The Volunteer Surgeons in Cambodia
 

In March 2026, I joined the volunteer surgeons of Arkoun at Kampong Cham Hospital, Cambodia, where they operate free of charge on patients who cannot afford essential surgical care. They come from France, mainly from La Rochelle and Bordeaux.

I spent my days inside the operating theatre, photographing 15 operations, witnessing the extraordinary precision, concentration and commitment of the medical teams. It was a fascinating and deeply enriching experience, allowing me to document a world that few people ever get to see.

But Arkoun's mission goes beyond performing surgery.

The French surgeons also train their Cambodian colleagues, sharing their knowledge and experience so that local teams can gradually become autonomous.

For me, this transmission of skills is just as important as the operations themselves: it means building a future in which more patients can receive the care they need.

Through my photographs, I wanted to bear witness to this work, to the dedication of these volunteers and to the human stories behind every operation.

I will return to Cambodia with Arkoun next year to continue documenting their work.

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Two exhibitions featuring my photographs have already been held, both successfully raising funds for Arkoun.

A book and a documentary film are also planned for next year, to further share the story of this remarkable mission.