Young Doctors in Gaza Take Up the Mantle of Healing Amidst Devastation
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza has decimated the health system in the besieged enclave, with hospitals and medical staff under constant attack. Over 1,700 healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics, have lost their lives since the war began two years ago.
As a result, young medical students have stepped up to fill the void left by the many doctors who have been killed or exhausted from round-the-clock shifts. These students are now performing lifesaving work even before they earn their degrees.
For Eman Eyad, a medical student who lost her studies when Israel destroyed and bombed the Islamic University on October 10, 2023, education continued despite the circumstances. She is now working as a doctor at al-Shifa Hospital, Gaza's largest hospital, where she is becoming an expert in emergency surgery.
Eyad's experience has been shaped by the harsh reality of war, but it has also made her stronger and more confident. "I get more experience, I can deal with 10 patients in one day, or more," she says. "The war makes me more powerful, more experienced."
The dedication of young doctors like Eyad is a testament to their commitment to saving lives despite the dire circumstances. As Hani al-Faleet, a senior paediatrician at al-Shifa Hospital, notes, "We have a new generation of doctors who are already working now as colleagues, helping us, treating our patients, with overwhelming hospitals, overwhelmed staff here."
However, the trauma and loss faced by medical personnel in Gaza is palpable. For Islam Abu Assar, a nurse working at al-Shifa Hospital, the personal tragedy of losing her brother to the conflict has left an indelible mark.
Despite this horrific news, Abu Assar continued her work, even sleeping at the hospital. "I remained steadfast and kept working until my last breath," she says. "I stayed inside the [al-Shifa Hospital] complex, providing care to the wounded and injured because of the shortage of medical personnel."
In Gaza, young doctors are facing unimaginable challenges, but their bravery and dedication are inspiring. Their story is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there are still heroes who emerge to heal and bring hope to those in need.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza has decimated the health system in the besieged enclave, with hospitals and medical staff under constant attack. Over 1,700 healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics, have lost their lives since the war began two years ago.
As a result, young medical students have stepped up to fill the void left by the many doctors who have been killed or exhausted from round-the-clock shifts. These students are now performing lifesaving work even before they earn their degrees.
For Eman Eyad, a medical student who lost her studies when Israel destroyed and bombed the Islamic University on October 10, 2023, education continued despite the circumstances. She is now working as a doctor at al-Shifa Hospital, Gaza's largest hospital, where she is becoming an expert in emergency surgery.
Eyad's experience has been shaped by the harsh reality of war, but it has also made her stronger and more confident. "I get more experience, I can deal with 10 patients in one day, or more," she says. "The war makes me more powerful, more experienced."
The dedication of young doctors like Eyad is a testament to their commitment to saving lives despite the dire circumstances. As Hani al-Faleet, a senior paediatrician at al-Shifa Hospital, notes, "We have a new generation of doctors who are already working now as colleagues, helping us, treating our patients, with overwhelming hospitals, overwhelmed staff here."
However, the trauma and loss faced by medical personnel in Gaza is palpable. For Islam Abu Assar, a nurse working at al-Shifa Hospital, the personal tragedy of losing her brother to the conflict has left an indelible mark.
Despite this horrific news, Abu Assar continued her work, even sleeping at the hospital. "I remained steadfast and kept working until my last breath," she says. "I stayed inside the [al-Shifa Hospital] complex, providing care to the wounded and injured because of the shortage of medical personnel."
In Gaza, young doctors are facing unimaginable challenges, but their bravery and dedication are inspiring. Their story is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there are still heroes who emerge to heal and bring hope to those in need.
It's heartbreaking to see young docs like Eman Eyad & Hani al-Faleet doing what they do best amidst all this devastation 
. They're not just doctors, they're heroes 
. I mean, can you imagine having to care for patients while still in med school? 
That's some serious growth right there! And on top of that, the trauma & loss they've experienced is just devastating 
. But you know what's even more inspiring? The fact that they're not letting their circumstances define them 
. They're using this as an opportunity to level up & make a difference 
. We need more people like them in this world, spreading hope & healing wherever they go 
!
it's not all doom and gloom though... i guess it's kinda awesome that these students are getting some hands-on experience so early on, who knows, maybe they'll end up being the ones to make a real difference 
. young docs taking up the mantle, that's amazing 
. but the fact that people are losing their lives on a daily basis is just heartbreaking 
. how can we even hope for peace when these docs are risking everything to save others? 
still giving me chills thinking about this stuff 
! It's crazy how they're taking up the slack after so many healthcare workers lost their lives or quit due to burnout 
Their dedication to saving lives despite the trauma is honestly super inspiring 
. Anyway, let's give it up for these young heroes and hope they get some respite soon 
10 patients a day is insane, any doc worth their salt would be burned out by now 
. And let's not forget about the nurses like Islam Abu Assar, who are keeping the hospitals running despite losing loved ones and facing unimaginable trauma 
.
and learning to save lives for a living, not having to do it during a war zone 
. And can you imagine the trauma they'll have to deal with when this is all over? 
these young docs are doing miracles on the front lines, and we're still hearing about the latest bombings 
It's like they're fighting for our lives over here too. I mean, I know it's complex with Israel and Gaza and all that, but can't we find a way to make peace or something? 
. I'm inspired by them already. Eman Eyad is like a total rockstar 
. They're basically saving lives without even having a chance to finish their degrees... talk about putting your skills to good use! 
.
i mean, can u imagine having to deal with trauma like that and still managing to keep it together? these young docs are literally heroes 
and hani al-faleet's comment about the new gen of docs taking over is just too true 
so much respect for them 
. I mean, don't get me wrong, these young doctors are doing some amazing work under tough conditions, but we should be acknowledging the systemic issues that led to this crisis in the first place 
.
Are we really just going to pretend that everything is okay because some medical students have taken up the mantle of healing? I think not