Our team felt helpless in the face of the massive devastation brought upon by the war in Syria, the significant human toll and unspeakable suffering, and the effects of the protracted refugee crisis on Syrians and host communities. We sought to collaborate with a global relief organization as part of a medical mission, and work on the ground to provide medical care to refugee and underserved host populations in Lebanon, in the region of Tripoli and Akkar.

The doctors on the team are specialized in emergency medicine, internal medicine, cardiology, and pediatrics. They practice in different academic and community centers in New York, Colorado and Texas.

Health is a basic human right

8 suitcases of antibiotics, anti-fungal, anti-hypertensive, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory medications, antacids, anti-eczema creams, children’s, prenatal and adult vitamins.

6 suitcases filled with: oxygen and nebulizer tubing, gauze, bandages, tongue depressors, alcohol swabs, urine dipsticks, pregnancy tests, glucometers and strips, blood pressure cuffs, thermometers, nasal bulbs, pulse oximeters.

50 bottles of anti-lice shampoo

Dental supplies: 140 toothbrushes for adults and children, 140 toothpaste, 140 floss

Daily Journal

a day-by-day diary of our very first mission to Lebanon

Featured

Mission I

Our First Mission

Mission I

“Home” - by Warsan Shire

no one leaves home unless
home is the mouth of a shark.

Mission I

Day 1 - Syrian Refugee Camp Mission

Mission I

Our physician team arrived to Beirut from all over the US, a little apprehensive and anxious about what was to come. We had a brief orientation the night before and packed our doctor bags of medical supplies and equipment….

Mission I

Day 2 - Pre-Eclampsia and Emergency C-Section

Mission I

In the past two days, we provided care to close to 400 Syrian refugees and Lebanese patients in Akkar and Tripoli, including 200 children and 60 pregnant women, and performed multiple ultrasounds.

Mission I

Day 3 - Teamwork

Mission I

You have to imagine the “pharmacy” here. The physicians are in the sweltering heat, and fans help… when the electricity works.

Mission I

Day 4 - House Call

Mission I

In the past four days, our team provided care to 887 Syrian refugees and Lebanese patients, including 424 pediatric and 141 ob-gyn consultations.

Mission I

Day 5 - Ups and Downs

Mission I

Today was intense. The post will be long.

Mission I

Day 6 - Last Day: Packing up

Mission I

After how difficult yesterday was, many of us felt the need to stay together. Despite being told that work was optional, all of the doctors on the team insisted on working.

Mission I