Watch The Surgery Ship

The Surgery Ship is a National Geographic documentary series that premiered in 2017. The show follows the medical team aboard the Africa Mercy, a state-of-the-art hospital ship that offers free surgeries and medical care to some of the poorest and most remote communities in West Africa.

The series starts with an introduction to the Africa Mercy and its crew of 400 volunteers, including doctors, nurses, surgeons, and other medical professionals. The ship is equipped with five operating rooms, a pharmacy, and even a dental clinic, allowing the team to provide a wide range of medical services to those in need.

Throughout the series, viewers get an inside look at the challenges and rewards of life on board the Africa Mercy. The team faces numerous obstacles, from language barriers and cultural differences to limited resources and difficult medical cases. However, they are also able to witness the transformative impact that their work has on the lives of their patients.

Each episode follows a different group of patients as they make their way to the ship for treatment. Viewers get to know the patients and their families, learning about the often heartbreaking conditions that they are facing. The medical team works tirelessly to provide life-changing surgeries, including cleft lip and palate repair, tumor removal, and orthopedic procedures.

But the show doesn't just focus on the medical procedures themselves. Viewers also get a sense of the personal connections that are formed between the medical team and their patients. In some cases, patients and their families travel from far-off villages just to see a medical professional who has become like family to them. The medical team members are shown not just as healthcare providers, but as individuals with compassion and empathy for the people they serve.

One of the most striking aspects of The Surgery Ship is the sheer number of medical cases that the team handles. In some of the episodes, dozens of patients are seen waiting in line for hours just to be evaluated by the medical staff. The medical team is shown working long hours, often late into the night, to ensure that every patient receives the care they need.

In addition to the medical work that takes place on board the Africa Mercy, the series also highlights some of the non-medical activities that the crew participates in. For example, one episode shows the team hosting a talent show for their patients, complete with singing, dancing, and even a fashion show.

Overall, The Surgery Ship is a powerful and emotional look at the incredible work being done by the medical team aboard the Africa Mercy. From the heartwarming moments of connection between the medical staff and their patients to the life-changing surgeries that are performed, the series offers a unique perspective on a remarkable humanitarian effort.