Dr. Volker Schöffl: Climbing and Medical Aid in Laos

Dr. Volker Schöffl’s Work in Laos

For most climbers visiting Thakhek today, it is hard to imagine the valley without its hundreds of routes and the climbing community that has grown around them. But the story began with a small group of people—and one of the most important among them was Prof. Dr. Volker Schöffl.

Volker is an orthopaedic surgeon, specialist in sports medicine and one of the world’s best-known climbing doctors. Together with his wife, paediatrician Dr. Isabelle Schöffl, he has returned to Laos for many years to support local hospitals. Their visits combine two very different worlds: long days treating patients and training medical staff, followed whenever possible by time on the limestone cliffs.

In 2010, Volker and Isabelle returned to Thakhek with a group of friends that included legendary climber Kurt Albert. With the help of Inthy Deuansavanh, who arranged the necessary permissions, they explored the limestone valley outside town and began developing routes. In only two weeks, the group established around 50 climbs. Their work helped lay the foundations for what would later become Green Climbers Home and one of Southeast Asia’s most important climbing destinations.

The documentary Of Rocks and Needles follows Volker and Isabelle during one of their visits to Laos. It moves between the operating rooms of the provincial hospital in Thakhek and the cliffs nearby, showing how medicine and climbing have become inseparable parts of their relationship with the country.

The film is not simply a climbing story. It offers a close look at the realities of medical care in rural Laos, the resourcefulness of local doctors and the long-term commitment required to make a meaningful difference.

Kinder- und Medizinhilfe Laos

After working unpaid for several months at a hospital in Laos in 2003, Volker Schöffl helped establish Kinder- und Medizinhilfe Laos e.V. The small German aid organization supports the development of healthcare in Laos through targeted, practical projects.

Its work includes providing urgently needed medical equipment and supplies, supporting treatment and helping local medical teams expand their knowledge. Volker, Isabelle and the other volunteers finance their regular visits themselves, allowing donations to be used directly for medical support in Laos.

You can learn more about the organization, its current projects and ways to help on the Kinder- und Medizinhilfe Laos website.

For more background, read the National Geographic feature about the doctors who helped climbing take off in Laos.