“SAMS” Holds Its International Medical Conference in Damascus with the Participation of Hundreds of Syrian Doctors

The 23rd International Medical Conference organized by the Syrian American Medical Society “SAMS” in collaboration with the Ministries of Health, Higher Education, and Scientific Research kicked off today under the slogan "Together for Building the Medical and Educational Renaissance in Syria", for the first time at the University of Damascus.

The conference spans three days and includes scientific sessions in various medical specialties, along with the first scientific conference dedicated to dentistry, providing a comprehensive platform bringing together doctors, academics, and experts in the medical and humanitarian fields to exchange knowledge, enhance cooperation, and seek innovative solutions to improve the healthcare sector in Syria.

In his opening speech, the Minister of Health, Dr. Mousab Al-Ali, emphasized the importance of this conference in light of the urgent need to unify efforts and coordinate energies to improve the health situation in the country.

He stressed the ministry's commitment to collaborating with organizations and associations to support healthcare services, enhance primary care, facilitate local drug manufacturing, and ensure modern scientific training and medical qualification.

The minister highlighted the accomplishment of more than 1200 quality surgeries despite the challenges, in addition to providing hospitals and medical centers with hundreds of modern devices and ambulances.

The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Marwan Al-Halabi, stated that the conference represents a roadmap towards enhancing scientific communication between inside and outside Syria, emphasizing the importance of benefiting from diverse medical experiences in rebuilding the healthcare sector and enhancing continuous medical education.

The President of the Syrian American Medical Society, Dr. Aref Al-Rifai, described the conference as more than just a scientific event, but a message of hope to preserve the role of Syrian doctors and students in building their country, emphasizing that scientific cooperation is the key to a better health and humanitarian future.

Dr. Nadal Wahbeh, the conference president, noted the participation of more than 600 doctors, including 300 Syrians who came from the United States, as well as 60 students presenting their scientific research during the events, confirming that the conference carries a humanitarian message and a call for joint efforts to improve the Syrian medical sector.

Dr. Malik Al-Attawi, the head of the Syrian Doctors Syndicate, emphasized the importance of the conference in strengthening ties between expatriate and local doctors, focusing on developing the medical profession and organizing medical work in Syria, with continuous support for exchanging experiences and training.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Minister of Communications and Technology, Abdul Salam Hikmat, and the President of the University of Damascus, Dr. Mustafa Saem Aldahr, along with several officials and stakeholders.

During a press conference following the opening, members of the Syrian American Medical Society reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the healthcare sector in Syria and shedding light on the challenges facing doctors, while continuing to provide over 30 million medical services during the past year through various hospitals and medical points. They also formed scientific committees and an institute to provide continuous scientific lectures. They mentioned cooperation with the Ministry of Health and the Doctors Syndicate to amend the certificates of doctors obtained from abroad.

It is worth mentioning that “SAMS” is a non-profit humanitarian medical organization founded in 1998 by Syrian American doctors, aiming to support healthcare and medical education in Syria and neighboring countries, and provide assistance to communities affected by humanitarian crises.