Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Mahmoud Kutmah has always known that medicine would be more than a career—it would be his path to give back. After graduating as valedictorian from Kentucky Country Day School, he went on to join the highly competitive six-year BA/MD program at the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine, where he is currently a third-year medical student preparing to apply for residency in surgery.

Mahmoud’s journey with SAMS began four years ago, driven by a simple but powerful goal: to support Syrian medical students like himself in their personal and professional growth. Today, he serves as the Coordinator of the SAMS Education Committee, where his leadership and vision have helped launch several impactful initiatives. From observerships and mentorship programs to application guidance and interview workshops, Mahmoud has played a key role in creating opportunities for the next generation of Syrian healthcare professionals.

His dedication doesn’t stop there. Mahmoud is also the founder and chair of the SAMS Young Professional Committee (YPC), a thriving community of over 400 students and trainees from around the world. Through YPC, Mahmoud has helped connect aspiring physicians with mentors, research collaborations, and even medical missions—ensuring that SAMS remains a gateway to both service and professional development.

When asked what SAMS means to him, Mahmoud answers without hesitation: mentorship. From his earliest days in the organization, he felt supported by role models who believed in him. That spirit of guidance and connection is what continues to fuel his commitment to SAMS and to the students who follow in his footsteps.

“I initially joined SAMS because I wanted to give back to Syria. But what I found was something even more meaningful—a global community of passionate people working together to rebuild a healthcare system and uplift one another along the way.”

Mahmoud’s story is a reminder that leadership is not just about titles or achievements—it’s about building something that lasts and creating spaces for others to thrive.

Let’s keep shining a light on members like Mahmoud, whose energy, empathy, and initiative inspire us all.