Medical students at Al-Quds University launched the first Palestinian surgical interest group to receive official recognition from the university’s Faculty of Medicine and the American College of Surgeons (ACS). The group, SurgiCore, represents a significant milestone toward advancing surgical education, scientific research, and professional development for medical students. The launch event was attended by a distinguished group of academics, physicians, students, and supporters from Medicare Labs.
University President Prof. Dr. Hanna Abd Al-Nour expressed his pride in this achievement, describing it as a ‘double accomplishment’ that reflects the advanced level of Al-Quds University’s medical students. He affirmed that the establishment of the SurgiCore group represents a strong building block in the Faculty of Medicine’s journey and a guiding compass that will contribute to its development and advancement of its objectives. He congratulated the students behind the initiative and wished them success in continuing this pioneering work.
Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Hani Abdeen, stressed that surgery is one of the fundamental pillars of medical school, noting that this field requires greater support in Palestine to keep pace with the rapid global advancements in surgical specialties. He also praised the efforts of the students who launched this initiative, which will strengthen surgical training and motivate students toward both academic and clinical excellence.
Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Mazen Al-Khatib, emphasized to the students that the SurgiCore initiative perfectly aligns with the spirit of Al-Quds University’s students, who have consistently demonstrated responsibility and the ability to launch pioneering initiatives that serve their community. He expressed his appreciation for their efforts in enriching university life and advancing academic work.
Dr. Fahmi Jabrane from the Faculty of Medicine emphasized the importance of sustaining the group’s work, given the essential role it plays in advancing the surgical field. He noted that such initiatives help shape students’ character, develop their skills, and motivate them to engage in scientific research and volunteer work. He called for implementing effective activities that would enrich students’ experience in this domain.
Dr. Bashar Al-Karmi, General Manager of Medicare Labs, expressed his full support for the initiative, emphasizing that Palestine needs competent physicians capable of serving the community at the highest level. He praised the students’ efforts and proactive initiatives, which contribute to strengthening the healthcare system, and affirmed Medicare Labs’ support for students and any activity aimed at advancing medical education.
The group’s president, student Mahmoud Amro, explained that the establishment of SurgiCore was driven by the aim of raising surgical awareness among students and highlighting the value of this humanitarian specialty, which combines compassion, ethics, and discipline. He urged his peers to uphold the spirit of teamwork and commitment to the initiative to ensure its continuity, emphasizing that success is achieved through working hand in hand.
The ceremony included honoring the speakers by the group, as well as speeches by the Vice President of the group and several members, who emphasized that the launch of SurgiCore reflects their vision of advancing surgical education and enhancing their practical and research skills from the early stages of their studies. They noted that the initiative aims to bridge the gap in early surgical exposure and represents a promising step toward building a generation of Palestinian surgeons equipped with confidence, proficiency, and excellence, capable of keeping pace with global advancements and serving their community at the highest level.
