Dr. Shahar Shelly, the Director of Neurology at Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa, Israel, is among the many physicians who travel abroad to further their skills. After his time in Minnesota, he reflects on his experiences, the challenges he faced, and the joy of returning home.
Dr. Shahar Shelly spent several years at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota and is among many Israeli doctors who relocate to various countries to complete fellowships, enhance their training, and practice their profession while immersing themselves in other cultures.
Since returning to Israel two and a half years ago and taking up his current position at Rambam, Shelly has come to appreciate the unique sense of belonging, community, and cultural connection that he missed while abroad. “There is something special about working in our country, with our culture and our language,” he says.
He reflects on Israel’s healthcare system, acknowledging, “There are significant challenges here. The healthcare system needs more resources, and burnout is a daily struggle. But the feeling that we are contributing to our society, to the place we come from and belong to, is irreplaceable.”
He continues, “In Israel, we are not just doctors but part of a broad and supportive community, connected by a shared history and common values. Every patient encounter can become personal and meaningful, where we not only treat the body but also care for the soul. This sense of mission, of giving, and the ability to profoundly and genuinely impact the lives of those around us is what makes the difference.”
He explains that Israeli doctors abroad carry unique “cultural baggage” compared to those around them—shaped by military service, a shared worldview, and a common background. “When you’re abroad, you don’t feel entirely at home. It’s hard to find people who understand the significance of our Jewish and national holidays, the sense of cohesion, the nuances in our language, the jokes everyone gets, and the experience of growing up in the same culture,” he adds.
Shelly also notes the cultural differences in patient communication: in the United States, interactions with patients are more distant and rigid, while in Israel, they are warm and far more open. He describes his connection with patients in Israel as something unique: “Communication is in Hebrew, in blue and white. I missed that. It’s what brought me back to Israel, and it’s what keeps me here.” His decision to return was difficult, but it was driven by Zionism, his roots, and a desire to help the people of Israel.
He emphasizes that medicine is not just another profession; it is a sensitive field with national importance—people are being treated, and every person counts. He explains that doctors who choose to leave Israel contribute to a significant brain drain. “Our brain drain is substantial—good doctors are leaving.” Issues like compensation and working conditions are among the reasons and they severely affect Israel’s healthcare system. Shelly believes that improving working conditions would make doctors feel more valued and could deter many from leaving.
“In times like these, when we are challenged as a people and a nation, and everything hangs in the balance,” he concludes, “we must unite because we have no other place to be.”
Based on a Hebrew article from YNet News