Yet, the biggest hurdles weren’t technical; they were cultural and systemic.
In Cambodia, pharmacy had traditionally been a supply-focused role. Clinical decision-making around antibiotics was widely viewed as strictly a doctor’s domain, and language barriers added another layer of complexity, with medical notes written in French.
“Capacity building had to go beyond knowledge transfer. It involved building confidence, changing mindsets, and helping pharmacists see the true value of their clinical role.”
Rather than imposing Singapore’s methods, Yvonne and the team took a humble, collaborative approach. They listened, learned the local context, and worked alongside local champions to engage hospital leadership and build stewardship practices step by step. When COVID-19 halted international travel, the partnership adapted seamlessly to monthly virtual teaching sessions and online training.
Over the years, that patient groundwork yielded a quiet, extraordinary transformation. By 2024, when Yvonne attended a national ASP conference in Siem Reap, Calmette Hospital had established itself as a pioneer in antimicrobial stewardship for Cambodia. The healthcare teams she had once mentored were now standing on stage; leading lectures, sharing best practices, and training healthcare staff from across the country.
Working in Cambodia also fundamentally reshaped how Yvonne approaches her daily practice back home in Singapore. It taught her the power of empathy, stakeholder engagement, and never taking existing systems for granted.
“Seeing what the team achieved despite limited resources reminded me to stay resourceful, persevere through challenges, and appreciate the strong support systems we have.”
For pharmacists and healthcare professionals curious about global health but hesitant to take the first step, Yvonne’s advice is clear and encouraging:
“Be brave and courageous! Approach the work with humility and view it as a partnership, not a one-way transfer of expertise. You do not need to know everything before you begin—more importantly, you must be willing to listen, understand, contribute respectfully, and learn alongside others.”