Roots in Auckland and a Bold Decision
In the late 1970s, a newly qualified doctor from Auckland, New Zealand, faced a choice that would redefine his career and his family’s future. Greg Judkins, alongside his wife Marion and their two young children, left the familiar rhythms of home for the mountainous landscapes of Nepal. What began as a promise to serve where care was most needed blossomed into a long-term commitment to improving local health outcomes and the lives of countless families in a country navigating developmental challenges.
The decision to uproot was not made on a whim. It came from a sense of vocation, curiosity about global health disparities, and a belief that medical practice could be transformative beyond the doors of a clinic or hospital in a Western city. The Judkins family joined a network of missionaries and healthcare professionals drawn to Nepal’s urgent need for structured, compassionate medical care in a setting where resources were limited and demand was high.
Life in a 100-Bed Mission Hospital
Arriving with basic supplies, the family embedded themselves in a 100-bed mission hospital that served as a beacon of reliable care in a region where access could be sporadic. The hospital likely operated under the umbrella of a faith-based organization, providing essential services from general medicine to obstetrics, pediatrics, and essential surgical procedures. For Greg, Marion, and their children, the daily routine blended clinical duties with cultural exchange, creating a clinic culture that prioritized patient dignity, community trust, and sustainable healthcare practices.
Working in such a facility would have required ingenuity and resilience. In those years, medical teams often had to improvise with limited equipment, rely on local knowledge, and collaborate with community health workers to extend the reach of care. This environment produced physicians who could diagnose with limited tests, manage common rural ailments, and mentor Nepalese nurses and doctors who were pioneering their own paths in a developing health system.
Family, Faith, and Forward-Looking Impact
The Judkins family’s move was more than a professional assignment; it was a multi-generational commitment to service. The couple welcomed a third child in Kathmandu, symbolizing the integration of their family life with the mission’s ongoing work. Children growing up in such settings often gain a global perspective, learning first-hand about healthcare disparities, cultural diversity, and the importance of adaptable, patient-centered care.
From a broader perspective, clinicians who spend time in mission hospitals contribute to capacity-building in local health systems. By collaborating with Nepalese healthcare workers, they help transfer knowledge, refine clinical protocols, and reinforce the value of preventative care alongside curative services. The long-term impact can include better maternal-infant health outcomes, improved pediatric care, and stronger ties between international medical volunteers and local communities.
Legacy and Lessons for Global Health
The story of an Auckland doctor uprooting for Nepal highlights several enduring lessons in global health. First, sustainable care arises from partnerships grounded in respect for local expertise and a shared commitment to patient welfare. Second, healthcare delivery in resource-constrained settings hinges on adaptability, clear communication, and culturally sensitive practice. Finally, the personal dimension—families choosing to live and learn abroad—underscores the profound ways in which global health work shapes professionals’ careers, ethics, and long-term advocacy.
Today, the footprint of Greg Judkins and his family’s Nepal experience can be seen in the doctors, nurses, and students who carried forward the lessons they absorbed on the ground. Their story serves as a reminder that high-quality medical care is not confined to developed nations, but is a universal right that thrives when compassionate professionals answer the call to serve where it is most needed.
Looking Ahead
As Nepal continues to evolve its health system, stories like the Judkins family’s offer both inspiration and practical insight for current and future volunteers. The balance of professional duty, family life, and community engagement remains a guiding principle for those who choose to work in global health, reminding us that small, dedicated teams can illuminate the path toward healthier, more resilient communities.
