Volunteers from ECRI Provide Crucial Medical Assistance in Panama
In May 2025, a team of volunteers from ECRI, a global leader in patient safety, travelled to Bocas del Toro, Panama to partner with Floating Doctors, a nonprofit organisation delivering medical care to remote communities. The mission aimed to provide evidence-based, high-quality healthcare to under-resourced communities, aligning with ECRI's mission to improve healthcare access and quality globally.
ECRI's Vice President, Timothy Browne, emphasised the importance of healthcare equity in remote areas. The team, composed of staff from clinical, engineering, and operational backgrounds, worked tirelessly to assist in mobile clinics. They triaged patients, conducted ultrasound exams, distributed medications, translated for families, and even repaired medical equipment.
One of the team members, Ismael Cordero, a Senior Project Engineer, used his technical skills to repair damaged medical equipment during the trip. Another member, Diaz, a Grant & Proposal Specialist at ECRI, served as a translator. This role was particularly meaningful for Diaz, a Panamanian-American, who found it deeply personal to connect with patients in their own language and be a part of their community.
The team encountered serious health issues among their patients and logistical challenges. However, the individuals they assisted were found to be strong and resilient despite having almost no resources. Theresa Maas, a nurse, enjoyed interacting with children during the trip, valuing the connections she made with international volunteers and clinicians.
ECRI's partnership with Floating Doctors extends beyond annual volunteer trips. Throughout the year, ECRI provides support to local villagers in the Bocas del Toro region. In a recent case, ECRI helped coordinate the hospital treatment of an infant with a serious infection.
Individuals interested in getting involved can support this crucial work by donating or applying to volunteer on ECRI medical missions with Floating Doctors. Information and opportunities for volunteering and donations can be found on their websites or social media channels. This collaboration between ECRI and Floating Doctors highlights a model where technical expertise and hands-on caregiving combine to improve health outcomes in challenging environments.
[1] ECRI's mission: https://www.ecri.org/about/mission-vision/ [2] Floating Doctors' mission: https://www.floatingdoctors.org/mission/ [3] Volunteer and donation opportunities: https://www.ecri.org/get-involved/ and https://www.floatingdoctors.org/support/donate/
- The team from ECRI, working with Floating Doctors, supplied evidence-based, high-quality healthcare to remote communities in Bocas del Toro, Panama, aligning with ECRI's mission to improve healthcare access and quality globally.
- Timothy Browne, ECRI's Vice President, emphasized the importance of healthcare equity in remote areas, especially during their mission.
- Ismael Cordero, a Senior Project Engineer, used his technical skills to care for patients by repairing damaged medical devices, ensuring the continued provision of medical services.
- Diaz, a Grant & Proposal Specialist at ECRI, provided essential support by translating news and medical information, which helped bridge the language barrier and foster a sense of connection.
- Science played a crucial role in the team's work, as evidence-based practices were prioritized to ensure the delivery of quality healthcare.
- In addition to annual volunteer trips, ECRI supports local villagers with health-and-wellness services and medical-conditions management, as was seen in the case of an infant battling a serious infection.
