Canadian Medical Couple Finds New Purpose Aboard Mercy Ships
As many couples prepare to slow down in the later years of their careers, Canadian doctors Elaine and David Sigalet have chosen a very different path. Rather than settling into retirement, they are embarking on their fourth service mission with Mercy Ships, the global charity providing free surgical care and medical training across Africa’s underserved regions.
Serving aboard the Global Mercy™, the pair have discovered renewed purpose and a deeper bond through their shared commitment to saving lives and strengthening local healthcare systems.
David, a paediatric surgeon, spends his days performing vital operations for children who might otherwise go without treatment. From repairing hernias to removing tumours, he says the most meaningful part of his work is the long-term impact.
“What keeps me coming back is the sense of community,” he explained. “Teaching local professionals means we leave something lasting behind.”
Elaine, who holds a PhD in medical education, works as a Simulation Coordinator with Mercy Ships’ Education, Training, and Advocacy team. She designs realistic medical scenarios that help local nurses and clinicians develop confidence and competency in a safe environment.
“Working with nurses I trained over a year ago and seeing their growth is incredibly satisfying,” she said.
Her work reflects findings from recent studies showing that simulation-based training can significantly improve surgical and clinical skills in Sub-Saharan Africa. By strengthening these capabilities, Mercy Ships aims to build sustainable healthcare systems long after its vessels depart.
Married for 39 years, the Sigalets say volunteering together has deepened their relationship as much as their professional impact. They share meals, attend services, and take evening walks on deck—moments that, Elaine says, have brought them closer than ever.
“Serving others side by side has taken our relationship, and our faith, to a deeper level,” she reflected. “It takes life, and love, to a whole new level.”
Mercy Ships continues to work alongside African nations, offering free surgery, medical training, and support for strengthening healthcare infrastructure. More than 2,500 volunteers from over 60 countries join the organisation each year, contributing expertise in fields ranging from surgery and nursing to engineering and hospitality.
