World Extreme Medicine Academy live session with VSO volunteers David Atherton and Dr Phil Heywood
Watch the World Extreme Medicine podcast with VSO health volunteers, David Atherton and Dr Phil Heywood, talking about their volunteer journey with VSO and why it has been such a life-changing experience.
"A really excellent watch and so good to hear from both David and Phil about their very different volunteer journeys with VSO." Clive Ingleby. Lead adviser – VSO Health Programme Development and Policy
David and Phil talk about the benefits of volunteering generally and more specifically about volunteering in the international development sector. They answer questions including:
- How do I make volunteering happen in my life?
- What first inspired you to volunteer?
- How did you manage the financial aspects of volunteering
- What do you think volunteering gives back to the volunteer and the organisations they work for?
David Atherton was a volunteer nurse in Malawi and now works in VSO's medical unit. He was winner of Great British Bake Off 2019.
Dr Phil Heywood undertook three VSO placements in Cambodia, Myanmar and South Sudan after a long career in the UK National Health Service as a general practitioner and as Professor of Primary Care Development at Leeds University. In 2014 Phil ski trekked to the North Pole to raise funds for VSO.
Find out more about volunteering with VSO
We continue to build our global talent pool as we anticipate an increase in available volunteering roles over the next few months. Find out more about volunteering on our dedicated web pages.
From volunteer nurse to Great British Bake Off winner: David Atherton
David Atherton volunteered with VSO in Malawi training nurses and midwives, before going on to support thousands of VSO volunteers and staff as part of our medical team.
From anger to action: How to stop 200,000 needless maternal deaths
After a 40-year career in the NHS in the UK, Phil Heywood, 72, is volunteering his skills to help tackle maternal deaths in Myanmar. He explains the global injustice of maternal deaths, and what is being done about it through UK Aid.
Why volunteering will be the best thing you ever do
Each year, more than one billion people volunteer; joining them might just be the best thing you ever do. Here’s why.