Syrian American Medical Society- SAMS

08/25/2025

On June 30, 2025, Dr. Mufaddal Hamadeh, Former President of SAMS, honored the incredible support of families who have stood behind SAMS leaders for years.

As his final act as president, Dr. Hamadeh granted honorary membership to the spouses of all former SAMS Board Members — recognizing their essential role in empowering their loved ones to lead, advocate, fundraise, and serve.

From the earliest days of SAMS, the encouragement, patience, and sacrifices of spouses, children, siblings, and extended relatives have been the heart of this mission. Their dedication has shaped SAMS’ journey, strengthened our vision, and ensured that our work continues to bring healing and hope to the people of Syria.

This recognition reflects what makes SAMS unique: family is part of our foundation.

Mufaddal Hamadeh

08/25/2025

In response to escalations in southern , four ambulances from and were sent to Izra National Hospital in neighboring Dar’a to support national response efforts.

In coordination with the Ministry of Health and local health directorate, the four ambulances operated by the Syrian American Medical Society- SAMS carried out 85 patient transfers to hospitals in Dar’a and Damascus. Most patients were treated for war-related injuries such as gunshot wounds, severe bleeding, and trauma. Onboard care included blood transfusions, wound dressing, and continuous monitoring of vital signs.

This ambulance and referral system is supported by WHO, thanks to generous funding from EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid and the Novo Nordisk Foundation. It provides a lifeline at a critical time, as health partners work together with the Ministry of Health to strengthen a unified national health response.

08/24/2025

📍SAMS Updates From Gaza

Despite ongoing disruptions, SAMS teams in Gaza are moving forward, proactively tackling urgent healthcare needs amid restricted access and mass displacement. Mobile medical outreach units are being deployed—bringing general care, OB‑GYN, social support, and dental services directly to those who need them most. Additionally, essential medications and infection prevention tools are being supplied where they’re critically needed.

🔗 Read our Gaza intervention update #3 → bit.ly/sams-report-gaza-june2025

🙏Support our emergency relief efforts in Gaza: sams-usa.net/donate

08/21/2025

Last week, World Vision Syria Response Director Emmanuel Isch and World Vision Germany Director Janine Lietmeyer, together with implementing partner SAMS Syria Country Director Baraa Alsmoudi, joined representatives from the Ministry of Health and the Rural Damascus Health Directorate to visit Al Tal Hospital in Rural Damascus.

Thanks to Aktion Deutschland Hilft and World Vision’s support, the hospital now features a fully rehabilitated pediatrics clinic, incubator units, and neonatal care—set to serve over 14,000 people!

Janine Lietmeyer shared: "I am proud and honored to be in Al Tal Hospital, where World Vision helped rehabilitate the pediatric department. Now, families in Rural Damascus can access the care they urgently need."

08/19/2025

As part of the SAMS Institute’s commitment to advancing the skills of healthcare providers across Syria, a training session on Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) was conducted at Zahi Azraq Internal Medicine Hospital in Aleppo.

The training targeted 22 resident doctors from various specialties, mainly internal medicine and surgery, and spanned three days, covering essential topics in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and advanced cardiac care.

This training is part of a broader series delivered through the Simulation Lab (SIM LAB), which includes BLS, ACLS, and PALS Training of Trainers (ToTs). Future plans also include advanced simulation workshops for healthcare workers in the Emergency Room (ER) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

At SAMS, we remain committed to empowering healthcare workers with the skills they need to save lives and provide care at the highest standards.

08/19/2025

On World Humanitarian Day, SAMS reaffirms its mission of delivering healing, compassion, and hope while upholding the dignity of every life.

08/19/2025

Dr. Aref Rifai’s Visit to Washington

Dr. Aref Rifai, President of the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS), met with members of the Washington Chapter following the appointment of Dr. Tarek Abou- Ghazala as its new President.

In his remarks, Dr. Rifai highlighted SAMS’ ongoing projects inside Syria and outlined the organization’s upcoming strategy for advancing these vital initiatives. He also engaged with members’ questions regarding project implementation and collaboration with health directorates and medical education institutions in Syria.

The meeting underscored the essential role of SAMS members in driving projects forward and aligning with the organization’s strategy, while strengthening teamwork and collaboration to better serve the Syrian community.

SAMS extends its sincere thanks to Dr Hisham Naji , Dr Tarek Abou- Ghazala and all Washington DC chapter members who attended and contributed to the success of this gathering.

08/17/2025

📍SAMS Upcoming Relief Efforts in Gaza

Over the coming weeks, SAMS aims to sustain and expand access to essential health, dental, and mental health care in Gaza through both mobile and static clinics. We are also supporting rehabilitation of hospitals, reinforcing infection control protocols, and coordinating shipments of supplies and PPE from the West Bank, where humanitarian access is more feasible.

🔗 Read our Gaza intervention update #3 → bit.ly/sams-report-gaza-june2025

🙏Support our emergency relief efforts in Gaza: sams-usa.net/donate

08/16/2025

Dr. Aref Al-Rifai’s Official Visit to Washington, D.C.

During his recent visit to Washington, D.C., Dr. Aref Al-Rifai, President of the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS), held a series of high-level meetings aimed at strengthening academic partnerships and advancing humanitarian cooperation.

Dr. Al-Rifai began his visit by meeting with the SAMS team at its headquarters to review ongoing initiatives and future priorities.

He then visited Bay Atlantic University, where SAMS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support the training of medical and nursing personnel in Syria. The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration in medical and health sciences education, promotes institutional development, and supports humanitarian and educational efforts in Syria and the broader region. The agreement also facilitates cooperation between SAMS and Bahçeşehir University in Istanbul.

In addition, Dr. Al-Rifai met with officials at the U.S. Department of State to follow up on grants and relief programs implemented in partnership with SAMS to assist Syrians in need.

These efforts reflect SAMS’ ongoing commitment to expanding academic collaboration, strengthening healthcare systems, and advancing humanitarian services for the people of Syria.

08/16/2025

Omar (37) suffered from chronic headaches for years without a clear cause, leading to despair. During a medical visit, higher blood pressure in his right arm compared to his legs prompted referral to cardiology. Tests revealed a coarctation of the aorta.

Dr. Bassel Nijres, working with local Syrian cardiologists, successfully performed balloon dilation and stent placement to widen the narrowing.

Omar was discharged after one day, and a follow-up a week later showed significant blood pressure improvement and better health.

08/15/2025

08/15/2025

📍SAMS Deploys 3 Mobile Units in Gaza

SAMS is spearheading a rapid emergency health response across northern and southern Gaza by deploying three mobile medical units staffed with general practitioners, OB‑GYNs, nurses, midwives, and social workers.

In Northern Gaza: Between May and June, our teams delivered essential healthcare services to nearly 11,000 individuals in neighborhoods such as Remal, Sheikh Redwan, and Galaa in Gaza City.

In Southern Gaza: From April 19 to June 18, we provided care to over 9,000 individuals in need across Deir El Balah Governorate: Nusierat, Buraig, Maghazi, Deir El Balah.

In just two months we provided critical services including general medicine, reproductive health, wound care, midwifery for pregnant women, psychosocial support, health promotion, referrals and contributing to the early warning, alert and response system.

In a region where hospitals no longer function, SAMS mobile units bring lifesaving healthcare to the doorstep of communities in crisis.

🔗 Read our Gaza intervention update #3 → bit.ly/sams-report-gaza-june2025

🙏Support our emergency relief efforts in Gaza: sams-usa.net/donate