Pam Kern  MS, LCSW

DIRECTOR, MARITIME MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

In support of the company’s expanded services addressing the mental health and wellness of seafarers, Port Medical engaged Pam Kern, a U.S.-licensed trauma psychotherapist, diagnosing and treating all mental health conditions and is a former seafarer. She is a leading voice in advancing maritime mental health, bringing a rare dual perspective shaped by 16 years of lived experience working on cruise ships and over a decade in clinical practice. Pam specializes in trauma treatment, crisis intervention, and research on fatigue and burnout. She is Columbia University-trained, certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, EMDR and CISD- Critical Incident Stress Debriefing, and recognized for her work supporting crew both daily stressors and critical, high-stakes psychological emergencies. Pam is recognized as #7 of the Top 100 Women in Shipping for 2025 and #1 in the Safety and Security category by All About Shipping, UK.

Pam drives maritime mental health conversations with firsthand ship experience with a profound understanding of seafarer dynamics and cultures, on and off a ship. She is known for her innovative approaches designing prevention tools and intervention mental health approaches. In concert with her duties for Port Medical Management, Pam is currently working in private practice as a clinician treating many conditions caused by trauma. As a global speaker, she shares her expertise at events with The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Philippines, Dutch Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, MARINA, Informa-Crew Connect Global, SeaTrade Cruise Talks, the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) and Maersk Training, to name a few.