PROGRAMS TO DATE

Palestine Pediatric Research, Alliance, Leaders

Palestine P.A.L.s (Pediatric Research, Alliance, Leaders) is a collaboration between Al Quds University and Stanford University to address the unmet child health needs in Palestine and cultivate a self-sustaining research program capable of fostering a next-generation of Palestinian physician-researchers.

Through interactive training and mentorship, P.A.L.s empowers Palestinian medical youth to launch pediatric data collection and interventions in Palestine, improving child healthcare and advancing an evidence-based understanding of Palestinian needs. P.A.L.s creates long-term collaborations between US and Palestinian physician-scientists to facilitate global knowledge exchange and strengthen pediatric research infrastructure in Palestine.

Mental Health Intervention in Syria

Partnered with Johns Hopkins and The Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) to adapt and pilot the Common Elements Treatment Approach (CETA) in Northwest Syria. The intervention significantly reduced symptoms in participating children, and SAMS now is scaling up the program, offering essential mental health support to children in conflict zones across Syria.

UPCOMING PROGRAMMING

  • Regional Mental Health Network

    In collaboration with the Palestinian Ministry of Health, Stanford Med will develop a scalable, community-based mental health program centered on healing circles. These circles address trauma collectively and utilize community support to promote recovery in conflict zones. By training local healthcare workers, including paramedics, to deliver mental health care, the program reduces stigma and builds capacity for trauma-informed support. Designed for expansion to Gaza and beyond, this initiative offers a sustainable, culturally sensitive approach to regional mental health care.

  • Palestine Pediatric Health Assessment

    Conduct a national pediatric needs assessment in collaboration with Al Quds University to identify key health challenges in Palestine. This effort will guide the development of evidence-based healthcare solutions, such as public health programs and health technologies, and empower faculty and researchers alongside Palestinian medical students to lead data collection and interventions, cultivating the next generation of physician-researchers and strengthening local research capacity.

  • Humanitarian Health Fellowship

    Launch a specialized humanitarian health fellowship for healthcare workers from conflict-affected areas, providing advanced emergency response training at Stanford. In collaboration with national ministries, establish in- country training hubs and utilize telemedicine for ongoing education and certification. This initiative will create a self-sustaining healthcare workforce equipped to manage future crises and improve care in underserved areas.

  • Health Data Collection & Human Rights Documentation

    Develop a secure platform for healthcare workers to document human rights violations, including attacks on medical facilities and denial of care in conflict zones. This platform will support legal efforts, while research on the long-term health impacts—such as trauma, malnutrition, and chronic disease—will provide vital evidence for global advocacy. These initiatives aim to drive international accountability and emphasize the urgent need for humanitarian interventions.