For most people the path to study medicine would not include a trip through engineering school, but that’s exactly where Dr. Sherif Emil began his career. After growing up in a family of doctors, Sherif thought he would like to try something different and carve his own path. He completed an undergraduate engineering degree before coming to the realization that he really did want to pursue medicine. “I like the personal aspect (of medicine), I like the interaction and I like the human aspect of it.” That change in career path would lead him to specialize in pediatric surgical medicine in the United States and Canada and eventually would bring him to Mercy Ships. After accepting a position on the Canadian Mercy Ships Board in 2014, Dr. Sherif began preparations to visit the hospital ships as a volunteer surgeon where he was able to experience the joy of serving in the operating theatre aboard the Africa Mercy. “I’ve operated in many places in Africa, including university hospitals and the resources there are nowhere near what this ship has to offer in terms of medical care,” he says. In this episode, you will hear the powerful message Dr. Sherif gave to Mercy Ships partners, donors, crew and alumni about the heart of Mercy Ships. His stories from his time serving with Mercy Ships and his compassion for children in need will touch your heart.  “The ship is making a difference in the lives of families and communities. We had a saying when you save a child, you’re not just saving a life, you’re saving a lifetime and there are a lot of children that receive treatment on the ship.”  For more information about the New Mercies podcast and Mercy Ships, visit www.newmercies.mercyships.org