Maxillofacial Head and Neck Surgeon

Surgical
Min 2 Weeks
Our surgeons provide life-changing operations to those who need them most, delivering safe, expert surgical care and freeing people in Africa from conditions that have burdened them for years.

Driven to provide hope & healing.

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

In Africa, where there is little or no access to healthcare services and specialized surgeries needed to deal with maladies such as facial tumors, cleft lip & cleft palate, and ENT diseases, our maxillofacial and otolaryngology teams fill the void by bringing hope and healing.

Our Maxillofacial Head and Neck Surgeons provide maxillofacial (head and neck) type surgical intervention to treat congenital, developmental, or degenerative conditions as well as reconstruction of damage due to injury or infection. You will also manage post-operative care of surgical complications and prioritize patient selection.

Requirements

Each role with Mercy Ships calls for a unique blend of experience, skills, and qualifications. The info below outlines what’s needed to serve effectively in this position—to meet operational standards and to help you thrive as part of the team.

Commitment Min 2 Weeks

What You Will Contribute

Assessment of potential surgical candidates

Communicate planned procedures, expected outcomes and potential complications clearly with patients and caregivers, using diagrams & translators when necessary

Preoperative assessment of surgical candidates

Work with anesthetic providers and hospital physicians

Operate on selected candidates as scheduled

Ongoing consultation for surgical patients

Potential to train and mentor other Surgeons

What You Will Need

Active licensure/ registration within home nation

Minimum 2 years’ surgical practice following completion of specialty training program and any additional surgical fellowship programs

Active in practice (within the previous six months preferred)

Fluent in English

Flexibility and sensitivity to language and cultural diversity

About the team

You’ll be part of the Surgical Team, working alongside volunteer surgeons, anesthetists, and nurses to deliver safe, life-changing operations, restoring health and dignity to patients who might otherwise go without essential surgical care.

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Full job description available upon request.

Proceed to Application

Frequently asked questions.

We are so excited that you are interested in learning more about serving with us. These are the most common questions we receive for this department.

SCAM ALERT: Please be aware of recruitment scams. Mercy Ships will never charge any fees as a part of the recruitment process. For more info click here.

What are the medical requirements to serve with Mercy Ships?

Click here for a list of medical requirements to serve, including required immunizations.

How long can I serve?
Looking for more information? View our general FAQs to learn about life on board, volunteering, and more.
General FAQs

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.

Captain Perez, Africa Mercy & Global Mercy
Rachel Lubitz, Project Assistant, Global Mercy
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Faith-Led Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

Mercy Ships is a faith-based organization welcoming volunteers from diverse backgrounds and experiences who are committed to our mission and values. All qualified applicants will receive consideration.

Beware of Imposters: Confirm All Volunteer Communications

Volunteer opportunities and invitations to serve will always come directly from Mercy Ships’ official volunteer engagement teams. Never provide personal information to anyone without confirming their connection to Mercy Ships.

Apply Now

Full job description available upon request.

Proceed to Application
“I think you get lifelong friends in a different way than I’ve done back home. I like the variety of people, cultures, and views.”
Maria Ekstrand — Dining Room Team Leader
“The more I'm seeing peoples' lives being transformed, the more I realize this isn't me giving away two years, it's me gaining two years. For me, it's more like a gift.”
Eugene Ampadu (Videographer, Africa Mercy, Senegal.)