Greenberg is Atlanta’s Own ‘McDreamy’ Love Boat Doctor

One of Atlanta’s most visible amateur pickleball players, Dr. Ross Greenberg, might be at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) one week in his notorious orange shorts, then in a dashing cruise ship officer’s uniform as the physician for the Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) Pride of America’s Hawaiian route, the next week.

Then again, Greenberg, a board-certified emergency medicine physician, might be chumming with top notch acts like the Rolling Stones at arenas or at Atlanta Braves games, assuring that the acts and players are hydrated, as he is on call for “whatever.” All this and being officially retired, the dashing Greenberg, a widower, is open to finding a “cabin mate” with whom to share life. He said, “Being a good athlete and pickleball player would be a nice start.”

Serving as a ship’s physician comes with a lot of responsibility. In addition to tending to 2,200 passengers, another 900 crew, and there are no days off. He usually does two-week shifts, as one-week, back-to-back tours, but takes off months in between.

“As glamorous as it sounds, I won’t do 10 weeks at a time,” he stated. Dr. Greenberg also has an onboard staff of three nurses and one administrator to run the medical department. Looking at the practicality of emergencies, Greenberg chose this route because it’s the only U.S.-based ship that has American hospitals at each port, each day, which means that acutely sick people, perhaps suffering on-board strokes, are not cared for in long segments on the ship. Make no mistake, a cruise doctor sees the whole gamut of illness and must evaluate and treat or not, on the spot.

He stated, “Basically it’s fun work. If the body is warm, it means they [passengers] are not dead,” he joked tongue in cheek. In terms of rank, Greenberg’s uniform sports 3.5 bars, close to the “top of the chain” with the captain who wears four bars.

Greenberg reports, “Medical care is available 24 hours a day. Quality of the care can vary from ship to ship, but for the most common issues, most ships do a fine job.”

What are some common ailments to treat on board? Typically, viruses, states Greenberg, including COVID, Norovirus, Influenza, high fever, dehydration, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If someone reports to the medical center, they will be tested, and if found positive, they will be isolated.

Greenberg shared some steps to reduce the risk of contagion: Buy the cruise medical insurance and check the coverage before sailing. Wash hands frequently, avoid overly crowded areas in confined spaces. Use clean utensils when at the buffet. Avoid undercooked foods. Pack common medication to treat fever and diarrhea. Then, watch out for slips and fall, lacerations, bumps, bruises. Wear nonslip shoes when walking around the ship, especially when the boat is moving. Take care during excursions, as cuts, scrapes and falls are very common. Use common sense: like wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, hats. Stay hydrated and avoid excessive alcohol intake.

With a long career in emergency medicine, Greenberg 71, has treated and traveled with Army Rangers and served as an FAA flight examiner and medical review officer. He’s worked at Atlanta Veterans Administration Medical Center; Piedmont Newnan Hospital, Savannah (Level 1 Trauma); Doctors Hospital, Augusta; Florida Hospital Waterman, Eustis, Fla.; Minnie G. Boswell Hospital, Greensboro; Morgan County Hospital, Madison; Upson Regional Medical Center, Thomaston; Walton County Hospital, Monroe; Gwinnett Medical Center, Lawrenceville, after serving as assistant professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University, and Grady Memorial Hospital.

Greenberg has a vision to give back and hopes to volunteer in Ukraine or in similar dangerous frontline work. He has two adult children in New York City and considers traveling the world a passion. He is off to Australia in December.

Plan not to get sick on board, but if you do, you will be in very good hands.