Phoenix spreads its wings to Africa

Cara Maher, former Trinity Anglican School (Cairns, Queensland) student and associate of Phoenix Healthcare Group Australia, is on her way to Africa to volunteer her professional expertise as Head of Physiotherapy at International Hospital Kampala.

Respected Australian Physiotherapist, Cara Maher, is on a journey to Africa as a volunteer medical professional. The 29-year-old will head the hospital’s Physiotherapy unit, and is looking forward to assisting in a region that desperately requires skilled professionals who can tend to locals. Cara has spent the past five years working around Australia, servicing communities in Queensland and the Northern Territory. Most recently she’s gained critical international experience at Regina General Hospital, Canada.

Cara’s aligned with The Suubi Trust (suubitrust.org.uk) for this medical mission - a charitable organisation that was established in 2007 to help support the work of International Medical Foundation (IMF) in Uganda. The IMF was originally launched by Dr. Ian Clarke more than 20 years ago in an effort to treat the most vulnerable in Ugandan society. The organisation raises money to cover basic staff and facility costs, so that locals may be treated free of charge by professionals. Experts like Cara enable the locals in Ugandan society to be better trained, treated and even pioneer initiatives which we are privileged to each day in Western society, such as Open Heart Surgery and Cancer treatments.

Cara relishes her role as a Physiotherapist, and is excited by the prospect of heading the department at International Hospital Kampala from July, utilising her work and life experience to make a significant difference.

“I am always looking for unique opportunities where I can combine my passion for travel and still utilise my Physiotherapy skills. I have always wanted to contribute to the Physiotherapy profession and feel that volunteering is a way to do that. This experience is a chance to help build the profile of Physiotherapy in a developing nation that is working hard to provide a high standard of healthcare. I am looking forward to experiencing all the wonders that Africa as a whole has to offer. It’s also a professional challenge to manage a department and provide ongoing education to a local staff. The ultimate aim of the volunteer process is that over time the entire Physiotherapy department will be staffed by Ugandans, and I will do whatever I can to help achieve that goal,” explains Cara.

Marketing Manager for Phoenix Healthcare Group, Sarah Blinco, says it will be a challenging and rewarding move for this young medical expert. “Cara is a passionate worker who offers extensive industry experience. For her to volunteer service and time in a third-world region that can learn so much from her knowledge is exceptionally generous”.

The Phoenix Healthcare Group (head office based in Cairns) offers a broad range of mobility options, healthcare equipment and home nursing supplies – for sale and hire. The reputable company operates across the north, spanning Thursday Island down to Bowen, and west to the Territory border. Two fully stocked showrooms at Phoenix Healthcare, Lake Street in Cairns (also hosts a Pharmacy) and Condor Healthcare, Townsville showcase an impressive range of quality products and aids, including Phoenix’s own in-house designed Bennu and Silverbridge brands. Phoenix Healthcare Group is fast approaching its 20th year servicing the region, and is now one of the largest health and mobility providers in Australia, experiencing rapid growth in retail, online, manufacture and product development sectors, as well as advanced international business relations with China and Taiwan.

Sarah adds, “Phoenix Healthcare will support Cara in her endeavours over the coming couple of years, by donating essential equipment, and cash which we will raise through local Phoenix charitable events and in-store promotional activities. The organisation has supported many locals in need over the past, and we’re excited by the opportunity to directly assist on an international scale as well. Being that Cara will be working in the Kampala community we can be assured our donations are delivered directly to those for whom our efforts are intended.”

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