What to Expect

Far from the stereotypical sea sickness and headache cases, life onboard ship can be a rollercoaster ride for the medical centre team and a unique experience with benefits you won't find anywhere else in the profession.

Here are just a few things to take into consideration when deciding if this role is right for you.

• Tours of duty are approximately four months duration, followed by 6-8 weeks leave so be prepared to miss important birthdays, anniversaries and events at home.
• When onboard, a ship's doctor is either first or second on call 24/7. There may also be occasions during extremely busy periods when you may not get ashore for weeks.
• As the doctor onboard (vs the Senior Doctor), your primary concern will be the healthcare of the crew which comprises over 50 different nationalities. Outside of crew clinics you will also be expected to treat passenger illness.
• You will typically have minimal costs onboard as your food and accommodation is all paid for, laundry taken care of and there are no 'bills' to pay. This is a great opportunity to save money.
• After your first two months at sea, your spouse/partner/immediate family members are eligible to join you onboard for certain periods at generously discounted rates.
• You will rotate around all the ships so you will also have the opportunity to visit some of the most exotic locations across the world.
• As a ship's doctor, you are highly ranked onboard as a three stripe officer and as such can enjoy most of the passenger facilities.
• Be prepared to do all your own administrative tasks, including computer work as you won't have a secretary or a team of clerical staff to handle this for you.
• You will experience highly rewarding patient care with the ability to manage cases from start to finish.
• The ship's doctor role will broaden your experience and will benefit you if you return to a shore-based job.
• Following good performance reviews, promotion to Senior Doctor can be rapid. This has a number of additional benefits including significant salary increases and business class travel. This role is one of a ship's executive officer and is focused on the management of the entire medical department and health issues of the ship. You will report directly to the Chief Medical Officer of the Company.