Global Response Medicine (GRM) and Help.Me.Live are leading the charge in providing emergency medical care to people caught in war, disasters, and displacement. As a finalist in the Health and Healing category for the 2024 .ORG Impact Awards, GRM is recognized for its innovative and compassionate approach to tackling urgent health crises around the globe. Leaders like Dr. Mohanad Al Khaero are at the heart of this work, bringing dedication and creativity to some of the world’s toughest situations. Dr. Mohanad’s leadership perfectly reflects GRM’s mission—finding resourceful ways to deliver life-saving care where it’s needed most.
In this interview, Dr. Mohanad opens up about his journey and shares lessons on what it takes to lead with compassion in times of crisis.
What inspired your journey into medicine?
Since I was a child, I dreamed of being a doctor. I didn’t fully understand what the job entailed, but I knew doctors save lives. That simple idea inspired me. Later, seeing patients who couldn’t afford basic care showed me I needed to do more than just treat people. I had to address the inequities that denied them access to life-saving help.
What’s the most challenging case you’ve faced?
A seven-month-old boy came to our camp weighing just 1.75 kilograms. His mother had given up on him and was starving him intentionally. With a social worker’s help, we convinced her to let us care for him. He arrived malnourished and nearly naked in the dead of winter, but over time, he grew to 7 kilograms and regained his health. That case taught me the power of persistence—never give up when someone needs help.
How do you innovate under extreme constraints?
In one camp, we lost newborns to hypothermia. I studied traditional incubators and found a way to replicate their function using plastic containers. Once we implemented these makeshift incubators, we didn’t lose any more newborns. Another time, during extreme heat, scorpions invaded tents where infants slept on the ground. We created curved plastic beds that scorpions couldn’t climb, saving countless lives. These experiences showed me how creative thinking can transform limited resources into life-saving solutions.
What has been the most profound lesson you’ve learned from the people you serve?
The resilience of the people I serve never ceases to amaze me. Despite facing unimaginable hardships, their strength and hope inspire me every day. One mother, who lost nearly everything in a conflict, still found ways to share the little she had with others in need. Moments like these remind me that compassion and generosity exist even in the darkest times, and they push me to do better, lead with empathy, and never lose faith in humanity.
What motivates you to keep going?
The gratitude of the people we help is priceless. Even in the hardest moments, knowing that so many depend on us—from patients to my team—keeps me focused. Their love and trust inspire me to push forward, no matter the challenges.
How do you empower others to lead?
To expand, we must create new leaders. I encourage my team to take on leadership roles, giving them freedom to make decisions while offering guidance. When people feel trusted and supported, they rise to the occasion. Seeing my team grow strengthens our mission and ensures its sustainability.
Global Response Medicine and Help.Me.Live are redefining medical aid in crisis zones, thanks to leaders like Dr. Mohanad Al Khaero. To support their work, visit global-response.org.
Learn more about the .ORG Impact Awards, a program dedicated to celebrating and supporting organizations making a difference worldwide. Explore inspiring stories and the impact of past and present honorees here.