Syrian American Medical Society Deploys May Medical Mission to Syria
Led by Incoming SAMS’ President Dr. Aref Rifai, U.S. Volunteers Provide Lifesaving Training and Specialty Care in Damascus, Aleppo, and Hama
May 1, 2025 – This week, more than 14 U.S.-based physicians and healthcare professionals with the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) are on the ground in Syria, delivering vital education, mentorship, and specialty care to help restore the country’s healthcare system. The May medical mission is being led by Dr. Aref Rifai, an Ophthalmologist and SAMS President-Elect, who will officially begin his term in July 2025.
The weeklong mission (May 18–22) will span multiple cities, including Aleppo, Hama and Damascus, and bring advanced training across specialties such as neuro-ophthalmology, neonatal care, pulmonology, psychiatry, pediatrics, endocrinology, gastroenterology, emergency medicine, OB/GYN, and autism spectrum disorders. Volunteers are scheduled to conduct dozens of clinical consultations, ward rounds, and hands-on workshops in leading hospitals and medical training centers.
“This mission is a continuation of our strategic effort to enhance medical education and restore clinical high standard of medical care delivery inside Syria,” said Dr. Aref Rifai. “By focusing on provider education and system-level recovery, we’re empowering local physicians and nurses with the skills and confidence they need to deliver world-class care, even in post-conflict settings.”
Highlights of the May mission include:
- Bedside clinical teaching and lectures at Aleppo University Hospital and Al-Razi Hospital in Aleppo, including a vascular ultrasound course and vascular procedures to be performed by Dr. Basel Refai, representing vascular medicine from Alabama.
- Neuro-ophthalmology consultations and lectures at Al-Mowasat and Surgical Eye Hospital in Damascus.
- A series of Gastroenterology lectures given by Dr. Bayan Alsuleiman and Dr. Muhamad Kamil Obideen, focusing on liver diseases and Hepatitis A and B. These lectures will be given in Aleppo, Damascus and Idlib, as well as performing advanced GI procedures and transferring skills to local physicians.
- A series of case review lectures given to Internal Medicine residents, as well as daily rounds on inpatient services at Aleppo University Hospital and Idlib central Hospital, by Hospitalist, Dr. Faysal Rifai from Orlando Advent Healthcare system.
- A hands-on Essential Newborn Care training for pediatricians, nurses, and midwives.
- A two-day Autism and ADHD workshop led by Dr. Bariah Duwaji, with emphasis on diagnosis using Vanderbilt and M-CHAT tools.
- Ongoing Cardiac services at Alziraa Cardiology Center in Idlib, services including EP and interventional Cardiology.
With a strong focus on mental health, neonatal care, neuro-developmental disorders, gastrointestinal, vascular and primary care medical services, the May mission reflects SAMS’ evolving approach to humanitarian medicine—one that addresses urgent needs while also investing in long-term solutions.
About the Healthcare Crisis
Fourteen years into Syria’s conflict, the healthcare system remains fractured and severely under-resourced. Over 70% of healthcare professionals have been displaced, and millions lack access to specialized care. SAMS missions like this one are essential not only for direct intervention but for building a new foundation of clinical knowledge, mentorship, and sustainable care delivery.
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