The Hospital Ship USNS Mercy
Medicine in Third-World Countries

Why choose a career in medicine? 
How does caring for a patient aboard ship differ from a                
     hospital ashore? 
What are the challenges in treating patients in foreign or exotic       
     locations?

K-12 and college students, lay public

Harris B. Schumacker Professor of Surgery, Uniformed Services 
University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), Bethesda, MD

After receiving his medical degree, Dr. Sturtz completed his 
internship and residency in general surgery at the Philadelphia 
Naval Hospital. He served in Da Nang, Vietnam, on the hospital 
ship USS Sanctuary and in naval hospitals in San Diego 
and Bethesda. Dr. Sturtz has held academic positions at George 
Washington University, University of California, San Diego, and 
USUHS. During his naval career, he has been the Commanding 
Officer of the USNS Mercy and has been the Senior 
Medical Advisor to the Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic

D.M.C.C. (Diploma in the Medical Care of Catastrophes), 
Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London

M.D., University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 
Philadelphia, PA

B.S., U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD

As a young boy, Dr. Sturtz loved to play with his chemistry set 
and participate in science classes. He nurtured his interest in 
science with the many books he read at the local public library. 
Dr. Sturtz received his undergraduate degree from the USNA, 
served in the Pacific Fleet, and became a naval aviator. After 6 
years of military service, the call to medicine led him to return to 
medical school and continued his naval career as a physician. As 
a surgeon, Dr. Sturtz's interests are trauma and endocrinology.  
He is teaches surgery at USUHS.  

Governor, American College of Surgeons

Chairman, Navy Trauma Committee

Fellow, American Association for the Surgery of Trauma

Military: Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Award, 
Combat Action Ribbon, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation