphan. He accidentally stepped on a landmine and had to undergo above knee amputation. "I had been eagerly waiting for his return for prosthesis fitting, but when we finally met again, he was admitted for multiple gunshots. The degree of injury was non-salvageable." Shannon was heartbroken but she told herself, "Life is fragile in a war-zone. Although I may not be able to save every patient, I believe that at least, they feel comforted that someone cared."

Humanity is to save lives selflessly, alleviate suffering and to maintain human dignity.