SAMS Jordan January Mission

We recently concluded our six day medical mission to Jordan, the first in 2018. Led by Dr. Bassel Atassi, the mission brought together over 70 volunteers from various medical specialties to treat Syrian refugees as well as underserved Jordanians. It was Dr. Atassi’s fifth mission with SAMS and his third time leading in Jordan.

From January 13–18, the team performed surgical procedures in ophthalmology, pediatric dentistry, interventional cardiology, and Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT), in addition to providing primary care, dermatological care and more.

By the end of the mission, they had provided over 4,000 consultations to patients, as well as:

Some of our volunteers shared with us some parting words about their experience on the medical mission.

Soindos Abdah, Medical Mission Volunteer Translator

“This is my second mission with SAMS in Jordan as a translator and assistant to pediatrician Dr. Qureishi. SAMS’ impact can be seen by anyone who walks through any of the facilities in which SAMS doctors are stationed. Patients are being treated by the hundreds every day. The patients really trust them and appreciate their thoroughness.

The biggest impact I am witnessing with pediatrics is actually outside the camps in places like Irbid. Those families can’t rely on the same sources of support that people in the camp have — there are fewer doctors, food is more expensive, and nutrition is compromised. I am very glad to see that SAMS is able to relieve some of these pressures in underserved areas of Jordan, where many refugees reside. These extraordinary doctors go above and beyond to try and provide the best level of care with limited resources. It’s an honor just to watch.”

Dr. Amal Lattouf, General Dentist

“Everyone always thanks for me for my work in Zaatari but what they don’t realize is that I go for me as much as I go for them. Being around these people who are so grateful, who continue to smile despite their hardships, re centers me and gives me the excitement and energy to carry on and be grateful in my own life.”

Dr. Henna Qureishi, Pediatrician

“I spent my first day back on my third mission with SAMS in the Zaatari camp, home to over 80,000 refugees with over 60% being kids. My day was filled with mixed emotions — sadness that children’s youth is being spent here in the camp instead of Syria but hope that despite it all, the families have learned to survive. Many being here for 5 years they continue to be hopeful that a return to Syria is near.

But the solemn look in many children’s eyes reminded me that this is no home for them. I was honored to meet Dr Al Sibrani a pediatrician and Syrian refugee who cares for children everyday in Zaatari.”

Dr. Soroosh Behshad, Ophthalmology

“This has been my 3rd mission with SAMs and it is always an honor to be given this opportunity to serve. We have always had many patients with eye conditions and vision problems, but this trip it is apparent that the refugees we saw had more severe conditions than past missions making the demand even greater. The fruits from SAMS efforts were quickly apparent, as so many of our patients came to their first visit clenching to family members and using canes and then when we saw them after their surgery they were able to walk on their own. Thanks to SAMS so many refugees had their vision restored.

Dr. Adnan Mir, Dermatologist

“SAMS mission is really well organized and effective. We treated 27 patients today. There are always overlapping circles of common things we treat between the US and here, like acne for example. But I could see this week more advanced stages of skin diseases caused by the lack of resources.

This first mission gave me a new perspective about the real needs on the ground and what would be necessary for the next ones. I learned a lot, I had to rethink many times about how to treat in a different context from home and with different resources. It helped me to adapt with what I had to offer the best service I could.”

Dr. M. Basel Abushaer

“Some patients would not be able to use their medication , not that they don’t have it but because it has to be stored in a specific way not be damaged. For example, the treatment provided for people with diabetes has to be kept in a refrigerator, which isn’t accessible for everyone. I met some people who kept their insulin outdoors instead and wouldn’t be able to use it afterwards. The lack of money is another thing which makes people think twice if they have to chose to spend it either on food or medication.”

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