Dr. Khetam Hussein, Director of the Infection Control Service at Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam), in Haifa, Israel, has been chosen to light one of 12 torches in the country’s official Independence Day ceremony in Jerusalem on April 25, 2023.
Dr. Khetam Hussein.
Photography: Rambam HCC.
Dr. Khetam Hussein has an impressive list of qualifications, appointments, national and international accomplishments, and accolades. Originally, from the Druze village, Rama, she established and now heads Rambam’s Infection Control Unit, and works tirelessly to improve hospital practices. Dr. Hussein has completed a sub-specialization in infection control and hospital epidemiology from the European Committee on Infection Control training program. In addition to her responsibilities at Rambam, Dr. Hussein is actively involved in setting European guidelines for strengthening infection control and preventive measures. During the pandemic, she headed Rambam’s dedicated departments for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. A pioneering researcher, she is also a consultant for Israel’s Ministry of Health and is a recognized leader in her field.
Upon confirming the nominees for the torch-bearing ceremony at the Independence Day celebrations on Tuesday, April 25, Israel’s Knesset Member and Minister of Transport, Miri Regev, declared, “Khetam is an inspiration to all Israeli young women, especially those in the Druze community. Doing good has no limits.”
Professor Michael Halberthal, director general and CEO of Rambam, is justifiably proud that Dr. Hussein is being honored in this manner. “Khetam is a significant influencer in her field. An uncompromising perfectionist, she constantly works to improve hospital practices in this field. During the coronavirus crisis, we further benefited from Khetam’s exceptional skills when she managed Rambam’s fight against COVID-19, and also had a national influence in that regard. For two years, she worked tirelessly, day and night, under extremely challenging conditions to improve practices and treatment.” Halberthal concludes, “Khetam’s kindness, positivity, and professionalism are a perfect example of a woman breaking ground in her field and in her community. She has a bright future ahead of her.”
The Rambam family stands as one and congratulates Dr. Khetam Hussein for receiving national recognition for all her achievements and accomplishments.