Project fact file:
Location: Panama
Charity partners: Floating Doctors
Suitable for: Volunteers of all experience levels
Role of volunteers: Spay and neuter clinics, routine care, and emergency care
Floating Doctors offers volunteers the opportunity to experience tropical medicine and rare diseases, practice in a practical, hands-on setting, and provide much needed care in low income communities. UK vet student, Luca Parnham, recently gave a helping hand at this unique project:
"Spending four weeks volunteering with Floating Doctors in Panama has been one of the most rewarding and formative experiences of my veterinary journey so far. As a vet student from the UK, I was eager to apply my clinical knowledge in a hands-on, real-world environment—and this placement provided exactly that and so much more. Set in the stunning Bocas del Toro archipelago, surrounded by dense jungle, turquoise waters, and vibrant wildlife, every day brought something new, challenging, and exciting. One of the most unforgettable moments was auscultating a sloth—my first time examining a wild animal.
It was a surreal experience and a perfect example of how varied and unique the cases could be. In just four weeks, I completed over 100 clinical exams, which drastically improved both my confidence and diagnostic abilities. I also gained my first real surgical experience, performing a cat neuter and assisting in several spays. These hands-on opportunities were invaluable, giving me a sense of progression from student to future vet.
We would travel by boat to remote Indigenous communities, setting up camp for three nights and sleeping in hammocks under mosquito nets. During the day, we provided veterinary care for every animal we could—dogs, cats, pigs, cattle, and even the occasional chicken. The remoteness of these communities meant that many of the animals had never received veterinary care before, which made our work feel genuinely impactful. In one instance, we treated a pig with suspected hip dysplasia, and on another occasion, we trekked through muddy jungle terrain in the pouring rain to reach a herd of cows needing deworming.
The conditions weren’t always easy, but the sense of purpose and adventure made every challenge worthwhile. On other occasions we would visit a different nearby community each day, often accessed by boat. These clinics were fast-paced and dynamic, offering the opportunity to work with many animals in a short space of time. Learning to make clinical decisions on the spot, often with limited resources, was a huge step up from the theoretical learning back at university. It was a reminder of how powerful knowledge can be when applied in real-world settings, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for pharmacology and diagnostics. The support I received from the rest of the veterinary team was exceptional. The vets and senior volunteers struck the perfect balance between giving me autonomy and providing guidance when I needed it.
For the first time, I started to feel like all the studying and training I’ve done at vet school was coming together—I felt like a vet. Outside of clinic days, the weekends gave us a chance to explore the beautiful surroundings of Bocas del Toro. From the white sands and calm waters of Starfish Beach to the wild, lush landscapes of Bastimentos Island, there was no shortage of natural beauty to enjoy. I went snorkelling, tried local food, and took in the laid-back Caribbean culture. These moments of rest and exploration were just as important as the clinical work—they gave me time to connect and appreciate the environment we were working in.
Perhaps the most meaningful part of the experience, beyond the clinical and surgical skills, was the sense of community. I met some of the most inspiring and passionate people—both among the volunteers and within the local communities. Working together in often challenging conditions brought us all closer, and I’ve made friendships that I know will last long after the placement. The gratitude from the pet owners and the visible impact we had on animal welfare were constant reminders of why I chose this profession in the first place.
Overall, my time with Floating Doctors has left a lasting impression on me. It was a perfect mix of professional development, cultural immersion, adventure, and connection. I’ve come away with sharper clinical skills, meaningful memories, and a renewed sense of motivation for the final stages of my vet training. I would highly recommend the experience to any vet student looking to step outside the classroom and make a real difference. I’m already thinking about when I can go back.
Are you interested in making a difference for animals in Panama?
Floating Doctors are looking for volunteers of any experience level to come and support their work, whether you are an experience vet, vet student or a non-vet, there are ways you can help. Find out more here.