Hello everyone,

My name is Mahmoud Abushammala, I’m a dentist, and partly qualified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon from Gaza.

Until late 2023, I was living in my family’s home, working hard to complete my speciality training and pursue a career in Surgery. I had completed 2 of 5 years of my training. I’ve spent years dedicating myself to this path; driven by the hope that one day I could use my hands to heal others.

But that path was suddenly shattered by the war.

Surviving the War, But Losing Everything

At the start of the war, a missile hit my home while I was still inside. I luckily survived and it was truly a miracle that I wasn’t seriously injured. Unfortunately though, my family’s home, built after years of my late father’s sacrifice, was completely destroyed.

We had finally managed to move into that apartment after growing up in a refugee camp and saving for decades. Now it’s nothing but rubble. Along with it, I lost my safety, my career, my country, and almost my life.

I was forced to flee Gaza and am now living in Egypt, where I’m doing everything I can just to survive and keep going. I volunteer where possible to help other displaced Palestinians, but it is unpaid work. Life feels like its come to a standstill without anywhere to go and any way to get my life back on track.

Why I’m Asking for Your Help

I’m launching this fundraiser to ask for help - not just for myself, but for my entire family, who I continue to support alone.

I want to continue my career in Dentistry & Surgery, but that means starting again from scratch in another country; retaking exams, re-qualifying, and finding a way to fund it all as someone who no longer has a home, income, or citizenship status.

Here’s what I’m trying to achieve:

If I’m able to study in the US:

• Visa, flights and relocation costs: ~$7,000

• INBDE Exam Fees: $880 + $435 processing

• Preparatory Courses for INDBE: $5,000

• 2-Year Advanced Standing DDS/DMD Program

• Tuition: $120,000 to $424,000 depending on the university

This would allow me to practise dentistry in the US and apply for surgical residency following.

If I pursue this path in the UK:

• Visa, flights and relocation costs: ~£5,000

• Overseas Registration Exam (ORE)

• Part 1: £584

• Part 2: £4,235

• Preparation courses: up to £5,000

• Equipment: up to £10,000.

• After passing both parts, I can finally register with the NHS and begin specialty training (which takes a further 10+ years to become a fully qualified Surgeon)

If I go to the EU:

Each country has its own process, usually involving:

• Credential evaluation

• Local language fluency

• National dental exams and clinical licensing

As you can see, the expenses are daunting and it’s not easy, but I’m willing to do whatever it takes. Its been disheartening to have put my all into applying for a US visa previously, but getting rejected.

For now, I’m in Egypt:

I’m trying to take temporary courses here to maintain my knowledge, but as a displaced person with no legal status or citizenship, I can’t practise or register officially. Even educational courses are charged in USD, as an international student, and anything I study here won’t be transferable later if I manage to leave.

I will dedicate my time here, to helping others - especially those in need. I will allocate time and a portion of the money collected to that, as well. I'll document how I'm able to help on my Instagram.

Supporting My Family

I’m not doing this for me alone.

I lost my father years ago, and now I’m the only provider for my mother and six siblings in Gaza. I try to send them money for food and living costs, but prices have skyrocketed. Even the basics, bread, rice, canned goods are becoming impossible to afford.

To give you an idea:

• A sheep in Gaza for Eid al-Adha now costs ~$5,500, compared to $1,100 last year, and just $300 in Egypt.

• Food prices are astronomical; a single bag of flour is ~$300, and will sometimes rise to $500.

• My family still has no home, no income, and no idea what the future will bring.

Any money donated here will go toward:

• Continuing my education and re-qualifying as a dentist

• Basic living costs for me while I’m in Egypt

• Supporting my mother and siblings with food and living costs

• Helping those in need in Egypt by performing dental procedures and surgeries, where possible.

Final Words

I’ve worked so hard for so long, through war, trauma, and loss to pursue a career that heals others. I never imagined I’d be asking others for help just to keep that dream alive.. but you've all become like my extended family.

If you can support me, even a small amount - I promise you’re not just helping me, you’re helping an entire family survive, and giving me the chance to one day stand on my own two feet again… and help others like I was meant to. Each and every single one of you who donates, has a special place in my heart, and I will forever be indebted to you for helping me through this hardship.

With all my heart,

Mahmoud