Crew Physician

Mercy Ships is an international charity that brings hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor through state-of-the-art hospital ships. Since 1978, our volunteer crew—made up of medical professionals and skilled workers from over 60 nations—has delivered free surgeries and medical care to over 2.8 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa, transforming lives one patient and one port at a time. Join our global team of over 3,000 volunteers and help us change lives daily.

About this role

This is your chance to take your practice onboard one of our Ships. As our Crew Physician, you can provide routine, general medical care for our Crew, surgical inpatient consults, referrals and more. You’ll also hold the important distinction of leading our emergency medical response team onboard.

What you will contribute

• Provide medical consultations and treatment for our Crew, including regular check-ups, routine health screenings, and emergency care when needed
• Support the health education to our Crew and host country partners by presenting on applicable health related topics
• Ensure the health and safety of the Crew on an ongoing basis, in collaboration with the Captain
• Work with and supervise the Hospital Physician(s) to oversee the general health of Ward patients and pre-operative patients
• Review patients in Screening, Outpatients, and Rehabilitation as the opportunity arises
• Actively maintain and improve the standards of care for our patients
• Provide medical direction and advice for the Palliative Care Team

For This Role, You Will Need

• M.D. or D.O. with current unrestricted license or recognized medical qualification in your country of origin
• Two year’s post-graduate clinical experience required, with a specialization in and actively practicing the past year in General Practice, Family Medicine, or Internal Medicine
• Fluent in verbal and written communication skills in English
• Practices the highest standards of fiscal control
• Computer skills, especially in Word and Excel
• If the Crew Physician sails with the ship: Successful completion of Basic Training in accordance with STCW A-VI/1-1 to 1-4, as required per Maritime Law

The experience of a lifetime is calling.

More than 1,200 volunteers from over 60 nations serve with Mercy Ships each year.

At Mercy Ships, we are proud to be recognized around the world for the life-changing surgeries and training we deliver. We could not achieve this without our dedicated community of talented volunteers.

Imagine finishing your shift and stepping onto deck as the sun sets—knowing that today you’ve helped transform the lives of those who need it most. Apply now to start a journey that will reshape the lives of those you serve — and your own.