Teaching Fellow – Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University
Over the past year, Dr Zainab Al-Shawaf, a graduate of Al-Quds University – Abu Dis Faculty of Medicine, worked as a Teaching Fellow supporting medical students during both their pre-clinical and clinical stages, with a particular focus on paediatrics.
Through the support of the Hanoon Foundation, Dr Zainab delivered in-person lectures, coordinated academic activities, and supervised students during their practical clinical training. Through this experience, she further developed her teaching and communication skills while working closely with students and specialised physicians across different medical fields.
Reflecting on her experience, Dr Zainab described the role as creating “a noticeable transformation” in her personality and professional confidence. Despite the difficult circumstances of the war in Gaza, she explained that the experience gave her “strength, structure, and a sense of purpose” that positively impacted both her personal and professional life.
Dr Zainab also highlighted the important role of the Hanoon Foundation, describing the Foundation’s support, organisation, and encouragement during difficult situations as making “a real difference”.
She described the experience as “unique and meaningful”, adding that it left “a lasting impact” on her academic and professional path.
Dr Zainab’s full testimonial is available below.
Testimonial
“My name is Dr. Zainab Al-Shawaf, a graduate of Al-Quds University – Abu Dis Faculty of Medicine. I had the privilege of working as a teaching fellow for one year, supporting medical students during both their pre-clinical and clinical stages, with a particular focus on paediatrics.
My role included delivering in-person lectures, coordinating academic activities, and supervising students during their practical clinical training. Through this experience, I significantly developed my teaching and communication skills, not only with students but also with specialised physicians across different fields.
This journey created a noticeable transformation in my personality and professional confidence. Despite the challenging circumstances of life during the war in Gaza, this experience provided me with strength, structure, and a sense of purpose that positively impacted both my personal and professional life.
The Hanoon Foundation played a key role in making this experience exceptional. Their organisation, continuous support, and genuine appreciation—especially during difficult situations—made a real difference.
It was truly a unique and meaningful experience that left a lasting impact on my academic and professional path. I am deeply grateful to The Hanoon Foundation.”
Teaching Fellow – Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University
Over the past year, Ayda, a Teaching Fellow at Al-Azhar University in Gaza, has played an important role in supporting displaced Palestinian medical students as they continued their education abroad.
Through the support of the Hanoon Foundation, Ayda continued her work in academic coordination and follow-up for clinical-year students, helping ensure continuity in their medical education during an exceptionally difficult period.
Her work included coordinating training plans with hosting universities, arranging clinical assessments, and supporting fifth- and sixth-year students with their graduation research projects. She also helped students adapt to new academic and clinical environments following their displacement.
Reflecting on this experience, Ayda highlighted the importance of continuing academic training despite the war and ongoing disruption to medical education in Gaza.
Testimonial
“As a part of their contribution in supporting medical education in Palestine, Over the last year, The Hanoon foundation supported the faculty of medicine in different ways including supporting many students to continue their study , and to a great extent supports me to continue my work in the academic coordination and follow up for all clinical years students to continue their academic training including setting the training plan in coordination with each hosting university, arranging for clinical assessment, and working on graduation research project with 5th and 6th year students.”
Over the past year, Othman, a Teaching Fellow at the Islamic University of Gaza (IUG), was supported by the Hanoon Foundation in helping displaced medical students continue their education. He successfully placed over 50 students in Turkey, Pakistan, and South Africa, adapted teaching methods to online courses and exams, facilitated internships, and initiated a project on the impact of war on medical education, which was presented internationally. To learn more, please read his full testimonial and check his photos below.
Testimonial
Over the past year, my work as a Teaching Fellow at the Islamic University of Gaza (IUG) Medical School, with the invaluable support of the Hanoon Foundation, has been both deeply challenging and incredibly rewarding. Together, we navigated unprecedented circumstances to ensure that displaced medical students could continue their education and training despite the disruption caused by conflict.
Through tireless coordination and collaboration, we successfully placed over 50 displaced students across Turkey, Pakistan, and South Africa. Our first batch of students in Turkey not only completed their theoretical and clinical requirements under the supervision of displaced faculty but also successfully graduated, a milestone that stands as a testament to their resilience and the collective effort behind them.
In Pakistan, we established a full two-year curriculum for our students in close coordination with the host institution. We implemented strong monitoring systems to maintain high academic standards and support the students throughout their journey. Meanwhile, in South Africa, another group of students is on track to graduate this summer, with plans well underway to secure internship placements for them, particularly in Turkey and Pakistan.
Recognising the importance of continuous clinical exposure, we also facilitated at least six months of internship training for the students based in Turkey, and now we are exploring the potential for implementing it in Pakistan, ensuring they gain the practical experience necessary to move forward confidently in their careers.
Beyond placements, we adapted our teaching methods to the realities of displacement by delivering online courses and examinations, maintaining the academic rigour our students deserve. We also initiated a project studying the impact of war on medical education, which evolved into a case study focused on sustaining clinical training during crisis periods. This work was presented internationally at a conference in Doha, Qatar, allowing us to share insights and advocate for innovative educational models in times of conflict.
Looking back, this past year has been a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when resilience, collaboration, and purpose come together. It has been an honour to support these future doctors as they continue their journey, and I am deeply grateful to the Hanoon Foundation and all our partners for making this possible.
Ahmed, a top graduate of 2022, shares his inspiring journey of resilience and dedication to medical education during the war on Gaza. Supported by The Hanoon Foundation, Ahmad continued his vital work as a teaching assistant, helping displaced students pursue their dreams despite immense challenges.
Read his full testimonial and view the photos below.
Testimonial
“I graduated in 2022 at the top of my class, driven by a deep passion for both teaching and lifelong learning. Due to my academic excellence, I was selected as a teaching assistant. Initially, I had the opportunity to teach anatomy lab sessions for medical students. Later, I began working as a teaching assistant for the surgery course at Al-Shifa Hospital. I took this picture just before delivering my final lecture, only a few days before the war began. At that time, I was also fortunate to be selected to receive funding from The Hanoon Foundation, for which I am sincerely grateful.
When the war broke out, all teaching activities came to a halt, and I, along with many students from the Islamic University, was forced to flee Gaza. Their dreams of becoming doctors and pursuing their medical education were suddenly threatened as they were displaced from their homes and separated from their universities.
Thanks to the support of The Hanoon Foundation, I was able to continue my role as a teaching assistant after travelling to Egypt. With the encouragement and guidance of our Dean, Dr Anwar, and Vice Dean, Dr Ahmad, Othman and I worked to secure study placements abroad for our displaced students so they could continue their medical education.
Our job as teaching assistants changed and adapted to the rapidly developing situation. I have been actively involved in coordinating and delivering medical education across multiple countries, ensuring continuity of learning for displaced students. This has included organising exams, structuring curricula, delivering online courses, and coordinating with universities for student placements and assessments.
Many of the sixth-year medical students, some of whom appeared in the previous picture, were forced to leave Gaza due to the war. However, we were able to secure placements for them to complete their final year in Istanbul. This picture was taken on their last day as medical students.
For fourth- and fifth-year students, we secured placements in Pakistan through a collaboration with Shifa Medical College. We assisted in organising their courses, OSCE assessments, and midterm exams. This required holding numerous meetings with the hosting universities and providing detailed documentation regarding the assessment processes and the curriculum used at our Islamic University.
We also took responsibility for delivering many online courses via Zoom, covering subjects such as medical ethics, geriatric medicine, trauma care, palliative care, clinical nutrition, and medical pharmacology. We collaborated with volunteer doctors from around the world to deliver more than 50 virtual lectures and organised a structured weekly schedule to cover subjects without available video recordings for all clinical year courses, ensuring the continuity of medical education during the crisis.
I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to The Hanoon Foundation for their pivotal role throughout this journey. Their support not only enabled me to continue my responsibilities as a teaching assistant during an incredibly challenging time but also played a major part in sustaining the medical education of dozens of students.
“The destruction has severely impacted our facilities and resources, but our determination to advance medical education remains strong.” With these words, Othman, our teaching fellow, provided updates on his efforts despite immense challenges. These efforts include adapting the medical curriculum to be crisis responsive, integrating innovative teaching methods, and enhancing e-learning platforms. Othman also facilitates clinical placements for IUG students in Turkey and South Africa.
We are proud to support teaching fellows like Othman, empowering graduates to thrive despite difficulties.
Read the updates from Othman in the testimonial below.
Testimonial
“I am deeply grateful for FQMS’s sponsorship, which has significantly impacted my role as a teaching fellow at the Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza (IUG). Over the past four months, this support has enabled us to adapt our medical curriculum to be crisis responsive, integrate innovative teaching methods, and enhance our e-learning platform.
Despite the immense challenges posed by the recent devastating events in Gaza, including the destruction of the Islamic University’s main campus, our commitment to clinical education remains unwavering. We have successfully implemented problem-based learning and virtual simulations, ensuring students remain engaged despite disruptions. The improved online resources and faculty training have allowed us to continue delivering quality education even during power and internet outages.
Additionally, through your support, we have coordinated clinical placements for our medical students in Turkey and South Africa, ensuring their practical training continues uninterrupted. To date, 18 final-year students have started their placements in Turkey and 3 in South Africa,with ongoing support and follow-up to monitor their progress and address any concerns they face in their new learning environments. We are now focusing on finding placement opportunities for our 4th- and 5th-year students who are still outside Gaza. Our goal is to provide them with the necessary clinical exposure to meet their academic requirements.
In Gaza, we continue to provide clinical training for our students amidst the collapse of the healthcare system. The destruction has severely impacted our facilities and resources, but our determination to advance their medical education remains strong.Overcoming significant barriers, we are finding innovative ways to offer hands-on experience and ensure our students receive the necessary clinical exposure.
The continuous support from FQMS has been crucial in maintaining and advancing medical education at IUG, ensuring that our students continue to thrive academically and personally despite ongoing challenges. Our journey is far from over, but our dedication to our students’ education and future is stronger than ever.”
Being one of the top students at the Islamic University of Gaza, Khaled was chosen for the FQMS-funded teaching fellowship programme. He has completed one year as a Clinical Teaching Assistant and Researcher at his university. Due to his distinguished efforts, knowledge and commitment, his supervisor has provided excellent feedback on his performance. FQMS is extremely proud and confident that he will make a significant contribution to the Palestinian health sector. Check out his testimonial and photos below.
“I am honoured to offer my heartfelt appreciation to FQMS for their unwavering support throughout my tenure as a teaching assistant at the Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza. Their commitment to fostering quality medical education has been instrumental in shaping my journey as an educator.
FQMS’s dedication to advancing medical education in Palestine is truly commendable. Their financial support has enabled me to fulfil my role with the utmost diligence, ensuring that our students receive the best education possible. The resources provided by FQMS have not only facilitated my teaching efforts but have also contributed to a well-organised and enriching learning environment for our students.
Through their collaboration, FQMS has not only enabled me to provide lectures and bedside teaching effectively but also to meticulously plan and organise schedules. Their assistance has elevated the overall educational experience, fostering an atmosphere of academic excellence.
As I approach the culmination of my role, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities FQMS has afforded me. Their support has been pivotal in shaping the future of medical education in Palestine. I am proud to have been a beneficiary of their vision and commitment.
Thank you, FQMS, for your enduring support and dedication to medical education advancement. The impact of your contribution will undoubtedly be felt by generations of medical professionals.
Mosab was selected as a Teaching Fellow for two months, July and August 2023. He provided teaching in both the wards and clinics of the Islamic University of Gaza as part of his Teaching Fellowship. The courses included Clinical Skills I, Neurosurgery, and Geriatric Medicine. In collaboration with Khaled Sultan and Abdallah Alwali, he also completed cross-sectional research entitled “Evaluating Patients’ Satisfaction with Medical Students Learning at the bedside in Gaza Strip Hospitals”. Check out his testimonial and photos after completing his teaching fellowship with excellent feedback from his supervisor.
Testimonial
“On behalf of me and the Medical School at Islamic University-Gaza, I am writing to extend our heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional support provided by FQMS. Your organisation’s commitment to advancing medical education has made a significant impact on our institution, particularly through the initiative of hiring teaching assistants.
Your dedication to fostering educational excellence has not only helped us elevate the quality of instruction but also enabled us to provide a more enriching learning environment for our students. The aid in hiring teaching assistants through FQMS has demonstrated academic excellence and genuine dedication to nurturing the next generation of medical professionals. The collaborative efforts between our faculty and teaching assistants have resulted in a dynamic and engaging classroom experience. The students have benefitted greatly from the additional guidance and mentorship, further enhancing their understanding of complex medical concepts and practical applications.
We are truly appreciative of FQMS’s continued commitment to our institution. Your support goes beyond financial aid; it embodies a shared vision of empowering aspiring medical professionals to excel in their studies and future careers.
Once again, thank you for your unwavering support. We look forward to continuing this fruitful partnership and making even greater strides in medical education together. Please convey our gratitude to the entire FQMS team for their dedication to the betterment of medical education.
Abdallah Alwali and Khaled Alsultan graduated with honours from the Faculty of Medicine at IUG. Therefore, in 2022, they were selected for the FQMS-funded teaching and research fellowship at their university.
Here are some testimonials and updates from our Teaching Fellows:
“As a Clinical Teaching Fellow at the Islamic University of Gaza, I was privileged to engage in the educational process and gain valuable insights into my own character. This experience afforded me the opportunity to deepen my understanding of medicine and appreciate the crucial role of teaching fellows in shaping the future of medical students. Furthermore, I honed my skills in leadership, teamwork, and effective communication.My responsibilities included the organisation and facilitation of informative and accessible teaching sessions, participating in clinical bedside evaluations and helping students develop their clinical competencies and knowledge. I was also honoured to serve as a chief Teaching assistant alongside the Oxford team and assist in the execution of their teaching mission in Gaza, which proved to be a valuable learning experience.I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to FQMS for their unwavering support throughout my journey as a Teaching Fellow. This experience will remain a defining moment in my life.”
Abdallah
“As a Clinical Teaching Fellow at the Islamic University of Gaza, I was fortunate to actively engage in the educational process and gain a multifaceted understanding of the medical field. This enriching experience allowed me to broaden my horizons, challenge my preconceptions, and embrace new perspectives.In addition to developing my teaching skills, I also had the opportunity to learn about the latest advances in medical technology and research. This exposure to cutting-edge developments in the field of medicine has fuelled my curiosity and inspired me to pursue lifelong learning.Moreover, my experience as a Teaching Fellow has reinforced my belief in the importance of mentorship and the positive impact that role models can have on the lives of students. I am committed to instilling in my students the values of compassion, empathy, and integrity, and to nurturing their intellectual curiosity and passion for learning.I am deeply grateful to FQMS for their unwavering support and commitment to excellence. As I continue on my professional journey, I am confident that the skills and knowledge I have gained as a Teaching Fellow will serve me well and that I will continue to make meaningful contributions to the field of medicine.”
Ahmed graduated as one of the top students in his class at the Islamic University of Gaza. As a result, he was selected for FQMS funded teaching fellowship at his university.
Testimonial
“During the 2021/2022 academic year, I was delighted to work as a clinical teaching fellow at the Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza.
Aside from coordinating paediatrics, Family Medicine, and Dermatology courses, my work involved preparing reports on students’ achievements, giving bedside teaching, and leading case discussions with medical students. Also, my interest in medical research drove me to work in medical research at the university. My responsibilities involved assisting in collecting and processing research data and preparing well-structured research proposals. Through this experience, I developed oral and written communication skills, project management skills, and quantitative analytical skills.
On a personal level, this experience helped me to build networking channels with consultants and decision-makers inside the healthcare system in Gaza. It helped me plan for my career as I found my passion in medicine this year. In addition, I enjoyed the company of my students, and I learnt that teaching others is the best way of learning.
Through my role as a clinical tutor for medical students, I gained an appreciation of the supportive role that doctors and healthcare professionals must play, including being involved in the training of junior colleagues. I am grateful to the FQMS for supporting me this year, and I hope this programme will continue so my younger colleagues can have this fascinating experience.”
