With the Participation of Leading Doctors and International Experts: PalMed Holds an Academic Conference to Support Medical Students in Gaza.

London, 23 November 2024

In light of the challenging circumstances in Gaza, PalMed Academy of PalMed Europe – the Palestinian Doctors’ Association in Europe held an academic conference on Saturday, 23 November 2024, at the Royal Society of Medicine in London. The conference was attended by international medical experts with experience in education and medical training especially in Gaza., the conference, titled “Resurrecting Medical Education in Gaza: Challenges and Solutions,” addressed the severe challenges facing Gaza’s medical education due to the blockade and destruction of healthcare and educational infrastructure.

The conference featured discussions and presentations emphasising innovation of the Gaza Educate Medics led by PalMed Academy and the role of international networks in supporting medical education in Palestine.

Dr. Hussam Adwan, Consultant Surgeon at Wirral University Hospital in the UK and conference chair, said:
“Your participation today fuels the flame of hope not only for students and faculty but for all residents of Gaza.”

Dr. Mohammed Zughbar, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Al-Azhar University, delivered an opening lecture comparing medical education in Gaza before the war with its current state. He highlighted the devastating impact of the conflict on the educational system and its broader societal implications.

Dr. Riyad Masharqah, Chair of the Advisory Council of the Palestinian Doctors’ Association in Europe, praised the resilience of Gaza’s medical students and emphasised that this initiative aims to ensure their future, maintain the continuity of medical faculties, and address the critical shortage of healthcare professionals.

Professor Mahmoud Loubani, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon and Chair of Palmed Academy and CEO of the GEM scheme, stated: “This initiative, under the GEM program, is an investment in Gaza’s future. It ensures the continuity of medical education and the availability of qualified medical personnel to serve the community.”

Since its launch in June 2024, the initiative has enrolled over 2,101 students with the support of more than 1,000 international volunteers offering lectures and assistance through an integrated educational platform. A mentorship scheme for the students of Gaze was unveiled at the conference to commence on the 7th December 2024.

The conference highlighted the struggles faced by Gaza’s medical schools, including the destruction of infrastructure and severe shortages of educational and medical resources. Before the recent conflict, nearly 2,500 students were enrolled in medical faculties at Al-Azhar and Islamic universities.

Dr. Anwar Sheikh Khalil, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the Islamic University of Gaza, remarked:
“The destruction of medical education infrastructure threatens not only students’ futures but also the entire healthcare system in Gaza.”

A Global Message of Solidarity

Prominent international figures attended the conference, including Professor Mads Gilbert, the renowned Norwegian humanitarian, and Professor Nick Maynard from Oxford as well as a host of prominent educationalists and academics.

Students from Gaza joined remotely, with Lina Abuhein discussing the daily challenges they face and their essential needs for continuing their education. Tariq Abdel Jawad, from the the GEM Students’ Engagement Committee, shared how students contributed to hospitals during the war, underscoring the hope that international support provides for their education and service to their community.

Charity Dinner

The academic day concluded with a charity dinner, where attendees raised over $150,000 to support the initiative. The main guest speaker and guest of honour at the dinner was Dr. Husam Zomlot, Palestine’s ambassador to the UK who endorsed the initiative and emphasised education as a means of resilience for Palestinians through the decades of occupation.

Palmed Academy: A Vision for Sustainable Medical Education

Founded in 2022, Palmed Academy is the educational arm of the Palestinian Doctors’ Association in Europe, aiming to enhance healthcare in Palestine through education and training. The academy collaborates with international universities and institutions to provide advanced learning materials and training programs.

Through these efforts, PalMed Academy and its partners aim to preserve medical education in Gaza as a cornerstone of Palestinian resilience amidst ongoing challenges imposed by the blockade and conflict.

 For more information about GEM and PalMed Academy:- www.Palmedacademy.com

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