Celebrating the surgeon behind the first
operation on the Global Mercy®
From One Generation to the Next
Around 100 years ago, Rachel Buckingham’s grandmother became a doctor at a time when some universities in the U.K. still barred women from qualifying as physicians.
Little did Dr. Muriel Griffiths from Cardiff, Wales, know that she would inspire her descendants as she headed off to India to treat patients with leprosy in the 1920s.
Dr. Buckingham, who has been a Consultant Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon at the Oxford University Trust since 2007, said: “My grandmother was a doctor and a trailblazer. In the 1920s she went off as an unmarried woman to India as a medical missionary.
“It was she. My father, another inspiration, was also a surgeon. But hearing what she did, including her work with leprosy patients, made me decide, aged 10, that I wanted to study medicine. And I did not want to do anything else from then on!”
Sadly, her grandmother died in 1977 when Dr. Buckingham was still young, but her formidable spirt left its mark.
First Surgery on the Global Mercy
Fast forward to 2023, where Dr. Buckingham was part of an historic moment herself, as she performed the first surgery on board a ship which is expected to transform more than 150,000 lives through surgery alone during its 50-year lifespan.
In addition, thousands of African medical professionals will receive training and mentoring with the goal of multiplying impact within their communities.
While mother-of-three Dr. Buckingham performs her surgeries, she will be training a Moroccan orthopedic surgeon alongside her, who is committed to staying in Senegal to treat the Senegalese people.
Dr. Buckingham, 55, said: “Senegal has not got a pediatric orthopedic surgeon. I am hopeful he will be their first.”
Her husband Rob, a professor and robotics engineer, volunteered with Dr. Buckingham on board the organization’s other hospital ship, the Africa Mercy, in 2019.
He volunteered in the dining room while Dr. Buckingham went into pediatric orthopedic surgical care.
Stark Differences
Dr. Buckingham said: “Coming out here you notice some stark differences. The lack of surgical care people have here. We treat children with such severe deformities because they would never be able to get to that point at home, we would have treated them in early life. People are just so grateful for the chance to get surgery.”
In sub-Saharan Africa, approximately 9 out of 10 people have no access to safe surgery, according to a 2015 Lancet study. Dr. Buckingham said the need is critically obvious.
“What keeps me coming back is the need. It’s the ability to train local healthcare workers and make a difference. Mercy Ships really wants to do itself out of a job. You go into medicine to have an impact, so here we have a massive impact.”
Just as her grandmother did, Dr. Buckingham’s determination and courage is seeing her change the lives of those in urgent need.
Could you transform lives like this volunteer? Mercy Ships needs all kinds of skills, from medical to maritime, teaching, and hospitality, in order to run its hospital ships. Discover more at https://www.mercyships.org/get-involved/
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As we approach the close of this year, let us take a moment to reflect on the challenges and trials faced by so many, especially those who have experienced profound loss. This season, while we gather with loved ones to celebrate, let’s also remember those who are still suffering, those who have lost their way, and those who have lost their faith in a better tomorrow.
During this holiday season, we invite you to join us in this mission of compassion, faith, and renewal.
Your generosity can make a real and lasting impact.
Teneng and Ibrahima: Gifts from God
This Christmas season, let’s come together as a community of faith and support to bring restoration to people who have lost so much. Mercy Ships Canada is on a mission to heal and transform the lives of Children and adults in need. Your gift, rooted in faith, can make a significant difference in the lives of countless people. Your support will bring back smiles, health, and faith to children and adults who have suffered for far too long. Donate today and make this Christmas truly meaningful.
Kadidja: A Future as Bright as her Smile
At Mercy Ships Canada, we serve those who have lost hope, bringing healing and transformation. Our volunteers, inspired by their faith, work selflessly to perform surgeries that renew not only bodies but also faith and hope. This Christmas, be a part of the miracle by making a donation to Mercy Ships Canada. Your contribution will help renew faith and offer a second chance at life. Together, we can make a significant impact on those who have suffered for too long.
Aissatou Finds Healing
As we approach the holiday season, we are reminded of the immense power of faith and the importance of giving back to those in need. This Christmas, you have the opportunity to be a beacon of hope, healing and transformation for those who need it most.
Your support this Christmas will not only change lives but also reaffirm the spirit of giving and faith. Join us in spreading love, hope, and healing.
Make a donation today, and together, we can transform the lives of people who have lost so much.
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