Snapshot of PalMed UK and PalMed Academy Event 9 December 2024
PalMed UK and PalMed Academy hosted an inspiring event at Nottingham Medical School titled “Stories of a Surgeon in Palestine“. The event featured Dr. Mohammad Hawari, a PalMed member and surgeon who visited Gaza during the ongoing conflict.
Dr. Hawari shared a powerful testimony about the dire medical situation in Gaza, highlighting the challenges faced by healthcare workers and patients amidst the devastation. Over 100 students and staff attended the event, attentively listening to his firsthand account of the humanitarian crisis and the efforts made by PalMed UK to support innocent civilians affected by the atrocities.
Dr. Hawari detailed PalMed’s tireless 14-month mission to provide aid and medical assistance to the people of Gaza, calling attention to the urgent need for global solidarity. He also introduced the GEM initiative, which aims to support medical students and strengthen Gaza’s healthcare system through education and innovation.
Together, we can make a difference. Help us support the people of Gaza and Palestine.
On Saturday 7 December the Scottish Palestine Health Partnership held its second annual conference at Glasgow University.
Over 100 delegates attended .
Palmed Uk and PalMed Academy was there.
PalMed was represented by Drs Eman El-Bahnasawi and Dr Vivian Badr .
Dr Bashier Oudeh ( SPHP executive ) chaired the second session of the meeting, and introduced Professor Mahmoud Loubani, who presented an update on the GEM scheme , this received a lot of interest and Prof Loubani answered a few questions after his lecture.
PalMed Academy and GEM initiative launched and conducted her very first GEM mentorship course for both students and mentors.
This morning was opened by Tareq Abdel-Jawwad who is a currently displaced fifth year medical student at Al-Azhar University in Gaza who gave us an introduction to the ongoing crisis and context under which the GEM scheme is operating with, as well as sharing his own experience as a Gazan medical student and his experience so far with GEM.
Then GEM team given a brief introduction to the GEM scheme by the CEO of GEM, Professor Mahmoud Loubani who touched on the structure of the scheme as well as the ongoing need of the GEM scheme.
The workshops on the theory and application of mentorship was delivered by Lucy Vere who has had over 20 years of experience training NHS staff and organisations during which attendees were given practical advice and basic communication tools on which can use to build and advance their mentor-mentee relationship.
In the afternoon, the lead mentorship co-officers Khansa Irfan and Dr. Elyanna Choi shared their backgrounds and motivations for participating in this scheme.
The panel saw our distinguished speakers Prof. Nidal Moukaddam, Mr. TIm Goodacre, and Dr. Riyadh Almasharqah discuss the challenges of mentorship in a hostile environment for both students and mentors, the psychological and emotional toll of mentorship in our current context, as well as stories of resilience, hope, and advice for mentors involved in the GEM mentorship scheme.
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.
During a series of inspection visits today, we gained valuable insight into the ongoing work at several medical stations. Here is a summary of the current situation:
Mawsis Karrara health care center
Service delivery continues to improve. Over 200 patients seek daily general medical care here, and the women’s health unit serves 20–25 patients per day. Today, an activity focused on early breast cancer detection was also held. Due to the availability of medical assistance, the number of cases has increased, and the staff’s efforts continue to be invaluable.
Jarar Al-Qudwa health care centre
The staff work with dedication, handling approximately 70 patients each day, mostly for skin diseases and upper respiratory tract infections. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of medicines and medical supplies.
Al-Jazaa’iri Clinic
This station is expanding and reorganising its facilities to meet the growing demand for specialised medical services. Around 110 cases are treated daily, many of which are skin-related. However, as is the case at other stations, the shortage of medications is a significant challenge.
Al Rahma Clinic
The staff at Al-Rahma Station handle around 80 cases daily, involving examinations, treatments, and wound care. They, too, face a shortage of essential medical supplies.
Despite the challenges, including limited resources and medical supplies, the staff at these centres work tirelessly to maintain high-quality care and meet the needs of their patients. Their commitment and willingness to assist are truly commendable. This vital work continues in the effort to improve healthcare for the most vulnerable.
We are excited to share the latest developments in the Gem Scheme Project, an initiative dedicated to supporting the Gazan Medical students.
‘’Clinical placements and assessments of the Year 4 Medical Students from the Islamic University in Gaza. ‘’
This update focuses on the progress made within the Internal Medicine module, a critical component of the medical curriculum. Our students have been diligently working through their clinical placements, gaining invaluable hands-on experience and enhancing their practical skills in real-world medical settings.
These clinical placements are essential for the students’ professional growth and competence, preparing them to become the next generation of skilled and compassionate doctors. However, to sustain and expand this vital program, we need your support.
Please consider donating to this worthy cause. Together, we can help shape a brighter future for healthcare in Gaza.
Mr Adnan al-Ajrami – Abu Kareem – Director of the Faculty of Medicine, and Dr Khalid al-Shawwa, Coordinator of Student Training in Northern Gaza, visited the Indonesian Hospital today. The visit aimed at following up on the clinical training for the clinical phase of the Faculty of Medicine at Al-Azhar University – Gaza. They were received by specialist in general surgery, Dr Abdullah Abu al-Jadyaan, who supervises the training of fourth-level students.
We wish our students success and pray to God to protect them and our Palestinian brethren.
The Deanship of the Faculty extended its gratitude and appreciation to the Ministry of Health, the Hospital administration, and to PalMed for their efforts in coordinating the training of medical students despite the relentless aggression against our national and health institutions, as well as the difficult conditions faced by hospitals in the Gaza Strip due to repeated Israeli attacks.
You can donate to this project via the following link:
Over 2,500 medical students in Gaza have had their education abruptly interrupted due to the current Israeli incursion.
PalMed Europe and PalMed Academy have launched the GEM (Gaza Educates Medics) Scheme to support these medical students. 🎉 The scheme was launched by Professor Mahmoud Lubani, Chair of PalMed Academy, along with the two deans of the medical colleges in Gaza: ProfessorDr. Mohammed Zogbur from Al-Azhar University and Professor Anwar Shaik Khalil from The Islamic University.
Other distinguished speakers at the launch included Dr. Riyad Masharqa, Chair of PalMed Europe, Dr. Lubna Saghir, Consultant in Family Medicine, and Mr Moutie Abraham from Greater Translogic Advisory company in South Africa, who led the efforts to provide the GEM platform.
The GEM platform was simultaneously launched to allow students and tutors to access the platform and resume their studies.
So far, over 1,900 medical students have registered to join the scheme, with over 180 tutors.
Since the estimated monthly cost of the project is about 300,000 USD, multiple organizations, charities, and companies have joined PalMed Academy to support this project.
For more information about joining the scheme, please visit:PalMed Academy
“PalMed Academy formally launches the GEM initiative in partnership with relevant entities in Palestine.”
Introducing the “GEM” initiative! This program is tailored to aid medical students in Gaza through Gaza Educate Medics, reflecting our dedication to fostering a constructive influence within the medical community.
PalMed academy invite you to join us in spreading the word about this important initiative by liking, commenting, and sharing the project with your network.
Together, let’s shine a light on the invaluable work being done to support medical education in Gaza!
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You can watch the first introductory session about the project, and read the project’s goals at the following link.
PalMed Academy Launches GEM Initiative to Rebuild Medical Education in Gaza
In a groundbreaking move to address the disruption caused by the destruction of health and educational institutions in Gaza, PalMed Academy, an affiliate of PalMed Europe, has officially launched the Gaza Educate Medics (GEM) initiative.
PalMed Academy, the Palestinian doctors association in Europe, has been at the forefront of efforts to resume the education of 2500 medical students in Gaza. The initiative was unveiled during a preliminary public meeting on March 9, 2024, attended by distinguished academics, consultants, and medical professionals.
Chaired by Professor Mahmoud Loubani, the meeting featured a presentation by Dr. Lubna Saghir, Consultant in family medicine, introducing the concept of GEM. The initiative aims to establish a virtual medical college, leveraging the expertise of volunteering academics and consultants worldwide to educate Gaza’s medical students. This approach allows students to follow their own syllabus and graduate from their respective colleges, preserving the institutions’ accreditation.
Dr. Riyad Masharqa, Consultant plastic surgeon and Chair of PalMed Europe, outlined the ambitious goals of PalMed and the Academy in supporting this crucial project. The operational structure of GEM, as explained by Professor Loubani, includes various committees to facilitate the implementation of the initiative. Attendees were invited to enroll in committees aligning with their expertise.
The second half of the meeting saw lively discussions and comments from professionals across America, Europe, Palestine, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and the UK. Participants from the International Conference for Rebuilding Health Care in Gaza, including Professor Omar Lattuf and Professor Ruba Ali Fahmi, expressed unanimous support for the GEM initiative.
Delegates from Gaza’s medical colleges, as well as representatives from Aberdeen in Scotland, London, and Ireland, were in attendance. The GEM initiative received enthusiastic approval from all delegates, with Professor Lattuf and Professor Ruba Ali pledging their full support.
Forms for registering in GEM committees have been distributed to interested parties, and a brief outline of the initiative’s structure, along with a registration form, is available for those looking to contribute. The PalMed Academy encourages interested individuals to join before the first follow-up meeting in six weeks.
Dr. Bashier Oudeh, Secretary of PalMed Academy, stated, “We are confident there will be a great number of eminent volunteers coming forward as we extend our invitation to colleagues all over the world.”
For more information, please contact PalMed Academy through email at chair@palmedacademy.com
