After 16 years of visionary leadership, Dr. Salaheldin Abusin will be concluding his service as Secretary General and stepping down from the Board at the Sudanese American Medical Association (SAMA). Dr. Abusin has been an integral part of SAMA since its inception in 2008, when he laid the foundation of the organization alongside the late Dr. Bushra Ibnauf Suliman. His leadership and commitment have been instrumental in shaping the identity, mission, and growth of the organization.
Throughout his tenure, Dr. Abusin held multiple leadership roles and consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing SAMA’s mission. From 2019 to 2023, during a period of significant political instability in Sudan that challenged the organization’s foundation and threatened its support base, Dr. Abusin served as the backbone. His leadership during these difficult years was vital in preserving SAMA’s continuity and integrity.
Dr. Abusin played a central role in revitalizing SAMA’s strategic planning, fundraising, and operations. His clear vision and focused execution enabled the organization to not only recover but to expand its impact. In 2025, he led SAMA to achieve its highest fundraising success to date, enabling the delivery of critical health and educational services to communities across Sudan.
Dr. Abusin also led the SAMA Internship Program, mentoring young Sudanese professionals and shaping the next generation of leaders. Through his mentorship, many interns developed critical skills, advanced their careers, and secured competitive positions, including medical residencies in the United States. Notably, several of his mentees rose to prominent leadership roles within SAMA, such as Executive Director and Director of IT and Contracts. In recognition of his lasting influence and commitment to nurturing talent, Dr. Abusin was honored with the SAMA Mentor Award in 2024.
One of Dr. Abusin’s most significant contributions has been preserving the legacy of his late co-founder, Dr. Bushra Ibnauf Suliman. In the wake of Dr. Bushra’s passing during the war, Dr. Abusin spearheaded the establishment of the Dr. Bushra Ibnauf Centers for Learning in Port Sudan and Gedarif. These centers, equipped with solar power and internet connectivity, provide optimized learning environments and have served hundreds of students, embodying SAMA’s commitment to education and resilience in the face of adversity.
Although Dr. Abusin is concluding his formal role on the Board of Directors, his journey with SAMA is far from over. He will continue to be a valuable asset to the organization by joining the Advisory Board in 2026, where his experience, insight, and dedication will continue to shape the future of SAMA.
Dr. Abusin’s departure from his current role marks the end of a historic chapter. His legacy of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the people of Sudan will continue to inspire SAMA’s mission for years to come.
It is “an eye opener” for me to read:
Quote: After 16 years of visionary leadership, Dr. Salaheldin Abusin will be concluding his service as Secretary General and stepping down from the Board at the Sudanese American Medical Association (SAMA) Unquote.
Dr. Salah was so attached to SAMA as a visionary and as a leader. He WAS/is a doer and he was excellent at it!. I am a witness-many of you are as well- and I can not believe how he had managed to be SO AVAILABLE ALL THE TIME to take care of SAMA’s affair at least for the last 15-20 years or so!! I was not sure that a time would come and he would step down! Its a kind of two different worlds for SAMA with Dr. Salah at the top post and now he is stepping down! Good thing is he has never done the job alone. There was all kind of good capable people around him all the time. Some like late prof. Bushra and the founders, were there before him and some joined him later in the day like Dr. Nahla Gadalla and the team leading SAMA right now. I think he has done a “hell of good things” in his tenure” and I think he is stepping down and leaving SAMA in good hands! SAMA was built on sound sold ground: Always chasing noble roles to paly since its establishment, self less bright people, dedicated/highly educated members, good charitable committed donors and a management GIVING everything not only their EXPENSIVE/VALUABLE time.
I do not think Dr. Salah -knowing Dr. Salah- would have the liberty TO NOT BE ACTIVE when it comes to SAMA’s affairs after his SEPPING DOWN! The job is not yet done……Sudan and its people are in more need today than in any other time since the independence in 1956. Even though his stepping down is {SHOKING} but let us say THINGS WILL BE ALL RIGHT!
Personally, I thank you so much Dr Salah; for me being a witness of a SELF CREATED community worker- if I might say- who did what he elected to do WELL and beyond that.
God bless you!
Kamal Taifour