Thomas Philip: 'My humanitarian missions have deeply impacted me'

After studying in Marseille, he chose to settle in Hyères, the town where he grew up. A decision he by no means regrets, as he explains: 'I consider myself a neighborhood and family doctor. I like running into my patients in town, chatting with them outside the practice, and participating in local life. My professional daily life is also shared with Truffe, my dog and real assistant for seven years.'

HUMANITARIAN COMMITMENT

One of the most rewarding aspects of his career is his humanitarian commitment with the NGO created by Josy Chambon, director of the Institut de Formation Public Varois des Professions de Santé (IFPVPS). Thus, the doctor returned to Sénégal (November 1–8) for a new mission. 'For six or seven years, I have been going once or twice a year, to Africa or Asia, to vulnerable populations. These missions, carried out in contact with local healthcare workers, have deeply impacted me on a personal and professional level,' says Doctor Thomas Philip. He continues, 'I carried out my first humanitarian mission in Sénégal with Josy Chambon in 2018. Having barely left the country, I wanted to go back, and since then I have been there about ten times. I can see that the country's situation is improving. But many challenges remain. For example, there is no national birth control policy, even though the population is very young. 90% of Sénégalais are unemployed. On the other hand, the inhabitants are very well informed about what is happening in Europe thanks to the 5G on their smartphones! The mission has 25 people, including 5 doctors, 2 dentists, 12 nurses, and 6 care assistants. It is an 8-day flash mission that allows us to bring 40 kg of medicine, clothes, and equipment, which is a ton of goods. We visit 6 clinics, one of which is located in a very poor fishing town. And in March 2026, we will carry out a new mission in Cambodge, still with the IFPVPS,' specifies Doctor Philip.

TOWN COUNCILLOR

Indeed, the IFPVPS has many years of experience in humanitarian action. Every year, the teaching and management team accompanies third-year nursing students to introduce and improve their care skills. This allows them to deepen their knowledge of a field of nursing practice and to reflect on a potential career path. To guarantee the mission's efficiency, Josy Chambon and her teaching team went there on a preparatory trip to meet local partners and set up the actions to be taken, both materially and financially. Finally, alongside his medical activity, Thomas Philip has been involved in politics since 2021 alongside Jean-Pierre Giran as municipal councillor delegate for health. The practitioner continues: 'I was also the doctor for the Hyères-Carqueiranne-La rugby club for nearly eight years, supporting the players daily as well as on the pitch. I witnessed their rise to the top level in the third division. I am delighted to see the club regain its family spirit and safeguard its beautiful rugby school.'