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The Syrian American Medical Society Foundation (or SAMS) is a non-profit, non-political, educational, and humanitarian organization that harnesses the talents of Syrian-American healthcare professionals to save lives. SAMS mission statement is “to save lives and work to ensure a healthier future for all through medical relief and healthcare development on behalf of Syrian American healthcare professionals.”

History
SAMS was founded in 1998 by a group of American physicians of Syrian descent. Today SAMS has grown to 10 chapters nationwide and has offices in Turkey, Jordan, Washington, DC and Ohio.

Medical Facilities
Throughout the Syrian war, SAMS has worked to provide medical care to Syrians in need by establishing and supporting medical facilities across Syria. To date, SAMS has established 25 field hospitals, 28 advanced medical points, and 20 free dental clinics in addition to supporting 14 referral hospitals and 65 other trauma facilities. Through these facilities SAMS has treated over 500,000 patients, performed 69,000 surgeries, and pays 215 medical workers on staff. SAMS has shipped more than $15 million in medical supplies, equipment, and medicaion to support the work of medical facilities in Syria.

Medical Education and Training
SAMS holds periodic training programs for Syrian medical professionals from its office in Gaziantep Turkey. To date SAMS has trained approximately 498 medics in emergency care.

Advocacy
In addition to providing medical care, facilities, and training on the ground, SAM advocates on local, national, and international levels. SAMS has urged government officials to > Provide ways to reach civilians trapped in inaccessible areas of Syria by means of cross-border and cross-line relief. >Assist in tackling emerging diseases like polio, and to support victims of bombing and chemical weapon attacks. >Ease administrative restrictions on sending medicines, medical consumables, and equipment to the region. >Allow Syrian doctors to treat Syrian refugees in host countries, >Increase funding for Syrian refugees, >Ensure that wounded Syrians are treated with dignity in host countries, >Renew the Temporary Protection Status for Syrians in the U.S. and expedite resettlement programs for Syrian refugees in the US.