Accompanied by a team of Michigan State University College of Human Medicine (MSU CHM) medical students and residents, Dr. Hend Azhary embarked on a six-day mission to provide medical assistance to Syrian refugees in Jordan. This endeavor, undertaken in collaboration with the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS), aimed to alleviate the healthcare burdens borne by the refugee population.
The MSU CHM participants gained firsthand exposure to the challenges and rewards of providing medical care in a refugee setting. They witnessed the resilience of the Syrian refugees and the profound impact that even the most basic medical interventions can have on their lives.
Voices from the Mission
Several MSU CHM participants shared their experiences from the mission:
Yasser Almansour, MS3, Dr. Hend Azhary, Ahmad Irshaid, MS3, Abdullah Baghdadi MS2, and Deema Ujayli, MS4
“My trip with the Syrian American Medical Society was one of the most enriching experiences I have had throughout my medical journey. During my week with SAMS, I worked with dedicated and passionate individuals to provide quality care to patients in the Zaatari Refugee Camp and clinics in Jordan.
Ahmad Irshaid, MS3, Deema Ujayli, MS4, and Yasser Almansour, MS3
I had the privilege of treating patients who truly inspired me with their resilience and hope despite their struggles. I walk away from this experience with a better appreciation for our responsibility as healthcare providers to advocate for and serve patient populations who are vulnerable, underrepresented, and under-resourced. I look forward to continuing my work with SAMS throughout my medical career.” – Deema Ujayli, MS
Ahmad Irshaid, MS2 and Yasser Almansour, MS3
“I am fortunate enough to have participated in my third mission trip with the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) to Jordan as a medical student. For me, this trip has been a constant reminder of the resilience of the Syrian people who, against all odds, are embodiments of gratitude and hope.” – Yasser Almansour, MS3
Yasser Almansour, MS3, Dr. Hend Azhary, Ahmad Irshaid, MS3, and Abdullah Baghdadi, MS2
“This trip was a great experience in several ways. I was immersed in a different culture (or cultures), a different language, and a different medical system. I also enjoyed working with Jordanian medical students and interns—they were all very dedicated and provided good translation and perspective. In addition, since my grandparents were refugees, I found it gratifying to work with a similarly displaced population. Finally, the food in Jordan was amazing!” – Cassi Chouinard, DO, Sparrow/MSU Family Medicine 3rd year resident
Cassi Chouinard, DO, with other members of the mission.
