Though being fortunate enough to have grown up in New Zealand, Flame ignited Sophie Stocker's (Hall | Harington 2018-2020) passion for nursing, and she was able to experience her own full circle, first-hand.

Whilst she was in Cambodia in 2019, Dr Rithy asked her to be his helper for the day on the medical tuk tuk through the slums. Inquisitively, Sophie agreed, naive that this day would change the pathway of her life. She says her impact as an individual that day was scarce, but their impact on her was exponential.

Three years later, as a Registered Nurse, Sophie fell into welcoming arms as she touched ground under the scorching Khmai sun. She joined forces with Flame and set up clinic within the slums - a single table, two chairs, a blood pressure cuff, and a thermometer. Lines of
tens to hundreds of people gathered.

A ninety-eight year old woman came to her, sporting a beautiful floral turban and a wooden walking stick. Ninety-eight years through World War II, the Khmer Rouge in 1975, living under a shelter on stilts. She was clearly surrounded by a loving community, and was held in
deep respect. Sophie felt honoured to be providing care in the place they call home.

So many were sick beyond the realms of what the team could provide for. The most common symptoms mirroring progressive diabetes mellitus. Malnutrition was prominent in every person Sophie saw. Their greatest responsibility was to provide health education, making a
sustainable impact on entire communities.

On returning back to New Zealand, Sophie had important business to pursue - her career in the Children's Emergency Department at Starship Hospital, of which she states is ‘the coolest job on the planet’. Still, she already anticipates her next trip to Cambodia. “I don’t just
plan to stop where my circle ends, I plan to keep going around the loop”.

Written by Sophie Stocker.