A Doctor's Journey: Surviving War and Pursuing Medicine

Dear Friends and Supporters,

My name is Ghassan, and I am a doctor from Gaza. I graduated from the Islamic University of Gaza Faculty of Medicine in 2022, driven by a deep commitment to serving my community. After graduation, I aspired to pursue specialized medical training abroad due to the limited opportunities within Gaza and the urgent need for specialized doctors. I began preparing for the United States Medical Licensing Exams (USMLE) and was on the verge of taking Step 1 when the war on Gaza erupted on October 7th, abruptly halting my journey.

Enduring War and Loss

As the war escalated, my family and I were forcibly displaced from our home in northern Gaza, seeking refuge with relatives in the south. I witnessed unimaginable devastation and tragically lost my grandmother, uncle, aunt, cousins, and several dear colleagues and friends. Our home was severely damaged, and my brother’s house was completely destroyed.

I have now returned to our damaged home, which requires extensive repairs, as a significant portion has been destroyed. The streets around us are broken and filled with rubble, and the homes of our neighbors are reduced to ruins. We live without electricity, with a severe shortage of water, and no access to basic necessities. The situation is worsening daily, and the lack of job opportunities has made survival even more difficult.

Serving on the Frontlines of a Humanitarian Crisis

From the onset of the war, I volunteered at the Orthopedic Department at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, working alongside the emergency and trauma teams to treat orthopedic injuries. The conditions were beyond description—severe fractures, amputations, massive bleeding, and life-threatening wounds—all treated under dire circumstances, sometimes without electricity, x-rays, or even basic medical supplies.

The danger within the hospital itself was immense. Israeli airstrikes targeted a journalist tent inside the hospital, leading to multiple casualties. The building opposite the hospital was bombed, and Israeli tanks came dangerously close. I also had the devastating experience of receiving injured and deceased colleagues, many of whom I had worked with side by side.

A Path Forward Amidst Destruction

Gaza’s healthcare system has been devastated, with hospitals such as Al-Shifa Medical Hospital—where many of us trained—rendered inoperable. Despite these challenges, I remain determined to continue my medical journey and complete the USMLE exams to contribute to the future of medicine and patient care.

However, leaving Gaza is currently impossible, as the only border crossing remains closed. The humanitarian situation is catastrophic, with no electricity, a severe water shortage, no job opportunities, and the looming threat of war resuming after the recent truce. We live in constant uncertainty and fear, struggling to survive each day.

How You Can Help

Your support will enable me to continue my medical training, rebuild my life, and contribute to a future where I can serve those in need. Every donation, no matter the amount, brings me closer to this goal.

Thank you for standing with me as I strive to turn tragedy into triumph and continue my mission of healing and service.

With gratitude,

Ghassan