Our History
SAMS - Our History
Founded in 1998 by a group of Syrian American physicians, the Syrian American Medical Society began as a nonprofit, nonpolitical, and professional society dedicated to advancing medical care and education.
What started as a physician-led professional network soon evolved into a global humanitarian movement. Since establishing its humanitarian arm in 2007, SAMS has become one of the leading humanitarian organizations in conflict zones, supporting over 2,500 healthcare workers and operating more than 60 health facilities across Syria, Türkiye, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Greece, Ukraine, and Palestine.
SAMS is driven by passion and guided by professionalism. SAMS continues to stand at the forefront of humanitarian response, saving lives, training professionals, and advocating for the affected ones in conflict zones.
2011
Launched the first medical mission to Syrian refugees in Turkey.
2012
Introduced the Save Syrian Lives campaign.
2013
After chemical attacks in Syria, SAMS became the leading voice for the voiceless victims.
2014
Established organizational independence: SAMS Foundation and SAMS Society formally separated.
2015
Strengthened governance and institutional procedures.
2011
Launched the first medical mission to Syrian refugees in Turkey.
2012
Introduced the Save Syrian Lives campaign.
2013
After chemical attacks in Syria, SAMS became the leading voice for the voiceless victims.
2014
Established organizational independence: SAMS Foundation and SAMS Society formally separated.
2015
Strengthened governance and institutional procedures.
2016
Expanded medical operations in Syria, increasing advocacy and awareness.
2017
Scaled up surgical care in conflict zones and prioritized post-evacuation response.
2018
Enhanced training of mid-level providers and responded to repeated attacks on healthcare.
2019
Focused on capacity building amid major cuts in Syria humanitarian funding.
2020
Responded to COVID-19 by opening isolation centers, providing PPE, and running five COVID-19 hospitals.
2016
Expanded medical operations in Syria, increasing advocacy and awareness.
2017
Scaled up surgical care in conflict zones and prioritized post-evacuation response.
2018
Enhanced training of mid-level providers and responded to repeated attacks on healthcare.
2019
Focused on capacity building amid major cuts in Syria humanitarian funding.
2020
Responded to COVID-19 by opening isolation centers, providing PPE, and running five COVID-19 hospitals.
2021
Expanded community health programs and launched a remote medical training initiative.
2022
Established the SAMS Institute, delivering 16 advanced training programs for health professionals.
2023
Led earthquake response, launched the Operation Consortium, and resumed medical missions to Syria.
2024
Opened a state-of-the-art simulation lab in Damascus and expanded support in liberated areas.
2025
Hosting the 23rd SAMS International Conference in Damascus, shaping Syria’s healthcare future.
2021
Expanded community health programs and launched a remote medical training initiative.
2022
Established the SAMS Institute, delivering 16 advanced training programs for health professionals.
2023
Led earthquake response, launched the Operation Consortium, and resumed medical missions to Syria.
2024
Opened a state-of-the-art simulation lab in Damascus and expanded support in liberated areas.
2025
Hosting the 23rd SAMS International Conference in Damascus, shaping Syria’s healthcare future.
Our Impact
28.8M+
medical services delivered
15.9M+
patient encounters
63+
medical facilities supported
2,590+
health workers engaged
150+
medical missions completed
1,500+
active members
20+
global chapters
From a small network of Syrian American physicians to a global leader in humanitarian healthcare, SAMS has remained steadfast in its mission: saving lives, empowering healthcare professionals, and building healthier communities worldwide.