Does a doctor outrank a captain?
Does a doctor outrank a captain? First, it's a military rank: Captain - same as Colonel in the USMC, Army, & Airforce. No. While it is possible for a doctor to legitimately hold a higher rank than the ship's captain, the commanding officer is responsible for the vessel. And line officers always outrank special corps officers in terms of command.
What rank is a doctor on a ship?
Commissioning + Rank If you enter as a licensed physician, your rank will typically begin at captain or major (Army/Air Force) or lieutenant or lieutenant commander (Navy), but it may be higher depending on where you are in your civilian career.