Saving Lives in Israel’s Holiest City

“When someone comes in you have to make the right decision immediately,” said Berzon, an emergency medicine doctor at Shaare Zedek Hospital in Israel.

Berzon, who grew up in Israel and served as a paratrooper in the Israeli Defense Forces, credits LCM with helping him achieve his dream of becoming a doctor.

“LCM is like a small family,” recalled Berzon. “You don’t get lost and you grow at your own pace. The whole experience prepared me to reach my goal.”

During his time at LCM, Berzon logged long hours of research with Dr. Ann Shinar and Dr. Kenneth Danishefsky, the respective chairs of LCM’s chemistry and biology department. After graduating from LCM in 2006, he was accepted into the Albert Einstein School of Medicine in the Bronx. Berzon finished his medical studies in 2010 and did his residency at SUNY Downstate Kings County Hospital in Emergency Medicine and Internal Medicine, where an active trauma unit taught him how to remain calm in even the most difficult situations.

“Being able to help someone during this incredibly difficult time of their life is what drove me to the ER,” explained Berzon.

After finishing his residency, Berzon returned to Israel with his family.

“I wanted to be where history is made, not where it’s seen from the outside,” said Berzon, who also directs Terem Modiin Illit, a non-emergency medical center. “This is where we want to build the Jewish nation.”