David Nott Foundation

Limited tickets available – don't miss out! Mission to Myanmar: A panel discussion with Professor David Nott, chaired by Elly Nott, will focus on our Co-Founder's covert mission to the jungle in Myanmar to treat patients and train local doctors working there. On July 2nd at 18.30 we will be holding an event at FRONTLINE CLUB in London. 🔗 Info and tickets: eventbrite.co.uk/e/mission-to-m… #frontlineclub #panelevent #charityevent

Book your tickets now! The only chance to hear our incredible founders David and Elly Nott, on a panel discussion about the David's recent covert mission to the jungle in Myanmar to treat the injured and train doctors. 🗓️ July 2nd at 18:30 The Frontline Club, London. 🙋 panel will be followed by Q and A, 🎥 a beautiful short film about the trip 🍷 drinks and nibbles. Tickets are limited to book now! eventbrite.co.uk/e/mission-to-m…

On 20 May 2026, the CHH-Lancet Commission on Health, Conflict and Forced Displacement report, titled Health in a World of Crises and Impunity, was launched at the University of Geneva. We are proud that Dr Munzer Alkhalil, a scholar at the David Nott Foundation, contributed to the Commission’s Governance and Localisation Working Groups as a NextGen Scholar, supporting discussions on aid localisation, locally led humanitarian action, legitimacy, and governance reform within humanitarian health responses. The report highlights the widening gap between humanitarian health needs and humanitarian response and calls for a transformation of a system increasingly shaped by politics rather than need. Key findings from the report include: 🔴 An estimated 239 million people will require humanitarian assistance in 2026, yet only 87 million are expected to receive it. 🔴 In many crisis settings, 70–90% of excess deaths result from the disruption of essential health services rather than direct violence. 🔴 A record 3,663 attacks on healthcare facilities were documented in 2024 – the highest ever. 🔴 Humanitarian financing is increasingly driven by national security and foreign policy interests rather than the needs of affected populations. 🔴 Just $23 billion would meet the world’s most urgent humanitarian needs — less than 1% of global military spending. The Commission also outlines four urgent priorities for reform: 1. Invert the power — Communities should lead, while international actors must justify their presence. 2. End impunity — Attacks on healthcare must trigger consequences, not statements. 3. Fix the money — Humanitarian funding must follow need and align with local systems, not foreign policy interests. 4. Uphold health for all — Continuity of care must remain non-negotiable, especially in conflict settings. Developed over two years by Commissioners, Next Generation scholars, the Advisory Committee, and partners worldwide, the report brings together research, lived experience, and policy recommendations to reimagine humanitarian health around equity, accountability, local leadership, and the right to health. 📖 Read the report in full: lnkd.in/eV8hZRS9 💡 More resources about the report: lnkd.in/e2v6VXxG #CHHLancetCommission #HumanitarianHealth #GlobalHealth #ForcedDisplacement #HealthInConflict #EndImpunity#HumanitarianReform #HealthInCrises

Last week, our CEO Dr James Gough and the David Nott Foundation team were proud to join our corporate partner @OliverBonas for an energising staff away day that brought together almost 300 Oliver Bonas managers from across the UK and Ireland. On the surface, a fashion and lifestyle brand and a frontline surgical training charity might seem like unlikely partners. But from the very beginning, what has defined our relationship with Oliver Bonas is how deeply our values align. Read the full story here: davidnottfoundation.com/style-with-pur… #oliverbonas #charitypartnership #stylewithpurpose

Join Trainees of David Nott Foundation's free webinar series focusing on the realities of surgical care in conflict settings. Their next talk will be delivered by Dr Omar Figueroa, a surgeon with over 30 years’ experience in hand and limb reconstruction. ⏰ Wednesday 27 May, 7pm BST ➡️ Register for free here: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regist… Dr Omar's work spans both microsurgical and conventional techniques, with a focus on complex extremity injuries. This session will explore practical decision-making, staged reconstruction and managing complex limb injuries in austere environments. #medicaleducation #medicalwebinar #wardoctor

eventbrite.co.uk/e/war-doctors-… Join War Doctors - In Conversation, 24 June, to hear stories from the doctors saving lives in the face of conflict and catastrophe. “I’ve seen the horrors of war. But I’ve also seen the power of sharing life saving knowledge. That’s why we do what we do.” David Nott Join War Doctors - In Conversation, 24 June, to hear stories from the doctors saving lives in the face of conflict and catastrophe. Professor David Nott (Co-founder of David Nott Foundation) will be joined by Dr Goher Rahbour, Dr Rebekka Troller, and Dr Nicola Batrick (Q&A chair) to discuss surgery on the frontline, moral dilemmas, and the scars left by war.

Our incredible supporters Holly and Max have just completed the Three Peaks Challenge in support of the David Nott Foundation. Scaling the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales in under 24 hours is no small feat, but they did it in an amazing 23 hours and 17 minutes. With stunning views, teamwork, and even 60 homemade Welsh cakes to fuel the journey, their determination carried them through every step! "What I really admire about the Foundation is that it doesn’t just provide short-term help; it trains local doctors with skills that continue saving lives long after the immediate crisis has passed. Knowing the money we raised could contribute towards that made the whole experience feel incredibly worthwhile."- Holly Martin Read more about Holly and Max's challenge on our website.

Mission to Myanmar: A panel discussion with Professor David Nott, chaired by Elly Nott, will focus on our Co-Founder's covert mission to the jungle in Myanmar to treat patients and train local doctors working there. On July 2nd at 18.30 we will be holding an event at The Frontline Club in London. eventbrite.co.uk/e/mission-to-m… You can read the story David wrote for The Times on our website here: davidnottfoundation.com/jungle-of-myan… The panel will also feature anaesthetist Dr Ian Nesbitt and Dr Tom Avery who accompanied Professor Nott on the mission, as well as the journalist Carsten Stormer, and Dr Thinn Hlaing, Country Director of Global Health Partnership. The discussion will be preceded by a short film with footage by Carsten Stormer.

There's still time to secure your place on the Hostile Environment Surgical Training (HEST®-UK) Course, 7-11 December 2026. Applications close at 12:00 BST on Friday 15 May 2026 so don't miss out. This intensive five-day cadaveric course prepares surgeons to deliver emergency trauma care in conflict zones and austere environments. Apply now ➡️ bit.ly/4eEXpsq Course info ➡️ bit.ly/4uf9Gsc #humanitariansurgery #traumasurgery #hostileenvironmenttraining

Freedom, Influence, Love, Courage and Health. These are my guiding values. Spending 6 months lying on my back in 2012 having been injured in Afghanistan forced me to confront what I really thought. To consider what really mattered. I decided on these values. I try to live them every day. Read our CEO James Gough's article on our Substack. We all take such inspiration from our leaders at the Foundation and are happy to share one such account. davidnottfoundation.substack.com/p/freedom-infl…

Manchester Marathon is nearly sold out, don't delay, sign up to support The David Nott Foundation and allow us to continue our mission to help train doctors working on the front lines of conflict and catastrophe. Your support directly empowers medical professionals to save lives where it matters most. runforcharity.com/charity-regist…

Delia’s 200-Mile Challenge Our wonderful supporter Delia has taken on an inspiring new challenge this year in support of the David Nott Foundation. Last autumn, she completed the incredible feat of walking 100 miles for us in just one month. This spring, she is pushing herself even further by committing to an immense 200‑mile walk. A message from Delia: For the last four years I have been walking 1000+ miles a year locally - the equivalent distance of Land's End to John O'Groats. Last year the heading was 'Now I am in my 80th year' - now, however, it will have to be - 'Now I am 81!' - and again, looking forward to walking 200 miles locally, during May and June, car free, to raise funds for David Nott Foundation. Her walks are never just about the miles covered; they represent purpose, community and unwavering commitment. Delia’s dedication reflects the spirit of our amazing supporters, who feel the mission of the David Nott Foundation as deeply as we do: to provide safe surgical care for all. She truly embodies the values we strive to share. Once again, Delia will be joined by her loyal companion, TTT (Team Together Ted), who will be making a stylish upgrade this year by sporting his very own David Nott Foundation top, perfect for a bear, of course. We are incredibly honoured that Delia is taking on this challenge. If you would like to show your support, please follow the link below: davidnottfoundation.enthuse.com/Delia200

Meet Daniel Lazenby, a Burns & Plastic Surgery Registrar based in the North West of England and National Lead of Trainees of David Nott Foundation (TDNF). Daniel founded TDNF in 2023 to give surgical trainees a way to engage with humanitarian surgery alongside their training. His story covers how he got here, what keeps him going, and what punk music and reptile biology have to do with war surgery. Read his story: davidnottfoundation.com/tdnf-committee… #humanitariansurgery #surgicaltraining #warsurgery

bit.ly/3QoAGXp Applications for the 7-11 December 2026 HEST-UK course are now open! services.rcsed.ac.uk/events-courses… Hostile Environment Surgical Training, United Kingdom (HEST-UK) | RCSEd The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) hosts a variety of surgical and dental events, from conferences and symposia to webinars and external events, supporting professional development worldwide. In addition, the College offers an extensive range of surgical and dental courses, available in Edinburgh, across the UK and online, supporting healthcare professionals at every stage of their careers. Explore the course calendar, accreditation opportunities and CPD resources to enhance your professional development.

🏃Manchester Marathon 2027🏅 Take on one of Europe’s largest marathons and run for something that truly saves lives. Run for The David Nott Foundation at the Manchester Marathon in April 2027 and help train frontline doctors delivering safe, skilled surgical care in the world’s most dangerous and underserved places. Sign up today and be part of life‑saving change: bit.ly/4sSLScl #ManchesterMarathon #WarDoctor #ConflictSurgeon

Join Trainees of David Nott Foundation's free webinar series focusing on the realities of surgical care in conflict settings. Their next talk will be delivered by Mr Khaled Alshawwa, a General Surgeon working across field hospitals in Gaza. He is also a proud graduate of the David Nott Foundation's frontline surgical course. ⏰ This Thursday 23 April, 5pm ➡️ Register for free here: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regist… This webinar offers a rare opportunity to hear first‑hand insights into real‑world surgical practice under extraordinary circumstances. #medicaleducation #medicalwebinar #wardoctor

In our latest Substack article, 'This is my Nobel Prize' bit.ly/3QnuiQ4 we told the story of Dr Mahmoud Hariri, a Syrian surgeon who performed life-saving operations in Aleppo during intense bombardment, repeatedly putting himself at risk to help civilians. As the dust settles, both physically and metaphorically, the world is beginning to comprehend what really went on in Syria for over a decade of war, and we are committed to working with health professionals in the country as they work towards a brighter future. There is a huge amount of work to be done. Now based in the UK, Dr Hariri works with our Foundation, sharing frontline surgical expertise to train others for conflict zones. He brings invaluable firsthand knowledge of war surgery that can't be learned from textbooks. The David Nott Foundation is the beneficiary of talent and experience such as Dr Hariri's. We have up to date knowledge about war surgery for the very presence of surgeons such as Mahmoud in our country and in our team. #wardoctor #warsurgery

“Why I am a doctor? This is the question? Is it career? To earn money?” Dr Mahmoud Hariri, a Syrian surgeon, asks himself a fundamental question as he reflects on his immeasurable contribution to saving the lives of his fellow citizens during the devastating war in this country. It’s hard to believe that we are now almost ten years, and many more wars, on from June 2016, when the journalist Ben Taub published an article in the New Yorker Magazine called ‘The Shadow Doctors’. The piece focused on the work of our Co-Founder Professor David Nott and a group of Syrian surgeons who were working tirelessly to save lives while risking their own as the Syrian government ‘assassinated, bombed, and tortured to death’ its own people, including hundreds of medical personnel. By 2016, according to Physicians for Human Rights, the number of healthcare workers killed was at almost 700. The figure in 2024 was at over 1000, with thousands more still missing. Read the full story on our Substack: davidnottfoundation.substack.com/p/this-is-my-n…

There's a well-known story about the anthropologist Margaret Mead, who identified a 15,000-year-old healed human femur (thighbone) as the first sign of civilisation. She explained that, unlike in the animal kingdom, a healed broken bone indicates someone cared for the injured person - providing food, safety, and time for recovery - rather than abandoning them. She is thought to have argued that true civilisation begins when human beings start helping one another through difficult times. A broken femur in prehistoric times was a death sentence because the victim could not hunt, gather, or escape danger on their own. A healed femur is evidence of compassion - that someone stayed with the injured individual, bound the wound, transported them to safety, and provided long-term care. At the David Nott Foundation compassion is the motivation for every action. This image is from our Hostile Environment Surgical Training in Palestine, July 2025. #conflictsurgery #wardoctor