Humanitarian Acupuncture Camp in Thailand October 2018
Thailand Reviews
It was an absolutely amazing trip
"Thank you so much, Sami Rank, L.Ac. and Dr. David, MD for allowing me to serve the hill tribes in Thailand!
It was an absolutely amazing trip and experience which left me with much to ponder on and consider.
It has brought everything into perspective - how we live our lives in the so-called civilized world, our many demands and opinions, and how we practice medicine.
I’m deeply grateful🙏🏼"- S.M. Phoenix, AZ
The clinics have been eye opening
"I have been on two trips with Sami so far and I have learned a great deal from her and everyone involved including our patients and the locals. The clinics have been eye opening for me in regards to cultures and customs as well as prevalence of ailments in different corners of the world based on climate and diet.
When traveling for sightseeing or business, one only sees the cultures at the surface. A free service such as our medicine to those in need is a great gift to the providers to whom hearts open up and gratitude pours out. I have had some of the purest heart to heart interactions of my life with patients on these trips. Language barriers disappear with a simple smile or a nod of relief. Just showing up to underserved towns and villages gives people hope and uplifts their spirits and that alone makes these trips worthwhile.
The amount of time that Sami puts into organizing these trips is astounding. While there is a plan for everyday of the trip outside of clinic, she keeps a few flexible days on the itinerary for those who want to venture off." --B. S. Flagstaff, AZ
About our partner organization
Dr. David Mar Naw is a medical doctor who devotes his life to serving the hill tribe migrants of Northern Thailand.
This volunteer program offers you a safe, meaningful, fun and low cost way to experience hill-tribe culture whilst doing something that counts. Working alongside Dr David, you will travel from village to village in the remote hill-tribes of Chiang Rai in Northern Thailand, assisting him and practicing acupuncture in the clinic.
You will get to experience the real life of these peoples, eating with the local families and staying in their bamboo huts. Through Dr David’s knowledge of their languages and background, you will get to learn about their local culture and traditions. Mealtimes are a bonus with hoards of villagers gathering to meet you and share their stories.
The hill tribe people of Thailand are primarily Burmese migrants who inhabit the remote hilly forests of the Thai-Burma-Laos triangle border. For many there is no doctor or health worker and, moreover, as 70% are without National ID they are unable to visit hospitals, clinics and health care centers in Thai society.