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Her skills keep surgery working

Ghanaian biomedical technician Deborah Nutsugah brought her hospital experience aboard Mercy Ships, helping ensure the medical equipment behind patient care is safe, reliable and ready when it's needed.

Sector Technical
Location Tema, Ghana

Video

Video

Behind every surgery is equipment someone needs to trust

Before volunteering, Deborah worked in a hospital in Ghana, specializing in the medical equipment used for patient care.

When the Africa Mercy® arrived in Senegal in 2022, she saw an opportunity to bring those same professional skills aboard.

  • Every surgery depends on equipment that works safely and reliably. Deborah helps inspect, maintain and prepare the technology healthcare teams rely on every day.

Every surgery depends on equipment that works safely and reliably. Deborah helps inspect, maintain and prepare the technology healthcare teams rely on every day.

More than working behind the scenes

For Deborah, one of the biggest differences aboard was seeing how her technical work connects directly to patients.

She could meet the people arriving for surgery, follow their journey and see them leave after treatment.

“My work as a biomedical technician fits in the bigger picture of bringing patients hope and healing and transforming their lives. It makes me proud.”

I make sure this equipment is safe to be used on the patient, and also safe for use by the surgeons and the nurses.
Deborah Nutsugah · Biomedical Technician · Ghana
Same family. Different skills. Deborah's twin sister Dorcas later joined her aboard, bringing her own professional experience to HR and patient services. Two very different roles, both part of keeping a hospital ship serving.
Same family. Different skills. Deborah's twin sister Dorcas later joined her aboard, bringing her own professional experience to HR and patient services. Two very different roles, both part of keeping a hospital ship serving.

Growing while giving

Deborah brought her experience from Ghana aboard and found new opportunities to strengthen it, working with advanced medical equipment and professionals from around the world.

“You get to be trained on all the ultra-modern equipment here on board, which enriches your skill as a biomedical engineer.”

Could your technical skills help make surgery possible?

You don't have to work in an operating room to be part of what happens there.

If you have experience in biomedical engineering or medical technology, your professional skills could help keep the equipment behind patient care safe and working, while giving you an opportunity to learn, grow and become part of an international community.

Your skills could have a place aboard.

Volunteer your skills

Meet the Crew Behind the Ship