While many doctors in Syria have fled violence and systematic attacks on hospitals and medical personnel, Darwish chose to return to Madaya. He is one of the three remaining doctors there, serving a population of more than 40,000 people. Darwish was targeted and threatened by Syrian government forces on multiple occasions because of his humanitarian work. By meticulously documenting the conditions of his patients, many of whom are children, Darwish has brought international attention to the conditions in Madaya.