A mission-driven initiative advancing medical education in Syria through innovative training, local empowerment, and global collaboration
The SAMS Institute was established in 2022 by the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) in response to the critical gap in medical education in northern Syria. Years of conflict, resource scarcity, and the loss of educators have devastated Syria’s medical training infrastructure. The Institute was created to address this gap and build long-term health workforce capacity.
Mission
To advance excellence in medical education for conflict-affected health professionals in Syria and beyond, ultimately improving health outcomes and community well-being.
Vision
A sustainable, resilient healthcare system in Syria, built through high-quality, accessible medical education and training tailored to the realities of conflict and displacement.
Our Programs
The SAMS Institute delivers comprehensive medical training tailored to the realities of healthcare in conflict zones. Our programs support medical students, residents, fellows, and allied health professionals in Syria and beyond.
Residency Programs
Structured postgraduate medical training in core specialties. We support local residency tracks and supervision with international collaboration.
Fellowship Programs
Advanced specialty training for physicians in areas like pediatrics, surgery, and critical care, tailored to Syria’s healthcare needs.
Allied Health Programs
Training programs for nurses, paramedics, and lab technicians to strengthen frontline healthcare delivery across Syria.
Ready to make an impact in
Syria’s healthcare future?
About the SAMS Institute
Managing the shortage of qualified healthcare providers is difficult in Syria, where ongoing conflict, resource deprivation, and displacement mean that the provision of immediate healthcare to patients is often prioritized above longer-term medical education and training programs. The exodus of many healthcare workers, particularly trainers, professors, and instructors, stalled the country’s medical education quality. Given the conflict’s longevity and the debilitated healthcare system, immediate attention must be paid to funding, developing, and delivering expanded medical education and training for long-term sustainability and increasing the capacity of the health workforce, especially in north Syria.
SAMS implements undergraduate and postgraduate initiatives, including training programs for physicians and other health professionals. Our focus is increasing the quality of training and the monitoring and evaluation of such programs. SAMS offers in-person and remote training programs to maximize cost-effectiveness and accessibility for students and engage international instructors and educators.
The SAMS Institute is an initiative of the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) Foundation, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian organization. As part of the Foundation’s mission to deliver lifesaving medical relief and strengthen health systems in crisis-affected communities, the SAMS Institute focuses on advancing medical education, research, and training. By bridging global expertise with local healthcare needs, the Institute plays a critical role in building sustainable, high-quality care for vulnerable populations in Syria.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email institute@sams-usa.net