Some 2000 years after the Apostle Paul's conversion in Damascus, little has been learned in that region about the peaceful settlement of disputes. Today's killings in Syria are motivated by political and religious differences beyond the ken of most who enjoy the security of Australia.

Daily we read and hear of the killing of tens, even hundreds, of Syrians as people of good will remain impotent to help. It is almost enough to cause one to lose faith in humanity.

So it was inspiring though challenging to learn recently of the work of Australian anaesthetist nurse Brian Moller, who has been coordinating the work in Syria of Médecins Sans Frontières - Doctors Without Borders.

It has been working without official authorisation in Syria for the past two months. Since the end of June MSF has admitted more than 300 patients to its house-turned-hospital and carried out more than 150 surgeries. Moller, who has worked with MSF for nine years, says the war in Syria does not spare civilians. Though he is working in rebel territory, he makes no distinction between supporters and opponents of the regime when administering medical care.

''Our work consists of coming to the aid of those who don't have access to healthcare,'' he says.

Of obvious frustration to a medical professional, he says there are dispensaries and places where consultations are carried out, but there is no capacity for surgery and hospitalisation in this area. ''Blood, painkillers, anaesthetics - they're short on everything,'' Moller says.

For those who question Canberra's health service, think about this.

Moller says women from the village arrived with two big bags of medical supplies bought from the local pharmacies. But it was hard to verify from where these products had come. So was it safe to use them?

''The problem in a context of war is that you don't always have the choice.''

His team gets good results despite the difficulties and ethical dilemmas.

''There are many questions that create tensions and heated exchanges between staff confronted with the demands of rationality in an extremely emotional situation.''

MSF gives emergency help to people affected by conflict, epidemics, malnutrition, healthcare exclusion and natural or man-made disasters in about 60 countries.

There are many deserving causes but at this time of impotence against so many pressing needs, MSF deserves support. This could include financial donations or perhaps more importantly donations of time by people with a range of skills such as medical, administration and logistics.

Details online at msf.org.au.