Syrian American Medical Society Foundation

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Our Research

Advancing Health Through Evidence From Crisis Settings

SAMS Research Department leads collaborative, evidence-based studies that address urgent health challenges in Syria and other conflict-affected settings. Our goal is to generate practical research that not only deepens understanding—but improves how healthcare is delivered in crisis.

The SAMS Research Department plays a central role in shaping humanitarian healthcare response through rigorous research and academic collaboration. We focus on applied research that informs policy, strengthens health systems, and supports care providers working on the frontlines.

Our work is guided by the SAMS Research Committee, a group of physicians, public health professionals, and academics committed to ensuring scientific excellence, ethical transparency, and relevance to field needs.

Our Objectives

Generate Evidence-Based Research

Promote Innovative and Impactful Research

Support and Empower Professionals

Inform Health Policy and Advocacy

Ensure Ethical, Inclusive, and Transparent Research

Research Themes

SAMS research is organized around four thematic pillars. Each reflects a key area of need in conflict-affected healthcare delivery.

Health Research in Conflict and Fragile Settings

Focus on maternal and child health, non-communicable and communicable disease, and health service gaps under siege or displacement.

Attacks on Healthcare and International Humanitarian Law

Research documenting attacks on medical workers and facilities, their systemic impact, and strategies for protection under international law.

Health System Strengthening and Innovative Interventions

Studies piloting scalable models such as community-based care, task-shifting, and electronic health systems.

Health Workforce and Medical Education in Crisis

Research on workforce shortages, education tailored to conflict zones, and solutions for long-term capacity building.

About the SAMS Research Committee

The SAMS Research Committee plays a vital role in shaping and overseeing the organization’s research agenda. Comprised of experts from diverse medical, academic, and research backgrounds, the committee ensures that all research initiatives align with SAMS’ mission and uphold the highest standards of scientific rigor and ethical integrity. Through thoughtful guidance and oversight, the committee supports evidence-based practices that enhance the impact and credibility of SAMS’ humanitarian work.

Research Committee Members

Aula Abbara,
MD

SAMS research committee chair, Infectious Diseases Consultant, Imperial NHS; Senior Lecturer, Imperial College London; co-founder, Syria Public Health Network; editor for PLOS Global Health and Conflict and Health.

Mohamed Hamze,
DDS, MSc.

SAMS Research Manager; expert in health research, advocacy, and humanitarian response.

Dana Townsend,
PhD

SAMS MHPSS Specialist; expertise in mental health, protection, and psychosocial support in humanitarian settings with a focus on children and adolescents.

Sasha Fahme,
MD

Assistant Professor, Weill Cornell; Affiliate Faculty, AUB; expert in women’s sexual and reproductive health in humanitarian settings.

Vinay N. Kampalath,
MD, DTMH

Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, UPenn; Pediatric Emergency Physician, CHOP; focus on pediatric care in crises.

Jill Hakim,
PhD (Cand.)

Doctoral candidate, Johns Hopkins; molecular microbiologist with focus on capacity building in low-resource settings.

Ahmad Zeineddin,
MD

General Surgery Resident, Howard University; researcher in trauma and surgical care.

Huma Farid,
MD

OB-GYN, Beth Israel Deaconess; Assistant Professor, Harvard Medical School; women’s health specialist.

Mohammed Waseem Akhter,
MD, MS-GH

Interventional Cardiologist, McLaren; researcher on NCDs and refugee health systems.

Our Partners Include

SAMS collaborates with leading academic institutions, research networks, and humanitarian organizations to advance impactful, evidence-based healthcare in crisis settings.

Harvard University

Yale University

UC Berkeley

Johns Hopkins University

International Rescue Committee

Imperial College London

King’s College London

Syria Public Health Network

Physicians for Human Rights

Relief International

American University of Beirut (AUB)

Looking Ahead

SAMS Research is a hub for humanitarian medical research, driving evidence-based solutions for healthcare in crisis-affected regions. We support ethical research, train future global health leaders, and turn data into action to improve care where it's needed most.

Get Involved

Propose your concept and help shape the future of humanitarian healthcare research.
Browse articles, case studies, and peer-reviewed research from our growing body of work.
Access training materials, resources, and mentorship to grow your research skills.
Join live discussions with global experts on health systems, ethics, and emergency response.
Stay informed with research highlights, opportunities, and the latest SAMS updates.

Our Research

Our Research