The USNS Mercy's Southeast Asia humanitarian cruise: the perioperative experience

Many people in Southeast Asia are in desperate need of medical attention, but because of poverty, remoteness, and inadequate medical services, they do not receive this care. Beginning in April 2006, a diverse group of health care professionals from around the world served for five months aboard the USNS Mercy, a 1,000-bed, US Navy hospital ship. descriptions of procedures performed, local health conditions, and the experiences of volunteers during this humanitarian mission are detailed in this article.