From Cabin Crew to Community Health: Vanessa Schaben's Journey Through the Professional Diploma in Tropical Nursing
21 May 2025 London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine https://lshtm.ac.uk/themes/custom/lshtm/images/lshtm-logo-black.png
Hello! I'm Vanessa Schaben, a nurse originally from Hong Kong, now based in London. I studied the Professional Diploma in Tropical Nursing (PDTN) in 2013.
Discovering my path to nursing
Growing up in Hong Kong during the 1980s, my childhood was filled with outdoor adventures, climbing trees and swimming. My parents' passion for travel allowed me to explore various parts of Asia, igniting my own love for discovering new cultures.
After completing an English degree, I realised that a traditional desk job wasn't for me. Seeking a dynamic career, I joined British Airways as a flight attendant, working out of London Heathrow for three years. This role not only satisfied my wanderlust but also deepened my appreciation for diverse cultures and human connections. However, I yearned for a profession that combined interpersonal interaction with practical skills. This introspection led me to pursue nursing, a decision which has profoundly shaped my life.
Embarking on a nursing career
In 2010, I qualified as an adult nurse from King's College London and began working in the cardiac unit at King's College Hospital. This experience exposed me to various aspects of patient care, from high dependency units to recovery wards. I found immense fulfilment in supporting patients through their health journeys, emphasising holistic care and understanding the broader context of each individual's experience.
A transformative trip to India
A trip to India with friends marked a turning point in my career. We aimed to immerse ourselves in the local culture rather than just sightseeing. Visiting an orphanage and a health centre, I was struck by the resilience and joy amidst evident challenges. These encounters sparked a desire to contribute more meaningfully to communities in need.
Discovering the Professional Diploma in Tropical Nursing at LSHTM
Back in the UK, I started looking at nursing abroad and came across Dame Claire Bertschinger's book, Moving Mountains. Her experiences resonated deeply, leading me to the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine's Professional Diploma in Tropical Nursing.
The Professional Diploma in Tropical Nursing course was a revelation. Covering topics from tropical diseases like schistosomiasis and leishmaniasis to areas like midwifery and emergency dentistry, the curriculum was both comprehensive and engaging. The laboratory sessions were particularly enlightening, teaching me to identify malaria species and perform blood grouping, skills crucial for resource-limited settings.
A standout lecture on primary health care in resource-poor countries emphasised the importance of understanding patients' backgrounds, access to healthcare, and systemic inequalities. This holistic perspective continues to influence my nursing practice.
Applying Knowledge in Madagascar
Post-Professional Diploma in Tropical Nursing, I volunteered with Mercy Ships aboard the Africa Mercy in Toamasina, Madagascar. Collaborating with international colleagues, we provided surgeries ranging from orthopaedics to maxillofacial procedures. This experience was both professionally enriching and personally rewarding.
Subsequently, I worked inland as a Community Health Nurse and educator for a local charity. My responsibilities included conducting health checks in schools, leading youth camps, and teaching about sanitation and tropical diseases. A memorable moment was assisting a young boy who had impaired hearing due to a dried flower bud lodged in his ear, a simple intervention that restored his hearing and brought immense joy to his community.
Empowering community health agents
A significant part of my role involved training community health agents - individuals chosen by their villages to receive healthcare training and serve as local health representatives. Witnessing their dedication and the positive impact on their communities was truly inspiring.
Final thoughts
To anyone considering the Professional Diploma in Tropical Nursing programme, embrace it wholeheartedly. The course offers invaluable insights, practical skills, and a global perspective that can profoundly enhance your nursing career.
- Learn more about the Professional Diploma in Tropical Nursing
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- All short courses at LSHTM.