Dr Lauren Kelly

My clinical expertise is in resource-limited generalist and emergency care, and I have a special interest in all the weird and wonderful infectious diseases that linger in remote parts of the world.

I have lived and worked across the world - from remote Australia, Tanzania, Kenya, India, Greece, Denmark, Norway, South Sudan, Papua New Guinea, and even in international waters. I have delivered healthcare in places only reached by helicopter, light aircraft, canoe, rescue ship, and on foot - in jungles, on mountains, across oceans, over mud flats, and through deserts.

Adventure in the outdoors has always been at the heart of my life - I spent my childhood camping, swimming and exploring the bush in the remote Kimberley region of Australia. As a uni student I spent every dollar I could on travelling. I am now living in Nairobi, Kenya where my weekends are filled with safaris and hikes.

I am deeply passionate about health equity and global humanitarian issues, and I am forever amazed by the natural world. These are the foundations that have driven both my travels and my work.


Qualifications

Bachelor of Medicine

University of New England

2017

Graduate Certificate of Healthcare in Remote and Extreme Environments

University of Tasmania

2020

Professional Diploma of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

2022

Basic Life Support - Advanced Life Support 2 - Rural Emergency Obstetrics Training - Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support - Paediatric Advanced Life Support- Psychological First Aid - Major Incident Medical Management Support


Experience

Central Mediterranean

Since 2023 I have been volunteering on the civil search and rescue ship Humanity 1, which conducts maritime rescue for people fleeing across the central Mediterranean. In my role as the ship doctor I am responsible for the emergency and routine health needs of all on board, which has at times numbered in the hundreds. I have lead the medical team during critical rescues, prolonged care of unstable patients, and medical evacuation by helicopter.

SOS Humanity

South Sudan

In 2025 I volunteered with a small charity organisation in a remote village in South Sudan. The region has been severely affected by flooding, famine, and armed conflict over many years. The clinic manages a huge burden of HIV, TB, malnutrition and other neglected tropical diseases, with very few resources.

South Sudan Medical Relief 
Inspired Adventures

Kilimanjaro

In 2026 I joined as the doctor for a charity trek of Mount Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania. The trek raised over $38,000 for Breast Cancer Network Australia. On this hike we were challenged by harsh weather conditions, but despite this the whole team made it to Gilman’s Peak.

Australian Doctors International 

Papua New Guinea

In 2024 I spent 5 months living and working in a small town in PNG’s Western Province. Most days were spent managing the critically under-resourced emergency department, interspersed with week long trips to very remote villages in the mountains and along the coast, conducting medical outreach to communities that hadn’t seen a doctor in many years.


Code of Ethics

Environmental Stewardship

Always leave no trace, keep nature wild, and use slower travel wherever possible.

Welfare and safeguarding

Protect vulnerable populations including children, women, and porters

Safety & skill

Ensure appropriate preparation, gear, competence and decision making to keep participants and bystanders safe

Respect & non-discrimination

Adhere to local customs, respect local belief systems, and photograph with consent

Medical excellence

Provide quality medical care, guided by the principles of non-malevolence, beneficence, justice, confidentiality, autonomy, informed consent & patient centred care

Support local

Listen and learn from local expertise, engage local businesses, and pay fairly