For Immediate Release
October 13, 2015
Washington, DC – SAMS is sad to announce the passing of Dr. Khaled Kandil, an exemplary SAMS-supported doctor and medical leader from Idlib, Syria. Dr. Kandil developed lung cancer one year ago and passed away on Sunday, October 12.
Prior to the conflict, Dr. Kandil demonstrated true compassion by offering pro bono care for those in need. Although trained as an internist, Dr. Kandil began working in nephrology and, with the support of the SAMS nephrology team, he helped establish and run the first SAMS dialysis clinic in Syria in 2013. In March 2015, the success of this nephrology program was acknowledged at the World Congress of Nephrology meeting in South Africa.
SAMS recently honored Dr. Kandil with the SAMS Humanitarian Award at our 15th Annual International Conference in Gaziantep, Turkey. Dr. Kandil spoke about his dialysis work in Syria and SAMS is proud to work with and support medical personnel like Dr. Kandil.
Dr. Ahmad Tarakji, President of the Syrian American Medical Society, said “On behalf of SAMS members, I convey our heartfelt condolences to the Kandil family and to the medical community in Syria for the loss of a great medical leader and exceptional humanitarian. SAMS will always remember his contributions to this organization, and to healthcare and relief work in Syria.”
For media requests, please contact SAMS’s Advocacy and Communications Manager Kat Fallon at kathleen.fallon@sams-usa.net.
