Savannah – A surgeon dedicated to providing free and life-changing surgeries in Africa for nearly 40 years has gained worldwide recognition for his remarkable contributions.

Dr. Gary Parker, 72, has transformed the lives of thousands of children and adults across 18 African nations through his volunteer work on Mercy Ships hospital vessels.

Specializing in reconstructive surgery, he has brought health, dignity, and hope to those suffering from facial tumors, cleft lip and palate, severe burns, noma, and other serious ailments.

Dr. Parker has been honored with the distinguished Humanitarian Award from the American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (ACOMS), acknowledging his significant impact on global healthcare.

This award is given to oral and maxillofacial surgeons who exhibit an extraordinary commitment to using their talents for societal benefit.

Selected by the ACOMS Board of Regents, Dr. Parker was presented with his award during the 44th Annual Scientific Conference in Savannah, Georgia, on May 4, 2025. He also delivered a lecture, sharing knowledge from his extensive experience.

Originally from Los Angeles, Dr. Parker has treated thousands globally, primarily in Africa.

His expertise in reconstructive surgery has restored dignity and functionality to numerous individuals afflicted by serious conditions such as facial tumors, cleft lip and palate, severe burns, and head and neck diseases.

Dr. Parker earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from UCLA, followed by advanced training and residency in hospital dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS). He refined his skills over five years in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) in North Wales, where he advanced to Locum Consultant.

During his training, Dr. Parker observed how OMFS can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals without access to timely and affordable surgical care.

While in Wales, he discovered Mercy Ships, a nonprofit organization operating hospital ships that offer free surgeries, training, and healthcare services, prompting him to volunteer for three months in 1986.

This pivotal decision not only transformed his life but also led him to meet his wife, Susan, aboard the ship in 1987. The couple raised their two children, who grew up on a Mercy Ship in Africa. Susan now 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 stepped into the role of Chief Medical Officer in addition to his surgical responsibilities.

His humanitarian efforts have brought him numerous international honors, including the Daily Point of Light Award, the UCLA Medal, and distinguished national accolades from several countries, including Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Senegal, and Cameroon.

Among these honors, he 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, granted to distinguished surgeons for their outstanding contributions to the field and altruistic service to humanity.

“Dr. Gary Parker has spent nearly forty years providing transformative surgical care to some of the world’s most underserved populations through his work with Mercy Ships,” stated Melissa Admundson, DDS, a member of the ACOMS Board of Regents.

“His extraordinary dedication to healing – performing thousands of intricate surgeries at no cost – and his steadfast commitment to global humanitarian efforts exemplify the spirit of the ACOMS Humanitarian Award. We are proud to honor Dr. Parker as our 2025 Humanitarian Award recipient.”

Reflecting on his extensive career, Dr. Parker expressed: “I am thankful to receive this recognition from ACOMS.

“I consider it a tribute to the courageous patients who trust us and to the devoted Mercy Ships teams who serve relentlessly.

“Together, we’ve shown that when compassionate surgery meets human resilience, lives are changed and dignity is restored, 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 volunteer their skills to improve access to safe surgical and anesthetic care.

Beyond his clinical contributions, Dr. Parker works to mentor African surgeons and advocates for global surgical initiatives, emphasizing the crucial role of OMFS in addressing the global surgical demand.

Dr. Parker’s previous 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