Shaare Zedek UK

Craig Karpelowsky is the newest member of the Young Shaare Zedek UK Committee. The committee is responsible for hosting events which appeal to Jewish Young Professionals, creating both an awareness of the hospital as well as raising funds, which really helps to ensure that the hospital’s life-saving programmes will continue for the benefit of future generations.

When asked why he wanted to join a Young Committee, Karpelowsky complimented the hospital and said he wanted to get involved in more Chesed work and had heard that the Shaare Zedek Medical Centre does amazing work in Israel and it is something he would like to be associated with. To Karpelowsky, Shaare Zedek is a place where all people are treated equally and it’s all about the preservation of life, showing the Jewish people in a positive light, setting politics aside.

I am often asked what is so special about the Shaare Zedek Medical Centre, Jerusalem. Well, where do I start and why is it referred to as ‘The Hospital with a Heart’?

By walking through its doors, you instantly know that you are somewhere special and most importantly in a place where you will feel secure that you will be looked after, regardless of race, religion or means.

Shaare Zedek has kept faith with its founding philosophy. The saving of lives supersedes every other consideration; demographically, both staff and patients reflect the religious and ethnic profile of Israel. At any point you might hear one of over 30 languages, meet those of all faiths or none and encounter anyone from a newborn to a centenarian, a soldier to a doctor from the West Bank.

During my recent visit, I had the opportunity to meet several doctors and got a real understanding of their working practices. What struck me most was the absolute care and consideration for the family as well as the actual patient.

A visit to the hospital’s maternity department, with its 15 delivery rooms and 150 post natal beds, tells the story of its success more than any statistic. Though an average day delivers 40 babies, the atmosphere is calm and the department runs like clockwork.

But the hospital is more than a place of support. It is internationally recognised for its medical excellence.

 

I recently joined the team at Shaare Zedek and what impressed me most, was how the hospital helps the whole family not just the patient. As an example, for our diabetic children (we are the national leader in Juvenile Diabetes) we have introduced family cookery classes. This is in addition to our renowned clown and pet therapy treatments.

I truly believe that comprehensive care is not limited to medicine. For many children the hospital becomes a second home and we must offer every aspect of support that makes treatment as painless as possible. We become a real part of their family and on numerous occasions we are invited to a patients bar or bat mitzvah. We truly become a part of their lives and this is a central part of our role as care-givers.

I have recently made aliyah, after qualifying as a Doctor in England. I wanted to work in a hospital where they care equally for the family as well as the patient receiving the treatment. I visited several hospitals before deciding to apply for a position at Shaare Zedek Medical Centre and working here has surpassed my expectations.

Patients are able to be in contact with the doctors throughout the day and are dealt with in a dignified manner. What surprised me, was that the consultants spend as much time as possible with the patients, visiting them at least twice a day. We also ensure that we put aside an hour each day to answer the patient’s family’s questions such as medication.

I was made to feel part of the Shaare Zedek ‘family’ straight away and am so delighted that I made the choice.
 

Wanting to gain some much needed hands-on experience at one of Israel’s leading hospitals and after much research, I decided that I would benefit most from spending time at Shaare Zedek Medical Centre. Shaare Zedek is a cutting-edge hospital and is renowned for its quality of teaching medical students. Immediately on entering the hospital, I felt welcomed and valued.

As I unfortunately had only a short amount of time, the hospital put together an intensive programme, so that I would get the maximum benefit from my visit. I was able to witness first-hand the amazing work the doctors and nurses do throughout the hospital. Whilst I was there I saw a vast range of medicine from cardiac catheterisation and open heart surgery under the guise of Dr Fink to nuclear medical imaging and paediatric respiratory intensive care. All the consultants I met took time to explain the particular case they were dealing with, despite their incredibly busy clinics.

Prior to my trip I was quite apprehensive; would I be able to communicate with the doctors and nurses and would the standard of medicine be as high as it is here in England? In many cases, the knowledge, equipment and skills of the physicians and surgeons far exceeded anything I have seen in the UK and English is a well used language in the hospital, much to my relief!

All in all, I had a fantastic time and more importantly it opened my eyes to many areas of medicine that I had not been exposed to. If you have the chance to do all or part of your elective here, I honestly couldn’t recommend a better hospital.

To find out more about how you can get involved, please visit How to Help.

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