In 2026, The Hanoon Foundation remains committed to supporting Palestinian medical graduates from partner universities in Palestine by covering the cost of the PLAB 2 exam. Previously £981, the exam fee is increasing to £1,036 from April 2026. It is a key Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment for internationally trained doctors seeking to practise in the UK. By alleviating the financial burden of both the exam and essential clinical training opportunities, The Hanoon Foundation helps Palestinian doctors progress in their careers and overcome significant professional challenges.
To hear directly from those we have supported, please read their testimonials below.
For enquiries about the criteria and eligibility, please email: admin@hanoon.org
Testimonials:
Testimonial 1
“When life gave me very few options, Hanoon Foundation stepped in and helped me after I passed the PLAB 2 exam, which was expensive and challenging. Their support allowed me to keep moving toward my GMC registration and my goal of working as a doctor in the UK. I am truly grateful for their help, which gave me hope, confidence, and the chance to continue my journey.”
Fadi
Testimonial 2
“I served as a medical doctor in Gaza throughout the recent war working under extremely challenging conditions while my community was displaced and living in tents. During this time, I witnessed the collapse of the healthcare system and provided care with severely limited resources. After leaving Gaza, I began my journey toward medical specialty training, with the long-term goal of returning to contribute to rebuilding a stronger and more resilient healthcare system.
The support I received from The Hanoon Foundation in covering the cost of my PLAB 2 exam booking was a crucial step in this journey. This exam represents a key milestone toward practicing medicine in the UK and advancing my clinical training. Their assistance has had a direct and meaningful impact on my ability to progress, and I am deeply grateful for their support.”
Belal
Testimonial 3
“I am a 27 year old Palestinian doctor living and working in the West Bank . I am currently a neurosurgery resident. I have recently passed the PLAB 2 exam and currently in the process of getting a GMC registration. The help I had from The Hanoon Foundation has been truly wonderful as with the current situation, we as Palestinian doctors face the struggle of applying to such exams due to financial difficulties, let alone the travel expenses and trouble we face when crossing the borders.
I am truly grateful for The Hanoon Foundation for their support and continuous help that they provide and have been providing for the Palestinian doctors to go on and progress on their careers and it’s been a blessing to be one of those doctors who had the help.”
Karam
Testimonial 4
“I am a Palestinian medical doctor and an MPH (International) candidate at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM). After being displaced by the war, I was awarded a scholarship to study Public Health in the UK, but the PLAB 2 examination fee remained a financial challenge. The Hanoon Foundation’s support has eased this burden and allowed me to continue my journey towards GMC registration. I am truly grateful for their generosity and for helping me take another step towards my goal of practising medicine in the UK.”
Malak
Testimonial 5
“I am deeply grateful to the Hanoon Foundation for supporting me and providing the funding that allowed me to sit my PLAB 2 examination.
As a Palestinian from Gaza, continuing my medical education has not been an easy journey. I am currently outside Gaza, and being separated from my home and family while trying to continue building my future as a doctor has brought many emotional, practical, and financial challenges. The circumstances in Gaza have made access to education and financial resources incredibly difficult, and opportunities that might otherwise seem straightforward can become major obstacles.
The support I received from the Hanoun Foundation came at a crucial time. Funding my PLAB 2 exam was not simply financial assistance—it gave me the opportunity to take an important step forward in my medical career when continuing my education felt particularly difficult. This exam is an essential part of my journey toward continuing my medical training and working toward the future I have worked so hard for.
For me, this support represents much more than the cost of an examination. It represents hope, encouragement, and the belief that my circumstances should not prevent me from pursuing my education and becoming the doctor I aspire to be. At a time when so much is uncertain, having an organisation stand beside me and invest in my future has meant a great deal.
I would like to sincerely thank the Hanoon Foundation for giving me this opportunity and for supporting students like me during such challenging circumstances. Your contribution has helped me continue my journey, keep moving forward, and hold on to my goals despite everything happening around me.”
In 2025, The Hanoon Foundation remains committed to supporting Palestinian medical graduates by covering the costs of clinical attachments, observerships, and the PLAB 2 exam. The PLAB 2, which costs £981, is a key Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment for internationally trained doctors seeking to practise in the UK. By alleviating the financial burden of both the exam and essential clinical training opportunities, The Hanoon Foundation helps Palestinian doctors progress in their careers and overcome significant professional challenges.
In 2024, we supported eight junior doctors from Palestine in advancing their careers. In 2025, we aim to expand this effort and support even more graduates in need.
To hear directly from those we’ve supported, please read their testimonials below.
Testimonials:
Testimonial 1
“I am a medical graduate from Gaza. Due to the war, I had to evacuate to Egypt, facing financial difficulties while pursuing my goal of becoming a licensed doctor in the UK. I applied for financial aid from The Hanoon Foundation to help cover the costs of my PLAB 2 exams, which are crucial steps in my career. Receiving this support has been life-changing, allowing me to stay on track with my medical journey despite the challenges. It has given me hope and the opportunity to continue striving for my dream of making a difference in healthcare.”
Haneen
Testimonial 2
“I graduated from the Islamic University of Gaza in 2022 and completed my internship in 2023, embarking on a determined journey toward a British fellowship in urology. My passion for medicine has driven me to overcome numerous obstacles. After successfully passing the Palestinian board selection exam, I discovered that no positions were available, leaving me at a crossroads in my career. I began preparing for my journey to the UK. At the same time, the devastating war of October 2023 in Gaza forced me to relocate repeatedly for safety, stripping away essential resources such as electricity and internet—critical tools needed for my OET exam, which ultimately led to its cancellation.
In April 2024, determined to continue my path despite these setbacks, I moved to Egypt. There, I seized new opportunities, successfully completing the OET and PLAB 1 exams, and securing an appointment for PLAB 2. This move marked the beginning of a new chapter—one that was not only about academic progress but also about rebuilding a life shattered by conflict and personal loss.
Amid these challenges and the overwhelming financial hardship my family and I faced, the timely support from The Hanoon Foundation became a beacon of hope. I am profoundly grateful for the Foundation’s generosity. Their support has alleviated my financial burdens and reignited my determination to excel in my field. It has empowered me to continue my education and training with renewed vigor, paving the way for me to build a brighter future. I remain committed to honoring their belief in my potential by striving for excellence and contributing meaningfully to the medical community.
Thank you for helping me make my dream come true during one of its most pivotal moments.”
Mohammed
Testimonial 3
“I am deeply grateful for this financial support, which has come as a beacon of hope in these dark times. My name is Tahani, and I am a first-generation medical doctor, graduated from the Islamic University. I have dedicated myself to serving my community, volunteering as an emergency doctor throughout the war to support those in need. This scholarship has alleviated a significant financial burden and enabled me to focus on my education and professional growth. It has allowed me to continue my journey without the overwhelming worry of financial constraints. Thank you for all of your support.”
Tahani
Testimonial 4
“I am a 29-year-old Palestinian doctor. I worked as an emergency doctor during the ongoing circumstances in Hebron and later became a primary care doctor at a medical centre. I successfully passed the PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 exams. Currently, I am working with the NHS and preparing for the MRCS exam. The support I received from The Hanoon Foundation has been invaluable in helping me complete my journey.”
Odai
Testimonial 5
“Hanan is a physician who obtained her medical degree from the Islamic University of Gaza and holds an MPhil from Cambridge University. She has passed the PLAB 1 exam and is preparing for the PLAB 2 exam, for which the financial aid was intended to cover the cost. This support will help her achieve her goal of becoming a General Medical Council registered doctor in the UK and resuming clinical practice.”
Hanan
Testimonial 6
“My name is Mohammed, a medical graduate from Gaza. I am working towards becoming a licensed doctor in the UK, and recently booked the PLAB 2 exam which is a vital step in that journey. Given my financial situation, including relying only on my father who has been out of work for two years, I was struggling to cover the remaining costs of this process after already spending a lot on study materials and exam fees. Receiving this financial support from The Hanoon Foundation has given a huge relief. It has allowed me to stay focused on my preparation and move forward with confidence. I’m truly grateful for this help, which brings me closer to achieving my dream of practicing medicine and giving back to those in need.”
Mohammed
Testimonial 7
“I am a medical doctor from Gaza and currently hold full registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK. I recently completed a 6-week clinical attachment in the General Medicine department at a UK hospital. This experience has been incredibly valuable in helping me gain a deeper understanding of the NHS system, its structure, and how multidisciplinary teams work together to deliver high-quality patient care. I am truly grateful to the Hanoon Foundation for their support, which has played a vital role in helping me pursue this opportunity and further my career in the UK. Their contribution has made a meaningful difference, and I deeply appreciate their ongoing commitment to supporting doctors like myself. Sincerely”,
Mohammed
Testimonial 8
“My name is Marah, a Palestinian medical doctor from Gaza, and I graduated from Al-Quds University (Al-Azhar Branch). I am extremely grateful to Hanoon Foundation for the financial support that has allowed me to pursue my dreams despite the challenges I have faced. Due to the war in Gaza, I went through a very difficult financial situation. The financial aid I received from Hanoon Foundation, which covered my PLAB 2 exam fees, was essential in enabling me to continue my professional development and take the necessary steps toward securing my future. Receiving this support has had a significant positive impact on my career. It helped me successfully achieve my GMC registration and obtain a license to practice medicine in the UK. This opportunity has opened new doors for me and has given me a sense of hope for a better future. I am deeply thankful for the assistance provided by your organization, and I hope this testimonial helps demonstrate the profound difference your program is making in the lives of individuals like me.
Kind regards,”
Marah
Testimonial 9
“My name is Bissane, a medical graduate from Gaza, currently pursuing my goal of becoming an Internal Medicine doctor in the UK. After completing my medical degree and internship—part of which I finished during a difficult period of displacement—I began preparing for the PLAB exams, which are essential steps for international medical graduates seeking to practice in the UK. Coming from a region affected by ongoing conflict and limited economic opportunities, the financial burden of exam fees, travel, and accommodation presented a significant challenge for me. I applied for financial aid from the Hanoon Foundation because I knew that without support, continuing my journey would be incredibly difficult, if not impossible. Receiving this generous support from the Hanoon Foundation has had a truly transformative impact on both my personal and professional life. It not only eased a heavy financial burden but also gave me a renewed sense of hope, motivation, and encouragement. It reminded me that there are people and organizations that believe in the potential of young professionals from underserved communities.
Thanks to the Hanoon Foundation, I have been able to stay focused on my preparation for PLAB 2 and remain committed to my dream of building a medical career that allows me to serve patients with dedication and compassion—both in the UK and, one day, in Gaza. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and will carry the spirit of this support with me throughout my journey. “
Bissane
Testimonial 10
“My name is Khaled, a medical doctor from Palestine. I was a cardiology resident at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, where I completed two years of training. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing war, I was displaced from Gaza to Egypt. This forced me to interrupt my residency and seek alternave routes to connue my postgraduate medical educaon. I decided to pursue the UK medical pathway through the Royal College of Surgeons to obtain GMC registration.
I successfully passed the OET exam with a grade B in all subtests. I am grateful to The Hanoon Foundation for reimbursing the exam fees, which enabled me to register for the MRCS examinations. I passed MRCS Part A, and I am scheduled to sit for the Part B (OSCE) on May 20. I have come to the UK to take the OSCE exam and to gain further clinical experience through attachments. I recently completed an eight-week clinical aachment in the Department of General Medicine at Leicester Royal Infirmary. This experience has significantly broadened my clinical knowledge, enhanced my communicaon and clinical reasoning skills, and deepened my understanding of the NHS system.
Working in a new environment, beyond my comfort zone, has allowed me to collaborate professionally with consultants and NHS staff. These interactions have greatly improved my ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.I firmly believe that UK-based training will equip me with the skills and experience necessary to make a meaningful impact in Gaza. My long-term goal is to return and contribute to the healthcare system by treating patients and supporting the training of junior doctors, helping to alleviate the devastang effects of the war.
During my clinical attachment, I was actively involved in patient care, including case presentations and discussing management plans with consultants. I also delivered a lecture to my colleagues and consultants in the department, and I am planning to participate in a clinical audit. Furthermore, I have secured another four-week clinical attachment. Your support would be invaluable in helping me cover living and exam-related expenses during my stay in the UK. “
Khaled
Testimonial 12
“During my attachment, I conducted a short audit to assess patient satisfaction with the surgical consent process. The audit involved:
– Designing a questionnaire focused on patients’ understanding of the procedure, associated risks, and whether they were given enough time to ask questions.
– Collecting and analysing responses from preoperative patients.
– Identifying areas of improvement in communication and documentation.
– Sharing findings with the relevant department as part of their ongoing quality improvement efforts.
I delivered a teaching session for medical students, junior doctors and consultants on the diagnosis, clinical features, and management of decompensated liver disease. The session was interactive and included case-based discussion. It helped reinforce my own knowledge and improve my teaching skills. “
Ehab
Testimonial 13
“I undertook a six-week clinical attachment in the Department of General Medicine at Leicester Royal Infirmary, which provided me with valuable clinical experience and a comprehensive introduction to the structure and culture of the NHS. Throughout the attachment, I participated in daily ward rounds where I observed and assisted in patient assessments, case discussions, and care planning. I developed my ability to present clinical cases clearly and concisely to consultants and specialists, and gained confidence in patient communication, history-taking, and physical examination. Under close supervision, I performed a variety of clinical procedures, which helped improve my practical skills. I also contributed to formulating differential diagnoses and management plans, working closely with the supervising consultant.
The attachment offered me significant exposure to the NHS system, including its electronic health record systems, referral pathways, and team-based approach to patient care. I became more familiar with the roles of various healthcare professionals and learned the importance of effective communication and collaboration in a multidisciplinary environment. In addition to clinical duties, I attended weekly scientific meetings that enhanced my understanding of evidence-based medicine and current practices in internal medicine. This experience also allowed me to observe the values and patient-centered culture that are central to the NHS. “
Bashar
Testimonial 14
My name is Noor, a Palestinian intern doctor aspiring to continue my medical training in the UK. I am truly grateful to the Hanoon Foundation for their generous support during this difficult time. As doctors in Palestine, we currently do not receive any regular salaries, in addition to the challenging economic conditions in the country overall, which have made it nearly impossible for me to afford the high costs of the PLAB 2 exam. Their support has had a significant impact and has enabled me to continue my journey toward GMC registration. I am truly grateful for their continued dedication to helping doctors like me. In the future, when I am able to secure a job and earn an income, I will donate to the foundation to help ensure the continued support of future doctors.
Thank you for everything.
Noor
Testimonial 15
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous support in covering the financial costs of my PLAB 2 exam, as well as your earlier assistance with my OET fees. Your continued help has been a turning point in my journey toward becoming a doctor in the UK. Becoming a doctor has always been my dream, not just for personal achievement but to serve and help the people of Gaza, my home. Before the war, I was about to start my residency in the oncology department—something I had worked extremely hard to reach. Unfortunately, due to the escalation of the conflict, I was forced to flee to Egypt with my family after we lost everything. Despite the hardships, I remained determined to pursue my medical career. I began preparing for the UK medical pathway, but saving for the various exam fees while also supporting my family proved incredibly challenging. I took on work with a local organisation in Egypt, which helped me save enough for part of the costs. However, it was still not enough to cover everything.
I came across a post about the Hanoon Foundation’s work in supporting displaced doctors, and I applied. Your organisation helped me first with my OET fees, allowing me to take the initial steps forward. And now, your assistance with my PLAB 2 exam fees, including support for my accommodation and travel to the UK, has made it possible for me to continue this journey. Your support means more than financial aid—it is a lifeline, a reminder that there are people who believe in us and are willing to stand by us in the most difficult of times.
Thank you for believing in me, and thank you for giving me hope. I will carry your kindness with me as I work toward serving others through medicine.
With sincere appreciation.”
Suheir
Testimonial 16
“First of all, Hanoon Foundation helped me from the beginning of my journey to do my PLAB exams. Now, due to the support for the PLAB 2 exam, I am able to apply for an academy to get on-ground training to simulate the exam cases. As well as being part of this support i will use it as life expenses during the period before the exam all of this helped me to relax and focus on my studies. I am thankful for the Hanoon organisation.”
Said
Testimonial 17
“This is a personal and genuine message of gratitude to the Hanoon Foundation for their kindness and generosity. As a doctor who left the Gaza Strip under fire and endured a long and difficult journey to reach the UK in the hope of building a better life for myself and my family, their support has meant so much to me. The help I received has lifted a heavy burden and allowed me to focus fully on preparing for the PLAB examination and pursuing my career as a doctor. Their willingness to stand with their fellow Palestinians in times of need is deeply inspiring, and I will always remember the solidarity they showed me.”
With support from the Galilee Foundation, The Hanoon Foundation enabled Othman, a Palestinian junior doctor, to attend the “Rebuilding Higher Education in Gaza” conference in April 2025, held in Doha and organised by Hamad Bin Khalifa University in collaboration with the University of Glasgow.
He presented an oral paper titled “Continuing Medical Education and Clinical Training Amid Conflict: The Resilience of the Faculty of Medicine at the Islamic University of Gaza,” co-authored with colleagues from the Islamic University of Gaza.
Othman shared, “During the conference, I presented a research paper that synthesised the experience of the Faculty of Medicine at IUG in maintaining medical education and clinical training in the present crisis. I also got to interact with inspiring researchers and scholars around the world.”
This opportunity enabled him to share first-hand insights into medical education in Gaza, foster academic collaboration, and advance his professional development, reflecting the Foundation’s commitment to supporting Palestinian medical education.
Check his testimonial and photos below.
“With support from The Hanoon Foundation, I had the honour to participate in the “Rebuilding Higher Education in Gaza” conference, held in Doha and organised by the College of Public Policy, HBKU (CPP) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, in collaboration with the University of Glasgow and several other leading academic institutions.
During the conference, I presented a research paper that synthesised the experience of the Faculty of Medicine at IUG in maintaining medical education and clinical training in the present crisis. This experience not only reflects resilience but also offers an essential model for maintaining education in extreme conditions.
Aside from the presentation, I also got to interact with inspiring researchers and scholars around the world. We discussed how we can further develop this case study into a “Business Continuity Management” model for medical education, something that hopefully can be replicated and implemented at national and regional levels in the future.
Grateful for The Hanoon Foundation for supporting medical education and looking forward to the future.”
The Hanoon Foundation is pleased to have supported Mohammed’s attendance at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2024, held in October in San Francisco, USA. His abstract on general surgery was accepted for oral presentation as part of our SCALPEL project, which assesses surgical capacity in Palestine.
Mohammed has led this project in Gaza, and this year he presented its findings at the ACS Clinical Congress. Attending such a prestigious conference marks an important milestone in his career and provides a valuable opportunity to highlight Palestinian surgical expertise on the international stage.
“I am sincerely grateful to the Hanoon Foundation for their generous support in covering my travel and accommodation, which allowed me to present my research on surgical capacity evaluation in Palestine at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2024.
This opportunity was especially meaningful as it provided a platform to shed light on the significant disparities within Gaza’s surgical care system. I emphasised the urgent need for international collaboration to improve access to surgical care in Palestine, particularly in Gaza, where the ongoing war continues to severely impact healthcare delivery.
Thanks to the Hanoon Foundation, I was able to not only share our findings but also connect with global professionals and raise awareness of these critical challenges. Their support has been invaluable, and I am deeply appreciative of their commitment to empowering Palestinian medical students and professionals and fostering sustainable improvements in our healthcare system.”
In 2024, The Hanoon Foundation supported graduates from medical schools in Palestine, particularly from Gaza, to help cover the costs of their clinical attachments and the PLAB 2 exam. We recognise the significant challenges junior doctors, especially those from Gaza, face due to the ongoing war, and are committed to easing some of their burdens.
The PLAB 2 exam, costing £981, is a Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA) that evaluates clinical abilities, professional knowledge, and behaviours. So far this year, we have supported eight doctors from Gaza, providing them with the vital opportunities needed to progress in their medical careers.
Testimonials
1. Testimonial from Ahmad
Ahmad, a Palestinian doctor from Gaza, completed his PLAB exams and secured registration with a license to practise in the UK. After leaving Gaza due to the war, he travelled to the UK and undertook a clinical attachment in Acute Medicine at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital from July to September 2024. During the attachment, Ahmad gained valuable experience, including:
Observing how senior clinicians assess and manage acutely ill patients.
Attending educational sessions within the NHS.
Learning how consultants conduct ward rounds and make treatment decisions.
Gaining insight into effective doctor-patient communication in challenging situations.
Familiarising himself with the NHS electronic health systems for patient management.
Observing and assisting with discharge plans and collaborating with radiologists for scans.
Becoming familiar with various departments within Acute Medicine, such as the Medical Assessment Unit (MAU) and Same-Day Emergency Care (SDEC).
Although Ahmad faced financial difficulties due to the war in Gaza, he is thankful for the opportunities and financial support that have helped ease his burdens and facilitate his transition into his new role in the UK.
2. Testimonial from Qossay
“I am one of the newly graduated doctors from Gaza. I had scheduled my PLAB 2 exam for May 2024, but due to the war, I was unable to take it. I survived the war after losing my home completely, and I managed to rebook the exam with what little money we had left.
Now, I am in the UK, preparing for my exam, which is approaching soon. The financial support will help immensely. As you know, my family is still in Gaza, and I cannot return or leave the UK for another place. I must stay here, covering rent and food expenses until I can secure a job. It’s a heavy burden, but your support has eased it a bit.
Alhamdulillah, and thank you.”
Qossay
3. Testimonial from Abrar
“I am a medical doctor from Gaza, Palestine. I successfully passed the PLAB 1 exam in 2022, and I am pleased to share that I have recently passed PLAB 2 as well.
Unfortunately, my financial situation has been quite challenging. During a period of displacement, I served as one of the primary caregivers for my extended family of 14, which significantly depleted my savings. Furthermore, since 7th October, I have not received my monthly salary, adding further strain to my finances.
I applied for this financial aid to assist with the costs of the PLAB 2 exam and verification fees. Receiving this support has greatly alleviated my financial burden, allowing me to focus on my studies without the added stress of financial concerns.
Thank you once again for your assistance. I am hopeful that this support will enable me to continue my journey towards a successful medical career in the UK.”
Abrar
4. Testimonial from Batoul
“I was working as a resident doctor in internal medicine in Gaza. Unfortunately, the war caused me to lose my job and forced me to evacuate last March. I had booked my PLAB 1 exam before the war, but I had to use my savings to fund my journey to the UK afterward. Your financial aid has been incredibly valuable, as I was struggling financially due to rent and GMC registration fees last week. Your support has significantly eased my financial burdens.
Currently, I am doing a clinical attachment, which will help me secure a job more easily as soon as possible. Receiving this aid has had a profoundly positive impact on my studies and career prospects.”
Batoul
5. Testimonial from Waseem
“Dear Hanoon Foundation Team,
I am a medical graduate from the Islamic University of Gaza, Class of 2022. After completing medical school, I finished my internship year at Al-Shifa Medical Complex in June 2023. Following this, I began working as a general practitioner in the Emergency Department from July to October 2023. During my internship, I passed the OET exam and scheduled my PLAB 1 exam for November 2023. However, with the onset of the recent conflict, all aspects of life in Gaza were deeply impacted. I had to postpone my exam and dedicated myself to voluntary work as an emergency doctor at Al-Awda Hospital until I was able to evacuate to Egypt in April 2024.
Despite financial challenges, I managed to rebook and pass my PLAB 1 exam. However, the cost of booking PLAB 2 was beyond my means. Seeking assistance, I reached out to your esteemed organisation, and with your generous support, I was able to secure a seat for PLAB 2.
This support has been invaluable in helping me progress toward full GMC registration. PLAB 2 is a critical step towards this goal, bringing me closer to advancing my medical career and specialising. This opportunity means a great deal to me, especially during these difficult times in my homeland.
With heartfelt gratitude,”
WASEEM
6. Testimonial from Wafaa
“I am a medical graduate committed to advancing my career in the United Kingdom. Pursuing the qualifications required for licensure has been financially challenging, particularly due to the difficult conditions affecting my home in Gaza.
This financial aid has been a lifeline, alleviating the financial stress that once weighed heavily on my journey. Now, I can focus fully on preparing for my exams without the constant worry of funding. This support brings me closer to realising my dream of practising medicine in the UK, where I hope to gain the knowledge and skills needed to one day return and serve my community.”
Wafaa
7. Testimonial from Dana
“I was in my internship year when the war started, flipping my world upside down. I was fortunate to escape to Egypt in April 2024; however, I found myself struggling to start a new life from scratch, having escaped with only the clothes I was wearing.
As a doctor just beginning my professional life in such circumstances, the cost of this exam was a heavy burden. Receiving this financial aid has alleviated a significant source of stress, allowing me to focus fully on studying and preparing for the exam rather than worrying about how to afford it. Without this support, I would have certainly postponed this crucial step, which would delay my progress in my career.
I am incredibly grateful for your generosity, and I hope that one day, once I am established in my career, I can pay it forward and help others in need. Thank you for making a difference during this critical time in my life.”
Dana
8. Testimonial from Abdalrahman
“I am a 26-year-old Palestinian doctor. I worked as an emergency doctor during the war, and then I became a primary care doctor at a medical point in the Rafah shelter. I managed to evacuate from Gaza and successfully booked the PLAB 1 exam. Now I am preparing for the PLAB 2 exam, and the support I received from you has helped me greatly in completing my journey toward GMC registration.”
As part of its professional development programme, FQMS provided partial financial support to Dr Yazan for his attendance at the AMEE 2023 Conference (An International Association for Medical Education) in Glasgow, United Kingdom, between 27 – 30 August 2023. Check out his testimonial and photos below.
Testimonial
“The opportunity to attend the AMEE23 Conference was a dream come true for me. As a medical student from Palestine, I have always been passionate about medical education and its role in improving healthcare outcomes, particularly in regions facing numerous challenges like my homeland. Your support allowed me to turn this passion into reality by participating in a conference of global significance.
Presenting my abstract on the “IFMSA Professional Exchange Program – Outcome Evaluation and Impact Assessment” at AMEE23 was a pivotal moment in my academic journey. This abstract represented countless hours of research, dedication, and collaboration with mentors and peers. FQMS’s help made it possible for me to present those ideas and outcomes.
The AMEE23 Conference itself exceeded all my expectations. It was a melting pot of knowledge, innovation, and inspiration. I had the privilege of attending sessions and workshops led by world-renowned experts in medical education. These sessions not only broadened my understanding of the subject but also challenged me to think critically and creatively about the future of medical education, both locally and globally.
Moreover, the networking opportunities at AMEE23 were invaluable. I had the honour of connecting with fellow attendees, speakers, and professionals from diverse backgrounds and countries. These interactions allowed me to exchange ideas, share experiences, and build relationships that I believe will have a lasting impact on my academic and professional journey.
It is evident that the global medical community is dedicated to improving medical education and healthcare systems worldwide. I am grateful for the chance to be a part of this vibrant community.
Your support has not only made a difference in my life but also in the lives of those I hope to serve as a healthcare professional. The knowledge and inspiration I gained at AMEE23 reaffirmed my commitment to addressing healthcare disparities faced by underserved communities, including Palestine. I am more determined than ever to contribute to the advancement of medical education and healthcare in my region, and your support has played a crucial role in shaping this determination.
In closing, I want to express my deepest gratitude to FQMS for making my participation in the AMEE23 Conference possible. Your support has not only enriched my academic and professional journey but also inspired me to continue striving for excellence in medical education and research. I promise to carry the lessons and inspiration gained at AMEE23 forward in my endeavours. I hope to make you proud of the impact your support has had on my life and the lives of those I aim to serve.
Once again, thank you for your unwavering support and belief in my potential.”
Hanan Abukmail received her medical degree from the Islamic University of Gaza and completed her medical internship in July 2021. She is currently enrolled in a master’s degree programme at the University of Cambridge. She was supported by FQMS to present her abstract at the 35th International Papillomavirus Conference & Basic, Clinical, and Public Health Scientific Workshops in Washington, D.C., April 17-21, 2023.
Testimonial
“I was pleased to present an abstract titled “Awareness of Human Papillomavirus and Acceptability of the Vaccine among Women in Palestine: Is it Time for policy adjustment?” at the 35th International Papillomavirus Conference in Washington, DC, USA.
The conference was a wealth of updated knowledge and practical experience in the field of basic, clinical, and public health of human papillomavirus (HPV) diseases. I enjoyed the active listening to presenters and scientific discussions. In addition, I got to know academics and scientists who are committed to improving population health in order to lessen the burden of these HPV-related diseases.
Many thanks go to FQMS’s kind support, which helped me afford travel expenses to present my research and be connected with other researchers.
Dr Wafa Aqel is Founding Director, Al-Quds Medical Research Association and Researcher, Palestinian Neuroscience Initiative
Testimonial
“Thanks to thegenerosity of FQMS for the financial support to attend the 12th annual meeting of the Middle-Eastern Association for Cancer Research (MEACR)/Qatar, in collaboration with Société Marocaine de Cancérologie/Morocco.
The MEACR was established as a nonprofit organisation in 2009 and aims to enhance the exchange between clinicians, cancer scientists, graduate students and other health workers who deal with cancer patients in the larger Middle East (ME) including North Africa. Thus, in order to achieve this mission, the MEACR holds an annual meeting in a different ME country each year to provide equal opportunity for all cancer researchers across the region and help them build a collaborative base with various educational and research institutions.
As a Palestinian Medical Doctor and Researcher, I was grateful to attend the conference and to be one of the speakers, where I presented an oral presentation entitled ‘Awareness of Palestinians about lung cancer symptoms: Current Situation and Future Directions in discussions with a large group of researchers and scientists from all over the world.
It was a great opportunity and an honour for me to participate in it as the youngest researcher among them.
Finally, I would like to thank you again for your funding, which helped me to participate in this conference.”
FQMS supported Areej’s attendance at the 2022 International Cancer Education Conference (ICEC) co-organised by the American Association for Cancer Education (AACE), the Cancer Patient Education Network (CPEN), and the European Association for Cancer Education (EACE).
Areej Yaseen is a sixth-year medical student at Al-Quds University. Over the past few years, she has worked with medical students and doctors throughout Palestine to research ovarian cancer. The project has two publications in international journals (BMC and PLOS ONE journals). One of these papers, Knowledge of ovarian cancer symptoms among women in Palestine: a cross-sectional study, has been accepted for presentation at the 2022 ICEC held from 12-14 October 2022 in Maryland, USA.
Testimonial
Dear FQMS,
First of all, I am extremely pleased to write this report to say thank you for the financial support that you extended to me to attend the 2022 International Cancer Education Conference. Then, I would like to report on my participation.
The 2022 ICEC explores new and creative education models that support the development of best practices and facilitate interdisciplinary research across the cancer care continuum. The conference will improve understanding of how robust community engagement and effective patient navigation impact cancer and cancer education outcomes, alleviate health inequities, and increase health literacy.
It was an honour for me as a medical student to present my abstract, which was titled “Knowledge of ovarian cancer symptoms among women in Palestine: a national cross-sectional study”, at this conference. In addition, this participation resulted in publishing my abstract in the journal of cancer education.
I was presenting my abstract for one hour and a half on Friday, 14 October. Also, I was attending other conference programmes on Wednesday, 12 October, and Thursday, 13 October. During this period, I had several inspirational discussions on promoting community engagement, building successful patient navigation systems to meet patient, family, and community needs, and advocacy to reduce the burden of cancer with several physicians and researchers.
The ICEC provided me with a beneficial learning experience. For example, it was a great opportunity to participate fully in many workshops and plenary sessions that address cancer education, such as:
Advancing Social & Community Participation in Cancer Education
Our Cancer Patients Can Inform and Inspire Our Journey
Cancer Patient Challenges, Needs, Survivorship
Advancing Health Equity by Enhancing Uptake of Genetic Counseling and Testing
Building Better Learning Experiences in Cancer Education with Advanced Serious Play
As a result, I have known many academics and professionals from different countries who have similar research interests.
Once again, I would like to thank FQMS for their support and efforts.
