In this interview, we sit down with Hareen De Silva, a general practitioner whose career has taken him from the streets of London to some of the world’s most challenging humanitarian crises. His story is one of compassion, resilience, and a deep commitment to serving those in need.
A Journey Begins
Hareen’s path to medicine began in the bustling metropolis of London, where he grew up after his parents moved from Sri Lanka. “I was born in Sri Lanka. I came here when I was a year old, my parents moved at the start of the Civil War, and that has an impact on me in my future, obviously, and [moving to London] just offered me so many opportunities,” he shares, reflecting on the sacrifices his parents made to give him a better life.
Finding His Calling
After completing his medical training, Hareen became a GP in 2015. However, a pivotal moment came in 2019 when he was offered a partnership. “I got offered a partnership by an amazing practice, I absolutely love them. And that scared me… I’d probably be at that practice for like 25-30 years,” he recalls. This realisation spurred him to seek out new experiences and challenges.
The Pull of Humanitarian Work
Hareen’s first foray into humanitarian medicine took him to the refugee camps of Greece. “A lot of what most people end up from Europe end up going to Greece as their first sort of foray into humanitarian aid,” he explains. This experience ignited a passion for serving marginalised populations and set him on a path that would take him to some of the world’s most challenging environments.
From Syria to Ukraine
Hareen’s humanitarian work has taken him to the heart of some of the world’s most pressing crises. In Syria, he served as a medical coordinator in a refugee camp, managing a 24-bed inpatient facility. “That was the only 24/7 facility available. So we had different obviously Primary Health Care Centers and day hospitals, etc. But definitely, definitely just one of the toughest things I’ve ever had to do,” he reflects.
In Ukraine, Hareen worked on providing trauma stabilisation training and conducting medical evacuations. “I’ve interspersed various expeditions in there as well, so Ascension Island for Royal Society Protection of Birds for six months as the number two medic for the first three months and then on my own as number one medic for the next three months,” he shares, highlighting the diversity of his experiences.
A Respite in the Pacific
After the intensity of his work in Syria and Ukraine, Hareen found solace in a unique setting: the remote Pacific island of Midway Atoll. “I ended up volunteering at the US Fish and Wildlife Service on Midway Atoll for three to four months… and essentially my job was just to help pick up trash,” he shares. This experience underscores the importance of balance and self-care in the demanding field of humanitarian medicine.
The Importance of Adaptability
Throughout his diverse experiences, Hareen has learned the importance of adaptability and being a team player. “One of the key things I realised is when you do an expedition, you have to learn how to adapt and learn different skills to help out all the other teams out there because you’re invaluable. Your job is to be on call 24/7. Other medical issues are unlikely to happen a lot of the time, but you have to be able to be comfortable helping other people and being a nice teammate,” he advises.
A Beacon of Hope
Through his tireless work and unwavering commitment to serving others, Hareen De Silva is a shining example of the impact one person can have in the face of overwhelming challenges. His story is a reminder of the power of compassion, the importance of adaptability, and the incredible resilience of the human spirit.
As he continues to serve on the front lines of humanitarian crises around the world, and he has just returned from 3 weeks in Gaza as Head of Mission for CADUS. Hareen’s example serves as a beacon of hope and an inspiration to us all. His journey is a testament to the transformative power of medicine when it is guided by a deep commitment to justice and compassion.
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