Cardiology at Shaare Zedek – Devorah Rosenblum

My 6 week elective was undertaken in the cardiology ward at Shaare Zedek hospital in Jerusalem during my final year of my medical degree at Monash University

The patient-doctor relationships that I observed were very impressive - doctors treated all the patients equally with respect and compassion and it was clear that the patients felt well-cared for. The staff were all very friendly, approachable and competent and showed enthusiasm in demonstrating examination techniques and ECG interpretation.

The staff and volunteers were from diverse backgrounds and nationalities.

It was interesting to see the impact of religious observance on the practice of good medicine.

Overall my experience in Israel was educational, stimulating and enjoyable and I appreciate being given the opportunity to watch, learn and participate in a professional unit in a well known hospital.

Ilana Parkes
Final Year Medical Student, Monash University

“In 2009 I undertook a Final Year Medical Elective at Shaare Zedek Hospital in Jerusalem, in the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Neonatology.

“This wasn’t just any elective placement – an elective in an Israeli hospital is like no other. The field of Obstetrics and Gynaecology is possibly one of the areas in medicine which best demonstrates the uniqueness of the Israeli context – and I was lucky enough to be able to experience it first hand. The labour ward at Shaarei Zedek is incredibly busy, with 20-30 babies born there on an average day (compared to 3-5 in the labour ward of a Melbourne Hospital I was placed at the year before). Shaare Zedek also has a large and advanced IVF unit. I found this area particularly fascinating given that in Israel IVF and fertility medicine in general demand many considerations over and above those taken into account in other countries; the large number of genetic diseases with high prevalence in Ashkenazi Jewish populations, as well as Halachic opinions regarding fertility treatments that are central to so many religious families, are challenges exclusive to the Israeli context. It was interesting and eye-opening to see how these issues are managed with sensitivity and professionalism.

“Apart from the educational opportunities at Shaare Zedek was the wonderful feeling of belonging I had there, which reflects the general feeling I get in Israel. Though on the other side of the world, I felt so at home in Shaare Zedek – it was amazing how often I caught an Australian accent being used! I encountered a large number of Australian expat doctors and allied health professionals working there, many of whom I already knew, which made the experience of walking down the corridor in an Israeli hospital very familiar and enjoyable! And of course, being in Israel, there were constant games of ‘Jewish Geography’ which inevitably turned up all kinds of unexpected connections – I even came across a close friend of the doctor who delivered me 25 years ago!

“Overall my experience as a student in Shaare Zedek was truly memorable. I hope that very soon I’ll be able to return to Shaare Zedek as a doctor, and actively contribute to the wonderful health care it provides”.

Adam Ballin
6th Year Medicine
University of New South Wales

"I was lucky enough to recently undertake an elective rotation at Shaare Zedek. This experience revealed a centre of excellence where dedicated medical and allied health professionals of all races and religions worked together seamlessly to provide quality care to an equally diverse cohort of patients from around Israel and the world.
“It's a unique environment where holistic, evidence based health care is delivered according to the finest Jewish traditions of healing and bioethics. Research and teaching are core values at Shaare Zedek; students and practitioners from across the globe are drawn to Shaare Zedek to learn, share and provide treatment with leaders in their respective fields".

Visiting Israel soon?

One of the most meaningful ways of creating a special bond with Shaare Zedek Hospital is by touring the hospital as a VIP guest. Contact us on 03 9527 1203 or email us on info@shaarezedek.org.au to arrange your own personal tour of the Hospital with a Heart.