“Say yes to opportunities you don’t think are normal,” shares Faye Lee, an emergency physician whose journey has taken her from busy urban hospitals to some of the world’s most remote locations. From the bustling emergency rooms of New York City to darting lions in Namibia, and most recently, patching up injured dogs while watching whales breach in Tonga, Faye’s career is a testament to embracing the unknown.
A Serendipitous Start
Faye’s introduction to conservation medicine came unexpectedly during an Antarctic expedition. A conversation with an ophthalmologist from Namibia, introduced her to the N/a’an ku sê Foundation and World Extreme Medicine’s Conservation Medicine course. Intrigued, she immediately looked it up using the expedition ship’s Starlink connection and attempted to sign up. Though initially sold out, a last-minute cancellation allowed her to attend what would become a life-changing experience.
The course at N/a’an ku sê offers an unparalleled blend of wildlife conservation and community healthcare. “No day was typical,” says Faye. Participants engage in activities like snake recognition with Namibia’s top specialists, community health work at the Lifeline Clinic, and wildlife health assessments—including a memorable day where Faye assisted in the sedation and health examination of a lioness, checking pulse oximetry using their tongue and administering vitamin A and rabies shots.
Life Beyond the Hospital
Working in N/a’an ku sê’s Lifeline Clinic exposed Faye to the challenges of resource-limited medicine. “Even basic blood work is a challenge,” she explains. With the nearest hospital hours away, every medical decision demands careful consideration of available resources and logistics.
The N/a’an ku sê Foundation’s work extends beyond healthcare, encompassing wildlife conservation, anti-poaching efforts, education, and community development. “They’re literally saving animals, saving lives, educating children, and building communities,” Faye reflects. For example, the foundation monitors big cats like leopards to reduce human-wildlife conflict and has developed innovative solutions like thorny enclosures to protect livestock. Their work creates a harmonious balance between wildlife preservation and local livelihoods.
A Global Impact
Faye’s experience at N/a’an ku sê profoundly influenced her approach to global medicine. Now, whether treating patients in remote locations or engaging with local communities, she brings educational and medical supplies to donate. “I’m a huge proponent of contributing to education in these developing countries,” she says, emphasising the long-term impact of investing in local communities.
Her time in Namibia also deepened her understanding of conservation’s interconnectedness with healthcare. By addressing human-wildlife conflict, promoting sustainable practices, and improving access to medical care, the foundation exemplifies how different disciplines can work together to create meaningful change.
Adventure, Inspiration, and Perspective
Faye’s journey is a reminder of the incredible opportunities that arise when you step off the beaten path. Whether it’s treating patients on remote islands, caring for animals, or simply saying ‘yes’ to the unexpected, her career demonstrates the power of curiosity and adaptability. “Sometimes the most mundane things open up and blossom into far more interesting opportunities,” she reflects.