Dr. Barbara Isaacs, a Hadassah Louisville life member, saw firsthand how the Hadassah Medical Organization in Jerusalem serves Arabs, Israelis, Orthodox Jews and all others during her recent trip to Israel.
Speaking at the April 2 Louisville Hadassah Chai Society High Tea, which was hosted by Dr. Lisa Klein, Isaacs, along with National Vice President, Carol Ann Schwartz and Visiting Fellow in Pediatric Nephrology Dr. Oded Volovelsky shared their impressions and experiences with the updated hospital facilities, resources and current research ongoing at the campuses.
Isaacs said she was impressed by the equal treatment people received at the hospital.
She said she toured the new Sarah Wetsman Davidson Tower, which includes an underground Emergency Department and operating rooms that are reinforced for use during bombing and chemical weapons attacks.
Isaacs also said she was impressed with the hospital school that teaches in Arabic and Hebrew and also accommodates Haredi students, as well as the famous Chagall windows.
As a participant in the Israel Exchange Program between Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Hadassah Medical Organization, Volovelsky is pursuing his fellowship in pediatric nephrology in the United States with plans to return to Israel at its completion.
His research team at Hadassah Hospital was representative of the diverse population of the country. A native born Israeli, a new immigrant, an Orthodox Jew, a Muslim and a combat officer comprised the team.
Schwartz reinforced the importance of research and clinical work at Hadassah Hospital, where doctors are expected to perform both aspects of medical care. The doctors on staff are available directly to potential patients, and their clinical trials are open to anyone in the world who meets the eligibility criteria.
Other countries in the region send patients to the hospital to take advantage of the cutting edge therapies developed there. Arab/Palestinian physicians are trained there and go back to their communities. Jews and Arabs also work together on the Mt. Scopus campus, a community hospital covering northern and eastern Jerusalem and serving mixed neighborhoods.
Hadassah’s Chai Society is one of the National Annual Giving Program levels, beginning at $180/year. Chai Society donors can choose where to make an impact by directing their gift to a personally preferred general interest area in medicine and healthcare or other initiative. Visit hadassah.org or by email LouisvilleHadassahChapter@gmail.com for details.
