volunteering – watercress words by Dr Aletha

Master of Something Yet posted an interesting piece about the value of volunteering while travelling in other cultures.

Voluntourism – Helpful Aid Or Just A Warm Fuzzie?.

I’ve written here about some of my volunteer trips; based on my experiences I agree with this blogger’s observations that all volunteer trips are not created equal. Some do more good for the volunteer than for those being helped, although that may not always be a bad thing. If you come home more compassionate and passionate about helping others, then maybe it was worthwhile.

Some of the groups I worked with met the criteria this blogger suggests better than others; those are the ones I worked with a second time.

I encourage you to volunteer, either abroad or in your community.

a basic construction site with bricks — volunteers helping locals to build a medical clinic

a well in a remote site — a community well built and donated by a relief agency and donated

Interested in voluntourism? Here’s what to look for

(summary of points in the article)

Is the company offering the project a reputable, well-established company?
Has the project been established in consultation with the local community?
Is the project of lasting benefit?
Is the project sustainable?
Does the project employ local people?
Where is your money going?

If the opportunity doesn’t measure up, look for something else. There are plenty out there that need your help.

A local nurse assisted me with a patient encounter in Thailand

And how often do doctors volunteer their knowledge and skills? Find out here.

Wherever you go, thanks for exploring the HEART of health with me here.

Dr. Aletha

updated June 12, 2026

One of the privileges of being a healthcare professional is traveling to other countries to provide care to local people. I have volunteered on several teams with CompassionLink, an organization whose goal is

equip communities to create healthy families and individuals–spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

Our team provided medical consultations, medicines, dental care, and vision exams for eyeglasses.

two health care professionals, one in a native costume — Dr. Aletha with a local healthcare worker

a makeshift pharmacy at a rural clinic — our team pharmacy

a man making faces at a little girl — Jacob, a nurse, is entertaining children (he is now a physician)

Visiting the Panama Canal

One of the pleasures of traveling is when our hosts express their appreciation by showing us the local sites and culture. In Panama, of course, that meant a visit to the Panama Canal, an engineering marvel.

The people and landscape of Panama are also captivating. Add to that a warm and usually sunny climate, made for an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Panama Canal ship — The Panama Canal is an amazing feat of human ingenuity.

dancing ladies in native dresses of Panama

enjoying a dance performance at our last group dinner before heading home

How you can share the HEART of health with Compassion

CompassionLink welcomes volunteers for their projects on either short or long-term assignments.

Make a purchase that will support their projects financially or make a donation. (This is not an affiliate link, no commission is paid to this blog.)

Maybe you would like to go on a volunteer trip to another country. While there are ample opportunities to do so, there are likely just as many needs in your own community where your time, talent, and willingness could be used.

Try an internet search for local opportunities. This is one place AI could be helpful. Check for places like food banks, animal shelters, hospitals, parks, nursing homes, churches, and schools.

Get creative. Consider what you are good at, interested in, or have skills in. But don’t be afraid to try something new or unfamiliar.

What’s holding you back from making a difference in someone else’s life today?

Exploring the HEART of health

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