L-R Dr Stefane Ledot, Dr Joel Symons and Prof Yehuda Ginosar
The atrocities of 7 October occurred, and I realised that most of my life, I had been taking our ancestral home for granted. Israel was reeling from a dual attack- both physical and online. I can’t explain it but my resolve to use my anaesthesia skills and go and assist, to show support and unity to the citizens of this wonderful country was resolute.
I spent two weeks volunteering at Hadassah Ein Kerem in West Jerusalem. This is a large, modern tertiary hospital perched on top of a hill overlooking the town of Ein Kerem and the magnificent countryside surrounding it.
I worked as an anaesthetic consultant, supervising anaesthesia registrars as well as giving two talks to the Department on Preoperative Risk Assessment tools and Prehabilitation. Temporary registration with the Israel Ministry of Health was seamless, ably assisted via the Department of Anaesthesia at Hadassah.
What struck me about Hadassah was its multiculturalism, both in patients and staff (Jews, Arabs, Moslems, Christians, Palestinians, and others from around the world). The goals here were common- excellent care for patients and their families, collegiality, and respect.
Hadassah is a world-class hospital with exceptional facilities and an ethos that many hospitals around the world would do well to emulate. I would like to thank Professor Reuven Pizov (Chair Division of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine), Dr Stefane Ledot (Director of Anaesthesiology), Professor Yehuda Ginosar (Director, Mother and Child Anesthesia Unit) and all their staff for making me feel so welcome. The opportunity for future collaboration between Hadassah and the Australian medical professionals looks very promising and I intend to nurture this in the future.
Associate Prof Dr Joel Symons is a distinguished senior anaesthetist and Head of Perioperative Medicine-International at The Alfred Hospital and The University of Melbourne.
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