Alyssa Charles
Cape Town,Western Cape
Summary
Medical Doctor with over 10 years of clinical experience across emergency, primary, paediatric, and maritime medicine, including leadership of multidisciplinary teams in international healthcare environments.
Experienced in medical and regulatory writing, with a focus on EU MDR and IVDR, clinical evaluation, literature review, post-market surveillance (PMS), and post-market clinical follow-up (PMCF). Skilled in critical appraisal of scientific literature, identifying evidence gaps, and translating complex medical and regulatory information into clear, accurate content.
Additional experience in regulatory compliance, occupational health and workplace safety, risk reduction, and international public health standards, including USPH.
Overview
2
2
Languages
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Freelance Regulatory Medical Writer
Citemed
USA (Remote)
12.2025 - Current
- Develop and edit evidence-based regulatory content addressing EU MDR, IVDR, FDA, clinical evaluation and post-market requirements.
- Conduct structured literature reviews and evidence synthesis supporting clinical evaluation, PMS and PMCF requirements
- Apply PRISMA-based methodologies for evidence identification, screening, and documentation
- Performed SEO-informed content optimisation to ensure visibility while upholding scientific and regulatory accuracy
- Collaborate with editorial teams to refine structure, clarity, and compliance with industry standards
Lead Physician
Disney Cruise Line
USA
08.2024 - Current
- Lead onboard medical operations, delivering acute, emergency, and primary care in a high-volume international environment.
- Oversee compliance with international maritime and public health requirements, including communicable disease reporting and controlled substance management.
- Serve as the primary medical liaison with shipboard leadership and external stakeholders, supporting effective cross-functional communication and coordinated decision-making.
- Oversee medical inventory, equipment, and operational readiness in accordance with safety and regulatory requirements.
- Collaborate on workplace safety and injury-prevention initiatives, supporting occupational risk identification and preventive measures.
- Mentor and supervise multidisciplinary healthcare teams, supporting clinical performance and professional development.
Lead Physician
Vanter Cruise Health Services
USA
03.2019 - 08.2024
- Delivered comprehensive medical care to crew and passengers across acute, chronic, and emergency presentations in a maritime environment.
- Managed occupational health and chronic disease presentations, including fitness-for-duty considerations and ongoing clinical care.
- Performed minor surgical and procedural interventions, including wound management, reductions, and emergency procedures.
- Coordinated medical evacuations and external referrals with shoreside healthcare providers, coastguard, and air evacuation services.
- Supported multidisciplinary clinical decision-making and day-to-day medical operations as a senior member of the onboard healthcare team.
Medical Officer/ Community Service Officer
Red Cross Children's Hospital
Cape Town, South Africa
01.2018 - 03.2019
- Managed acute and chronic paediatric conditions across emergency and inpatient settings, including complex and high-risk presentations.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams and allied health professionals to coordinate comprehensive paediatric care.
- Provided after-hours emergency care, assessing, stabilising, and managing acutely unwell children.
Medical Intern
Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital & Addington Hospital
Durban, South Africa
01.2016 - 12.2017
- Completed supervised rotations across major clinical disciplines in high-volume public healthcare settings.
- Provided patient assessment, clinical management, and continuity of care under senior medical supervision.
- Worked collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams across inpatient, outpatient, and emergency settings.
Education
MBCHB
Stellenbosch University
South AfricaSkills
- Medical expertise across emergency, primary, paediatric and occupational healthcare
- Clinical Evaluation, Literature Review & Evidence Synthesis
- EU MDR & IVDR Regulatory Frameworks
- Post-Market Surveillance (PMS) & PMCF
- Regulatory Medical Writing & Scientific Communication
- Regulatory Compliance, Workplace Safety & Audit Readiness
- Clinical and Occupational risk assessment
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Leadership & team development
Accomplishments
- Appointed Lead Physician, Disney Cruise Line (2024), with responsibility for leading multidisciplinary medical teams in high-acuity maritime environments
- Promoted to Senior Physician, Vanter Cruise Health Services (2019)
- Coordinated complex international medical evacuations, including air and coastguard-assisted transfers
- Delivered medical care across diverse global populations in high-pressure, resource-variable settings
Affiliations
- Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) – Registered Medical Practitioner
- Stellenbosch University – Alumni
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Afrikaans
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Timeline
Freelance Regulatory Medical Writer
Citemed
12.2025 - Current
Lead Physician
Disney Cruise Line
08.2024 - Current
Lead Physician
Vanter Cruise Health Services
03.2019 - 08.2024
Medical Officer/ Community Service Officer
Red Cross Children's Hospital
01.2018 - 03.2019
Medical Intern
Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital & Addington Hospital
01.2016 - 12.2017
MBCHB
Stellenbosch University