The Hanoon Foundation is pleased to invite medical graduates, medical students and medical educators to a free online webinar delivered by GMC Services International (GMCSI).
The webinar will provide practical guidance on navigating the UK medical system, with a focus on GMC registration, Good Medical Practice and professional standards. It will also cover UK medical training and career pathways, professional development, research, quality improvement and clinical audit.
Participants will also have the opportunity to take part in interactive clinical case discussions and ask questions about practical issues relating to medical practice in the UK.
Webinar Details
📅 Date: Tuesday, 20 October 2026 ⏰ Time: 10:00 am – 12:30 pm (UK time) 💻 Format: Online via Zoom 🎟️ Cost: Free to attend
The webinar will cover
GMC registration pathways and the application process
Eligibility requirements, documentation and verification, including English language requirements
Application timelines, common delays and practical guidance
GMC guidance, Good Medical Practice and revalidation
UK medical training and career pathways, including training and non-training routes
Professional development and career planning
Research, quality improvement and clinical audit in UK practice
Opportunities to develop research skills and become involved in research
Interactive clinical case discussions covering clinical reasoning, communication, professionalism, patient safety and multidisciplinary team working
Questions and answers
About the Speaker
Dr Marina Soltan is a Senior Clinical Advisor, Clinical Lecturer in Respiratory Medicine, and Associate with the General Medical Council.
She has experience across clinical practice, medical education and health policy, with expertise in respiratory health, public health, epidemiology, clinical leadership and professional standards.
Who Should Attend?
The webinar is aimed at International Medical Graduates, medical students, and medical educators/faculty members.
In 2026, we will continue to support language development through our Language Fund Programme.
This programme supports Palestinian medical students and junior doctors by reimbursing exam fees for recognised English language proficiency tests, including the Occupational English Test (OET) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
This ongoing support is essential for those working to meet the language requirements for advanced medical training and professional examinations.
Key Details:
Eligibility Criteria Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for reimbursement:
IELTS: An overall score of 7.5, with no less than 7.0 in each component.
OET: A minimum grade of B in each component. Most applicants will have already passed the test with a satisfactory result.
Applicants must be Palestinian medical students or doctors who have passed the test within the last 6–12 months prior to applying for reimbursement.
We have supported many Palestinian medics by reimbursing their OET and IELTS exam fees.
Check their testimonials to learn how this support has contributed to their professional development and enabled them to progress in their medical careers.
Testimonial 1
“I am deeply grateful for your support. Receiving this grant allowed me to take my OET exam, a crucial step in advancing my medical career, at a time when I was facing significant financial and personal challenges. Knowing that there are authentic and dedicated foundations like yours, genuinely supporting doctors, has given me a profound sense of relief and restored my belief in the humanity. Your generosity has lifted a heavy burden, inspired me, and strengthened my determination to continue pursuing my dreams. I will always remember and be thankful for the difference you have made in my journey.”
Lina
Testimonial 2
“I needed this support to help cover my OET-related costs during a difficult period, as I was managing essential living expenses alongside exam fees. Receiving this refund greatly reduced financial pressure and allowed me to stay focused on my studies and exam preparation. I’m very grateful for this support, and it has made a real difference for me.”
Nouraldin
Testimonial 3
“I received generous financial support from Hanoon Foundation to cover the expenses of the OET exam, which is a crucial step in my professional journey. The Occupational English Test (OET) is an essential requirement for advancing my medical career and will open multiple opportunities for me as a physician, particularly in pursuing international training and certification pathways. The support I received was truly generous and deeply appreciated. It not only eased a significant financial burden but also gave me a strong sense of encouragement and belief in my potential. This assistance represents more than financial aid, it reflects trust, solidarity, and investment in my professional growth. I am sincerely grateful for this meaningful support, which will have a lasting impact on my future career”.
Mohanad
Testimonial 4
“I am a medical doctor, and receiving the OET reimbursement from the Hanoon Foundation has been a vital stepping stone in my journey. The financial support directly allowed me to book my PLAB 1 test, which is a crucial requirement as I work towards obtaining my full GMC registration. Removing this financial barrier means I am now much closer to starting my clinical career. This will allow me to earn a stable income to support my family back in Gaza during these difficult times, and ultimately use my medical skills to give back to my people. I am deeply grateful for this assistance and the hope it provides.”
Ibrahim
Testimonial 5
“I would also like to express my sincere gratitude for this support and share the impact it will have on my career. As a Palestinian doctor from Gaza currently residing in Egypt, this assistance will help me continue pursuing my long-term goal of establishing my medical career in the UK.
I intend to save part of the support and use the other part to sit the IELTS examination. Although I have successfully passed the OET, PLAB 1, and PLAB 2 examinations and am currently applying for GMC registration, I have found that many Master’s degree scholarships and postgraduate opportunities in the UK require IELTS rather than OET. I am actively exploring these opportunities, and obtaining an IELTS certificate will strengthen my eligibility for them. I also hope to undertake a clinical attachment in the UK, which I believe would provide invaluable experience and help me integrate into the NHS. However, the associated travel and living expenses are considerable, so I am currently trying to save as much as possible to make this opportunity achievable. This support will therefore not only help me financially but will also bring me closer to achieving my professional goals. Given the circumstances that have forced me to leave Gaza and reside in Egypt, I value every opportunity that enables me to build a secure future and continue my medical training. Your generosity will have a meaningful and lasting impact on my career, and I am deeply grateful for your support. Thank you again for your kindness and encouragement.”
Atta
Testimonial 6
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for refunding the fees I paid for my OET exam. Your generosity and kindness mean so much to me, and I am truly grateful for your support.
I am a doctor from Gaza, and I left Gaza five months ago to come to Ireland. I am a self-funding student and on my journey through the Irish medical registration process, which is both challenging and expensive. At the same time, I am still trying to settle into a new country and rebuild my life after leaving home. Your support has eased some of the financial burden and has given me real encouragement during what has been a very difficult period.
Thank you for believing in and supporting doctors like me. Your kindness has made a meaningful difference, and I sincerely appreciate it.
With heartfelt thanks,”
Nour
Testimonial 7
“I am deeply grateful to The Hanoon Foundation for supporting me and covering my OET examination fees. Coming from a Palestinian refugee camp, this support meant much more than financial assistance—it gave me the opportunity to take an important step toward my medical career.
Thank you for believing in Palestinian doctors like me and for making a real difference in my journey. I will always be grateful for your support.”
Mohammad
Testimonial 8
“Receiving this grant was a true turning point for me. It provided the exact financial backing I needed to sit for my OET exam and take a vital step forward in my medical career during a challenging time. It means the world to know there are organisations like yours that genuinely stand by physicians and invest in their futures. This support took away a massive weight off my shoulders and gave me an incredible boost of encouragement. Thank you for making such a lasting impact on my path.”
Amir
Testimonial 9
“I am a doctor from Gaza who recently arrived in the UK and am working to rebuild my medical career after an extremely difficult period of displacement and uncertainty. Passing the OET was an important step for me, as it is essential for progressing professionally and continuing my journey towards practising medicine in the UK.
At this stage, however, the cost of the OET was a significant financial burden, particularly while trying to establish a new life in the UK and manage the many expenses that come with starting again. The support I received from the Hanoon Foundation, through the refund of my OET fee, therefore made a real difference to me and my family.
I am deeply grateful to the Hanoon Foundation for this support. Beyond the financial assistance itself, it gave me a sense that there are people and organisations who understand the challenges faced by displaced doctors and genuinely want to help us continue our careers. This support has encouraged me to keep moving forward towards returning to medical practice and contributing to healthcare in the UK.
Thank you to the Hanoon Foundation for your generosity and for supporting doctors like me at such an important stage of our journey.”
Ameera
Testimonial 10
“The support from The Hanoon Foundation was very meaningful to me during a difficult period. After losing my father, my mother became responsible for our household expenses, and difficult circumstances forced me to leave my home and live in a rented house. Hanoon’s support helped ease the financial burden of the OET exam and allowed me to take an important step toward pursuing my medical career. I am sincerely grateful for their support and for helping Palestinian doctors move forward despite difficult circumstances.”
Abdallatif
Testimonial 11
“I’m truly grateful to The Hannon Foundation for supporting me with the cost of my OET exam. As a young doctor with a limited income family, paying for the exam was a significant financial challenge for me. At the same time, passing the OET is an important step toward my future medical career and the opportunities I’m working hard to achieve.
The support is more than just financial assistance, it felt like someone was supporting my goals and believing in my efforts as a young Palestinian doctor.
I’m very thankful to everyone at The Hanoon Foundation for making this opportunity possible. Your support has helped me take another step forward in my career, and I hope in shallah to be able to give back and support others in the future, just as you have supported me.”
Mohammed
Testimonial 12
“Thank you so much for your support and for helping me with the OET refund. This refund will be a great help to me, as I will use the money to book and prepare for my upcoming medical licensing exams. Your support means a lot to me and will help me continue my journey towards working as a doctor in Ireland.
On Wednesday 24 June 2026, Dr Ahmed Massoud, Chairman of The Hanoon Foundation, met in London with Dr Omar Melad, President of Al-Azhar University in Gaza, one of the Foundation’s partner universities, during Dr Melad’s visit to the UK.
The meeting focused on the current situation facing the university and the ongoing teaching and training of medical students. Dr Melad outlined the significant logistical and financial challenges facing the institution and its programmes, as well as the wider impact of the current circumstances on higher education in Gaza.
Despite these challenges, Al-Azhar University continues its efforts to support students and sustain medical education under exceptionally difficult circumstances.
During the meeting, Dr Massoud reaffirmed The Hanoon Foundation’s commitment to supporting medical education in Palestine. He emphasised that the Foundation will continue to work closely with the deans of medical schools in Gaza and the West Bank to help ensure the continuity of medical training and support the next generation of Palestinian healthcare professionals.
The Hanoon Foundation greatly values its partnership with Al-Azhar University and remains committed to supporting medical education through collaboration with partner institutions across Palestine.
At the end of the meeting, Dr Melad presented Dr Massoud with a commemorative plaque from Al-Azhar University in recognition of the Foundation’s continued support for medical education in Palestine.
Join us for a special fundraising evening in support of medical education in Palestine.
The Ever Land Supper Club for Palestine will take place on Friday 24 July 2026 at Alba Caffè, located within the Whitechapel Gallery in London. Guests will have the opportunity to hear from Amy Abdelnoor, British Arab author and Trustee of The Hanoon Foundation, as she discusses her debut novel, Ever Land.
£10 from every ticket sold will be donated to The Hanoon Foundation to support medical education and training opportunities for Palestinian medical students, graduates and healthcare professionals.
This special fundraising evening will bring together food, literature and community support for Palestine.
Guests will enjoy a Palestinian-inspired feast created by Chef Kherunnisa Mulla. The menu has been specially designed around ingredients and dishes referenced in the novel, offering an opportunity to experience the flavours and atmosphere that inspired Amy’s storytelling.
During the evening, Amy will discuss the writing of Ever Land, her journey to publication and the experiences that inspired the book. There will also be an opportunity for guests to ask questions and meet the author. Representatives from Brick Lane Bookshop will be present with copies of Ever Land available for purchase and signing.
We would like to thank Alba Caffè, Amy Abdelnoor, Brick Lane Bookshop and everyone involved in organising this event for their support.
Event Details
Event: Ever Land Supper Club for Palestine Date: Friday 24 July 2026 Time: 7:00pm – 10:30pm Venue: Alba Caffè, Whitechapel Gallery, London E1 7QX
About Ever Land
Ever Land has received widespread praise from readers and critics. Louise Kennedy described it as “a haunting, lyrical novel that seems almost to dissolve time. Everyone should read it”.
The novel follows Safa, a Palestinian teenager killed during the Six-Day War, who seeks to uncover what happened to her younger sister, Nur. Decades after her death, the possibility of finding her sister becomes within reach, leading to an extraordinary story that explores memory, identity, loss and belonging.
With great sadness, The Hanoon Foundation, formerly FQMS, marks the passing of Professor Colin Green, who established FQMS (Friends of Al-Quds Medical School), a UK-based charity, in 1997.
Professor Green was not only FQMS’ founder, but he was also instrumental when plans for the first medical school in Palestine were conceived and was there during its inception, tirelessly supporting and nurturing the fledgling medical school in its early years. Not only did he provide ongoing practical and material support, through FQMS, but, with his wife Liz, also offered mentorship, hospitality and opportunities to faculty, medical students and trainees. They gave so much of themselves with an unparalleled generosity that will not be forgotten. He continued his work supporting medical education and health care in Palestine through IMET2000, a charity he founded after handing over the chairmanship of FQMS. Colin’s achievements in science and education over his long career emphasised his commitment to global health, which extended to other deprived or conflict afflicted communities, as well as to culture, especially ballet!
Professor Green was awarded the Palestinian Millennium Medal in 2002.
A man’s stature is measured by his beliefs and achievements. Colin deeply felt the injustice done to Palestinians and spent much time and effort over decades to help set right what most others had at the time largely neglected. His emphasis on education aligned so well with the aspirations of Palestinians who had long learnt that lands and homes could be taken and that they could only rely on skill, hard work and education. He was as tenacious in his resolve as those he wished to support. He persisted until he managed to obtain General Medical Council (GMC) recognition for graduating medical students despite Palestine not being recognised in Britain at the time as a state. He was very well connected and inspired others to follow in his footsteps. His warmth, sparkle, determination and resolve were much admired, and his loss will be deeply felt. Hanoon is proud to have continued and built on his legacy expanding its support to other medical schools and to further postgraduate training.
On behalf of the trustees, Hanoon wishes to express its deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to Colin’s family, his wife Liz and his children. The trustees wish to acknowledge the debt Hanoon and medical education in Palestine owes to Colin and to thank Liz sincerely for all that Colin and she did together to support our nation.
Dine & Donate, a youth-led fundraising dinner, raised £3,220 in support of The Hanoon Foundation’s vital work.
The event was organised by Nadia Massoud and took place at Bone on Sunday 14 June 2026.
It brought together around 60 guests for an evening of food, fundraising and community support. The evening included dinner, short speeches and a raffle, with prizes generously donated by local businesses and supporters..
Funds were raised through ticket sales, raffle tickets and donations. All proceeds will support The Hanoon Foundation’s work in strengthening medical education and training opportunities for Palestinian medical students, graduates and healthcare professionals.
We are very grateful to Nadia for organising the event, and to everyone who attended, donated, purchased raffle tickets or contributed prizes.
Community-led fundraising events are a very important part of our work. They help us continue supporting medical education in Palestine through our partner institutions and contribute to long-term healthcare capacity.
Please see below for photos and videos from the event.
On Saturday 6 June 2026, a fundraising evening was held at Reference Point in London in support of The Hanoon Foundation’s work furthering medical education and training in Palestine.
The evening brought people together for a programme of sharing, remembering, dancing and celebrating. It included a panel discussion and live DJ set exploring Palestinian wedding music, with a special focus on the legacy of Shafiq Kabha, often described as the “Godfather of Palestinian Folktronica”.
Shafiq Kabha (1960–2013) was not simply a wedding singer or artist. He was an innovative cultural force whose music helped preserve and connect Palestinian communities across geographical divides, while also transforming Palestinian music for generations to come. Blending folklore and pop, drum and beat, mijwiz and keyboard, oud and bass, Shafiq developed a distinctive sound alongside fellow musicians from his village. With no formal training or institutional backing, but with passion and talent, he became a major musical and cultural figure, performing at hundreds of weddings each year and reaching audiences across Palestine and beyond.
The panel explored Shafiq Kabha’s legacy as experienced by Palestinians across the geographical divide, and how his work continues to shape Palestinian culture and musicians today. The discussion was followed by a Q&A and a live DJ set.
The event featured contributions from Manal Massalha, sociologist, visual ethnographer and cultural practitioner; Aser El Saqqa, creative director, festival producer, and founder and director of Arts Canteen; Khaled Dawas, consultant surgeon at UCLH, Associate Professor and Vice Chair of The Hanoon Foundation; and Jan Hooze, DJ, musician and Artistic Director of Trefpunt Festival in Ghent, Belgium.
We are delighted to share that the evening raised £1,199 in support of The Hanoon Foundation.
We would like to thank everyone who helped make the evening possible, especially Manal Massalha and Aser El Saqqa for organising such a special event, Reference Point for hosting the evening, and all the panellists, performers, attendees and donors who contributed to its success.
For nearly 30 years, The Hanoon Foundation, previously known as FQMS, has worked to support medical education and training in Palestine. This includes supporting Palestinian medical students, doctors and medical education institutions through partnerships in Palestine and the UK.
Every contribution helps us continue this work and support talented medical students in Palestine whose families are no longer able to cover their tuition fees.
An-Najah Medical Students Bring Hope to Children at Rafidia Hospital
Ahmad, a medical student at An-Najah University supported through our partner Madrinha Trust, recently implemented his annual community project, the “Visit of Hope”, with a group of fellow medical students.
The initiative took place at Rafidia Governmental Hospital, where the students visited the children’s ward to spend time with young patients and help create a warmer and more positive atmosphere. As the visit took place close to Eid, it was especially meaningful for children who were unable to leave the hospital or celebrate at home with their families.
The students divided into two groups and distributed age-appropriate gifts to the children. They also organised simple activities to help lift the children’s spirits, particularly those who had been staying in hospital for a long time.
Reflecting on the visit, Ahmad shared that the children’s reactions were “good, reassuring, and happy”, and that the students felt they had succeeded in bringing joy to their hearts during a difficult time.
The Hanoon Foundation is proud to see medical students supported through our programmes contributing to their communities with compassion and commitment. We are grateful to our partner, Madrinha Trust, for supporting students like Ahmad and helping them continue their medical education and community contribution in Palestine.
A Visit of Hope: Sharing the Spirit of Eid with Children at Rafidia Hospital
Mustafa, a medical student at An-Najah University sponsored by our partner International Arab Charity (IAC), took part in an annual community project titled “A Visit of Hope” at the Paediatric Department of Rafidia Government Hospital before Eid Al-Adha.
The initiative was organised by Mustafa and his fellow medical students, who were divided into two teams for the visit. The first team included Mustafa, Raghad and Adan, while the second team included Dana, Ahmed and Abed.
The purpose of the visit was to bring joy and emotional support to children who were admitted to hospital during the Eid period and were away from their homes, celebrations and family gatherings.
During the visit, the students handed out gifts and organised simple games and activities to help the children feel comfortable and enjoy the atmosphere of Eid. The children were excited and enthusiastic throughout the activities, and their smiles made the experience meaningful for the students as well.
Families also expressed their appreciation for the initiative and for the time and care spent with their children. The visit had a positive emotional impact on both the children and their parents, helping them feel some of the joy and spirit of Eid despite being in hospital.
This initiative reflects the important role medical students can play in supporting their communities, not only through medical learning, but also through kindness, emotional care and encouragement.
