Surgeon Honored for Lifetime Dedication to Offering Free, Life-Changing Surgeries Throughout Africa
Savannah – A surgeon dedicated to providing free, transformative surgeries for nearly 40 years in Africa has received global recognition for his remarkable contributions.
Dr. Gary Parker, 72, has positively impacted the lives of numerous children and adults across 18 African nations through his volunteer work on Mercy Ships hospital vessels.
His focus on reconstructive surgery has restored health, dignity, and hope to individuals suffering from facial tumors, cleft lip and palate, severe burn injuries, noma, and other serious ailments.
Dr. Parker has been honored with the prestigious Humanitarian Award from the American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (ACOMS), acknowledging his outstanding commitment to global healthcare.
This award recognizes oral and maxillofacial surgeons who demonstrate exceptional dedication to using their skills for societal benefit.
Following a selection by the ACOMS Board of Regents, Dr. Parker was honored during the 44th Annual Scientific Conference in Savannah, Georgia, on May 4, 2025. He also delivered a lecture that shared insights from his extensive experience.
A native of Los Angeles, Dr. Parker has treated countless patients in 18 countries, primarily throughout Africa.
His expertise in reconstructive surgery has restored both function and dignity to many suffering from serious health issues such as facial tumors, cleft lip and palate, severe burns, and head and neck disorders.
Dr. Parker earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from UCLA and subsequently completed advanced training and residencies in hospital dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS). He refined his skills in the National Health Service (NHS) in North Wales, where he eventually became a Locum Consultant.
During his training, Dr. Parker observed the significant improvements OMFS can bring to patients lacking access to timely and affordable surgical care.
While in Wales, he discovered Mercy Ships, a nonprofit organization that operates hospital ships offering free surgeries and healthcare services, leading him to volunteer for three months in 1986.
This pivotal decision transformed his life, allowing him to meet his wife, Susan, aboard the ship in 1987. Together, they raised two children who spent their formative years on a Mercy Ship in Africa. Susan currently serves as the international hospital chaplain for Mercy Ships.
Dr. Parker has been a full-time volunteer with Mercy Ships since 1987, and in 1995, he became the Chief Medical Officer in addition to his surgical role.
His humanitarian endeavors have earned him various international awards, such as the Daily Point of Light Award, the UCLA Medal, and numerous national honors from countries including Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Senegal, and Cameroon.
Among his accolades, Dr. Parker received an honorary Fellowship from the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in 2012 and a Fellowship by Election from the Royal College of Surgeons in London in 2007, recognizing distinguished surgeons for their remarkable contributions to the field and selfless service.
“Dr. Gary Parker has devoted almost four decades to providing life-changing surgical care to some of the world’s most disadvantaged communities through his work with Mercy Ships,” stated Melissa Admundson, DDS, a member of the ACOMS Board of Regents.
“His remarkable dedication to healing – performing thousands of intricate surgeries at no cost – reflects the essence of the ACOMS Humanitarian Award. We take immense pride in recognizing Dr. Parker as our 2025 Humanitarian Award recipient.”
Reflecting on his career, Dr. Parker stated: “I am honored to receive this acknowledgment from ACOMS.
“I see it as a tribute to the courageous patients who trust us and to the committed Mercy Ships teams who work tirelessly.
“Together, we have proven that compassionate surgery, combined with human resilience, transforms lives and restores dignity, embodying the hope and healing central to our shared mission.”
Every year, over 2,500 volunteer professionals from more than 60 countries lend their expertise on the world’s two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy and the Global Mercy.
Surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers commit their time and skills to improve access to safe surgical and anesthetic care.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Parker actively mentors African surgeons and promotes global surgical initiatives, highlighting the critical role of OMFS in meeting the world’s surgical needs.
Dr. Parker’s distinguished awards include:
- 2022 – Commander of the National Order of the Lion, Republic of Senegal, Dakar
- 2018 – Daily Point of Light Award (Parker Family), USA
- 2018 – Knight of the Order of Valor, Republic of Cameroon, Douala
- 2017 – Kriser Medal, New York University, New York City
- 2014 – UCLA Medal, University of California, Los Angeles
- 2013 – AAOMS Humanitarian Award, American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Orlando
- 2012 – Honorary Fellowship, AAOMS, San Diego
- 2012 – UCLA School of Dentistry, Alumni of the Year, Los Angeles
- 2008 – President’s Lecture, British Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, Cardiff, UK
- 2007 – Fellowship by Election, Royal College of Surgeons, London, UK
- 2002 – Grand Commander, Order of the Republic of The Gambia, Serrekunda
- 2001 – Commandeur de l’Ordre National du Benin, Cotonou, Benin
- 1992 – Ordre de la Sante Publique, Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan