VOLUNTEER STORY

Abdullah Alseed · Biomedical Engineer · Director of Homs Team

I am a Syrian biomedical engineer from the city of Homs, currently based in Dubai, UAE. With over a decade of experience in medical equipment procurement, hospital and clinic setup, and training physicians on advanced medical devices, my professional journey has always been closely tied to improving healthcare systems, especially in
challenging environments.

My role within AHR is serving as the Director of the Homs Team, in addition to being responsible for medical equipment coordination across missions throughout Syria. This position allows me to work closely with different teams, hospitals, and healthcare professionals, ensuring that medical missions are properly equipped and able to function efficiently.

Joining AHR: Where It All Began

I first heard about AHR in 2015 while I was in Jordan, through Syrian friends who were already volunteering with the organization. At the time, there was a shortage of volunteers, particularly for missions supporting displaced people in refugee camps. I was asked if I could join—and that became my very first mission with AHR.

That decision marked the beginning of a journey I have never stepped away from.

A Moment That Changed Everything

Among many impactful experiences, one conversation with an elderly patient during a mission remains deeply engraved in my heart. During our discussion, we realized that we had both previously been imprisoned by the former Syrian government due to our
involvement in humanitarian work.

Before leaving, he said something I will never forget:
“You were able to survive and make it out because God wants you to continue what you are doing. So keep giving and never say ‘enough.’ The life you were given back is worth dedicating to helping others.”

From that moment on, I made a personal promise to myself: if I am alive, I will never stop volunteering or helping those in need.

“As long as there are volunteers, there is no unsolvable problem.”

Challenges That Reveal the Strength of the Team

Being a director means facing constant logistical and operational challenges. One of the most memorable situations occurred during a recent mission, when essential medical equipment and supplies were delayed and arrived in Homs less than a day before the
mission was scheduled to begin.

That night, more than 50 AHR volunteers from different teams stayed awake until 3 a.m., waiting for the shipment to arrive. Once it did, the entire group worked together— logistics, medical, humanitarian, and administrative teams’ side by side. In less than 15 minutes, everything was organized and prepared for the first day of the mission.

What could have turned into a disaster became a story we proudly talk about flexibility, teamwork, and shared responsibility.
At AHR, any volunteer is ready to support another team when needed. Doctors help humanitarian volunteers, humanitarian teams support logistics, and no one ever hesitates. Our internal rule is simple:

“As long as there are volunteers, there is no unsolvable problem.”

This spirit is especially evident in the relationship between international and local volunteers—where everyone treats one another like family, united by a single purpose.

The Impact of AHR Missions

Year after year, AHR missions continue to evolve and grow. Today, our work plays a crucial role in supporting hospitals by filling major gaps in equipment and expertise, helping the Ministry of Health prevent an already fragile healthcare system from
collapsing.

Equally important is the training of young doctors. Mission after mission, we see a longterm impact: physicians who, just two or three years ago, were unable to perform certain procedures are now confidently conducting advanced surgeries thanks to the training
and exposure they received through AHR.

More Than Volunteering — A Healing Experience

For me and for many volunteers—AHR missions are also a form of healing. We try to do the minimum we can help people who truly need us, yet the emotional return is immense.

The positive energy, hope, and sense of purpose I gain from each mission renew my belief in a better future and a more humane life every single time.

Professionally, the experience has been invaluable. As a biomedical engineer, I no longer see my role as limited to equipment alone. Through AHR, I have gained confidence and expertise in managing clinics and healthcare facilities. This motivated me to pursue
additional training in hospital management, allowing me to contribute even more effectively wherever I am needed.