In a thread on his Twitter account, the Libyan doctor said: “In May 2015, when I packed my small backpack to fly from my hometown of Al-Khums to Boston, for what was supposed to be a one-month surgical rotation at Mass General Medicine, I never imagined celebrating my Harvard University graduation years later.”
“In 2011, during my final year of med school, Libya fell into severe conflict. In response to the devastating shortage of medical staff and resources, I led the setup of mobile, frontline surgical units. Alongside a group of courageous libyan doctors and medical students, we performed surgeries amid shelling and mortar fire, saving lives that otherwise would never have received medical care in time. Years later, in 2015, after completing my rotation, I was recruited as a Postdoc Transplant Surgery Fellow Mass General Surgery. When not in the operating room or at my research bench, I was occupied by initiatives to expand healthcare access to underserved communities,” Aburawi stated.
“Compelled to turn these insights into action, I embarked on an MPA journey at Mass General Surgery Kennedy School, after being accepted with a full scholarship. As with my medical training, I chose to pursue the path of learning-by-doing. I was honored to be selected by the Center for Public Leadership, Social Innovation + Change Initiative at Harvard University, and a Mason Fellow. All of which added incredible breadth and depth to my experience at the Center for Public Leadership at Harvard University,” he noted.
He went on to say that “during this time, we launched Speetar.com, an AI-enabled platform connecting the dots in a fragmented global health system & powering high-quality care delivery to the next billion people most in need.”
“To date, Speetar has positively impacted over 1.8 million lives in 5 countries (& growing strong). In recognition of our contributions to public health, Speetar has been presented the
Harvard Medical School Dean’s Community Service Award. These years were also incredibly difficult. As a Libyan, I was subject to the Muslim ban and went 5 years without seeing my parents or siblings – they missed my wedding, the birth of my children, and graduation. Every moment is bittersweet. My heart is full of gratitude for the community I have in Boston —equally driven and compassionate friends, often immigrants themselves. Having experienced conflict and loss, I do not take this for granted. I’m grateful to have met you all, and shared a part of your journey,” he added.
He thanked his team, saying, “I’m constantly inspired by the impact we have, collectively driven by the belief that everyone deserves access to lifesaving care, regardless of location, socio-economic status, or political or social leanings. To the communities we serve Speetar.com thanks you for trusting us with your care. To my family, friends, and mentors: thank you for your trust, support, and guidance. You have made all the difference in my life. All thanks to Allah,” he concluded.