David Nott Foundation

Join War Doctors - In Conversation, 9th December, to hear stories from the doctors saving lives in the face of conflict and catastrophe.

“I’ve seen the horrors of war. But I’ve also seen the power of sharing life saving knowledge. That’s why we do what we do.” David Nott

Join the David Nott Foundation this December for War Doctors – In Conversation, an evening exploring the realities of delivering lifesaving medical care in Syria.
This year's discussion will shine a spotlight on the experiences of frontline doctors in Syria, where more than 14 years of devastating conflict have left the country's healthcare system on the brink. Hospitals have been damaged or destroyed, essential medical supplies and equipment remain highly scarce, and shortages of specialist surgical staff have placed enormous pressure on those continuing to deliver lifesaving care.

From the operating theatres of Aleppo during the height of the conflict to the challenges of rebuilding surgical services today, the evening will bring together doctors who have witnessed firsthand the realities of providing care in some of the most challenging circumstances imaginable. Through their personal experiences, we will reflect on the difficult decisions faced by frontline surgeons, the extraordinary resilience of Syria's medical community and the importance of sharing lifesaving surgical knowledge.

Further speakers will be announced shortly.

This event is organised by the David Nott Foundation, with support from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Tickets are free of charge.

eventbrite.co.uk/e/war-doctors-…

Nelson Mandela said: “It always seems impossible until it's done.”

Lead Palestine faculty surgeon Mariam Aweidah reminded us of Mandela’s words as with two weeks to go before our hostile environment surgical training (HEST®) course in Ramallah, Palestine last month, the task seemed impossible.

None of our international faculty were granted visas to enter Palestine but Mariam explained: ‘The situation in the West Bank is out of control, and the need for this course is becoming more and more urgent.’

The DNF is built on the commitment to in person training, but as wars become more complex, numerous and unpredictable there are increasing circumstances for this not to be possible.

But it’s thanks to over ten years of in person training that we have built a strong core of faculty working and living in countries affected by conflict and catastrophe, who are now fully equipped to run the trainings in country themselves. And for the first time, with Mariam leading from Ramallah and our international team in London, we accomplished a hybrid delivery of our bespoke hostile environment training course.

Across Borders: In Ramallah, Mariam and her team of faculty shared their extensive experience with fellow Palestinian surgeons, using DNF prosthetic equipment. Here in London, our UK-based faculty were present throughout, live streamed from our office with simultaneous interpretation, making sure our human body simulator Heston® didn’t miss the course.

As one of our programmes team said: ‘It’s not just about doing what we do, but adapting so we can still facilitate and enable, despite not being there, to do it.'

Last week our inspirational co-founder Elly Nott led a DNF delegation to the inaugural Syrian British Medical Society (SBMS) conference in Aleppo.

Together with Dr Saladin Sawan, Dr Ikram Habboush and Dr Mohammad Alabbas, Elly presented early findings of the Syrian Cervical Cancer Prevention Programme (SCCPP), a joint collaboration with Hand in Hand for Aid and Development. Speaking from experience of numerous humanitarian surgical missions, Dr Ammar Darwish addressed the conference on trauma laparotomy and damage control.

The DNF was recognised by the Aleppo governorate for the contribution of David Nott in training doctors and saving lives on the frontlines in eastern Aleppo during the conflict. David’s work in Aleppo inspired Elly to start the foundation in 2015.

To support the Syria Cervical Cancer Prevention Programme please visit: hihfad.org/cervial-cancer/

Challenge yourself and raise vital funds to train doctors working in war and catastrophe.

🏃 Run: Edinburgh Marathon Festival – 30 May 2027
🚶 Walk: Thames Path Hiking Trail, 21.8k, Windsor – 21 November 2026
🚴 Ride: Etape Loch Ness, Inverness, Scotland – 25 April 2027
🏊 Swim: The Old Harry Swim Challenge, Dorset, 2.5k or 5k – 19 June 2027
🏁 Obstacle: Gelt Gladiator 2027, Walton, Surrey, Junior 4k, 5k, 10k and 10 miles – 19-20 June 2027
💪 Dare: Derwent Reservoir Triathlons & Dualthlons, Durham – 4 July 2027
🌍 Overseas: Trek to Petra, Jordan – 13-20 November 2027

Easing into your first challenge event or chasing a personal best, we’ve got something for you. There are events for everyone, whatever your age or ability, so pick yours and fundraise for us while you do it.

November's challenge events round-up: davidnottfoundation.com/november-chall…

#challenge #events #fundraise

Egyptian obstetrics and gynaecology consultant Surour Ghandour came with us to train Syrian doctors in our biggest training to date. 133 Syrian doctors travelled from all parts of the country to attend the course.

Here Surour explains the motivation and the challenges behind his work.

We are so grateful to our faculty surgeons without whom we could not do what we do.

#warsurgeons #wardoctor #obstetrics