Israel Appoints First Female Combat Doctor in IDF

Article: Dr. Shani, 29, has joined an IDF counter terrorism unit as the first female combat doctor, winning over 3 male candidates for the job. She is blazing a new trail as a woman combat doctor, winning to take part of special field operations and go into combat with soldiers. She says the training course was "grueling" but also critical for connecting with the soldiers; she said that as a women, it was not easy at first to connect. She was able to assist a soldier who was injured in training and needed medical assistance.She says she is excited to begin her work. Interestingly, Dr. Shani's mother made history as the first female lieutenant-colonel of the Civil Administration in the West Bank.

Discussion:

• What does it mean to be a combat doctor?
• Why is this job critical for helping soldiers? Why is it also risky to the doctor? 
• My mother's cousin, Jacob Reyman Z"L, was a combat doctor in the 1973 Yom Kippur War. He died in the line of duty on the Golan Heights. His dream had been to become a doctor in Israel. You may want to discuss why Dr. Shani's actions are "heroic" and difficult.