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Two weeks. Skills built over a lifetime. Global Mercy™

Dr Ali Naddaf brought his specialist experience in thyroid surgery from Germany on board the Global Mercy™ in Sierra Leone. In just two weeks, he was able to use skills developed over his career for patients who had waited years for surgery.

Sector Medical
Location Landsberg am Lech, Allemagne
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Bringing specialist skills where they matter

Ali is a senior physician in endocrine surgery at Asklepios Klinik Lich in Germany. In January 2026, he returned for his second Mercy Ships volunteer service, operating five days a week and completing patient rounds throughout the week.

For Ali, volunteering isn't time away from being a surgeon. It's another way of using the profession he already has.

  • Ali brought years of specialist experience in thyroid surgery aboard. During his two-week service, that expertise was put to work treating patients with complex conditions, including very large thyroid tumors.

Ali brought years of specialist experience in thyroid surgery aboard. During his two-week service, that expertise was put to work treating patients with complex conditions, including very large thyroid tumors.

The moment he won't forget

One patient had lived with a thyroid tumor weighing around 1.5 kilograms. The operation was complex, but successful.

Afterwards, the patient said something Ali still remembers: “The tumor is gone, but I am still here.”

For Ali, moments like this made the purpose behind his professional skills tangible.

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For me, it was always important that I could serve with my professional skills in Germany as well as abroad.
Dr Ali Naddaf, Endocrine Surgeon, Germany

Two weeks that made him want to return

A short commitment. A lasting experience.

Despite the intensive schedule, Ali describes returning home feeling strengthened, motivated and grateful. He now hopes to volunteer with Mercy Ships every year.

I really like this proof point for your recruitment strategy because duration is one of the barriers for medical professionals. His story demonstrates that meaningful service doesn't necessarily require leaving a career for months or years.

Could your surgical skills make a difference?

You already have the expertise. What if two weeks could give you a completely different way to use it? Surgeons and other medical specialists bring their professional experience aboard, working alongside international and African healthcare professionals to help make specialized surgery possible.

Volunteer your skills

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