Stepping out of her comfort zone in the Czech Republic, Hana ventured to Saudi Arabia and later to Africa, where she met the First Lady of The Gambia!
Four years ago, Hana, an operating room nurse from the Czech Republic, decided to take a big step in her career. She accepted a job offer at the prestigious King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre in Riyadh and set out on a journey to gain new international experience. Initially, she planned to stay for just six months, but working in a multicultural environment opened new doors for her, and her professional journey took her much further.
Thanks to her work in Saudi Arabia, she received a unique opportunity—to become part of a humanitarian mission in The Gambia, where she could apply her skills and help those who needed it the most.
Mission to The Gambia: Helping Where It’s Needed Most
In May 2024, Hana joined a team of doctors from across Saudi Arabia as part of a collaboration between King Faisal Hospital and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center. The goal of the mission was to replace a team from Doctors Without Borders (MSF) at a local hospital and provide surgical care for pediatric and gynecologic-oncology patients.
During the mission, the team managed to:
✅ Successfully perform 31 pediatric surgeries and 13 gynecological procedures.
✅ Examine and consult with more than 80 patients.
✅ Establish cooperation with the First Lady of The Gambia, a strong supporter of healthcare in the country.
The entire team was also invited to a charity gala evening, bringing together key figures from The Gambia and Nigerian leadership to raise funds for healthcare projects in the region. The mission concluded with an audience at the Presidential Palace, where the team discussed future opportunities to improve healthcare in The Gambia.
An Unforgettable Experience
Working in The Gambia was not just about surgeries—it was also a challenge to operate in extremely limited conditions with minimal equipment. Despite this, the team found time to explore the beauty of the country. They visited a crocodile farm, a monkey forest, and took a trip to the river. These shared experiences strengthened their teamwork and commitment to making a difference.
Hana is proof that an international career can open doors to unexpected and enriching experiences. …
