(Hai Peh) - Dr. Shoshana Keren Rosenberg, a lung cancer specialist at the Lynn Medical Center, talks in a special interview with Hai Feh on the occasion of Doctor's Day about the oncology department's dealings with global crises such as the corona virus, alongside the challenges imposed during the last war, as well as about the medical profession in Israel .
This month (January 2025) we celebrate Doctor and Female Doctor Day - a day dedicated to recognizing and honoring male and female doctors in Israel, at the initiative of the Medical Association. On this day, the hospitals, health institutions and the medical association celebrate the significant contribution of the doctors to the community and celebrate their many achievements. In honor of this day, we spoke with Dr. Shoshana Keren Rosenberg, a special and dedicated doctor, a lung cancer specialist at the Lynn Medical Center.
Dr. Keren Rosenberg, Haifaite by birth, married to a dentist, mother to an engineer and proud grandmother of two grandchildren, shared with us an exciting interview about dealing with the unique challenges faced by the department's staff during the last war. She told about the constraints that required the temporary closure of the medical center, alongside the treatment The saw in the permanent patients and the evacuees who were added to them during the complex period.
An existential war that does not stop treatment ► Watch
"Before the war, we faced the corona epidemic, a stressful and complex period in which we worked non-stop," says Dr. Rosenberg. "When the war broke out, our commitment to the patients remained the same. We are an oncology department, and the war changed the department's routine, but did not stop it. We are committed to patients and we cannot abandon patients in the middle of treatment," she emphasizes. When the medical center was closed for a short period due to security threats, the staff moved to treat patients in the physiotherapy institute, where we worked under constrained conditions, on armchairs instead of beds, but we did not stop the therapeutic sequence. "The treatment The platform is critical in oncology, and we are committed to ensuring that patients receive the best care, in any situation."
Dr. Rosenberg emphasizes the dedication of the staff in the department: "Blin has a warm family atmosphere. Our team — from the department manager Dr. Shulman to the doctors, nurses and social workers — all work out of love and a desire to help. We have patients who have been treated by us for over 20 years, and we maintain a personal relationship and deep commitment to each of them."
The load is increasing, but the professionalism is maintained
The increase in the number of patients, especially in the field of lung cancer and breast cancer, challenges the team, but Dr. Rosenberg explains that the professional structure of the department helps in coping. Alternative medicine, and the patients receive a holistic answer."
Mentally coping with the complexity of the profession
How do doctors deal with the mental burden associated with treating difficult situations and encountering death? "It's a Pandora's box," admits Dr. Keren Rosenberg. "Even though we are aware that a particular patient may pass away soon, death always catches us off guard. We learn to cope, but it's not easy. There is an internal pain that accompanies us when we fail to save a patient, and this feeling can be very difficult. At the same time, the desire to give and help is what drives us forward.
I remind myself that I am still doing something significant. Maybe not always successful, but with other patients I do succeed, and that's what allows me to continue. Life is full of ups and downs. Sometimes we also need mental support, and even psychological treatment. Personally, my faith and the knowledge that I gave my best - in care, compassion and love - strengthen me. I find comfort in knowing that I did everything I could, with the best tools available to me."
Medicine and femininity: balance between profession and personal life ► Watch
How does a woman manage to combine a medical career with family life? Dr. Karen Rosenberg answers honestly: "Medicine is, in my eyes, the most beautiful profession in the world, but it is also very demanding, especially for women. As an intern I was a new mother, and during the internship I had to prove myself again and again. It was not easy - long shifts, daily struggles, and at the same time raising a child. Luckily, I got help from the family, but it wasn't easy.
Medicine demands a lot from you, but it also gives so much back. If a woman dreams of becoming a doctor, I tell her: go for it. In the end things work out. You have to understand that this is a profession that cannot be learned by force or because of the expectations of others, "because mom wants to" - it must come from a true passion and "fire in the eyes". Women face unique difficulties, but are certainly capable of succeeding and making a significant change. Whoever believes in this, will find the way to combine everything."

Investment in the medical profession and the working conditions of doctors
Although the salary conditions of the doctors in Israel are not among the worst in the world, there is a need for a significant investment by the state to improve the working conditions in the medical profession. "The Israeli doctor, especially with shifts, earns a reasonable amount," explains Dr. Keren Rosenberg. "Those who are looking for millions, it's better to start a startup, because in medicine you have to work with real passion, with fire in your eyes." At the same time, she Emphasizes the importance of providing the tools and conditions that will allow doctors to carry out their mission in an optimal way.
"I am asking the state to guarantee better conditions - quick availability of tests, expanding the basket of medicines and ensuring proper treatment for everyone. Our patients, especially in the field of oncology in Linn, sometimes receive service at the highest level, and this is what should be the norm for everyone."
Unity and cooperation in the health system
Beyond improving conditions, Dr. Keren Rosenberg emphasizes the importance of unity and sharing in the health system and society in general. "The most terrible thing is polarization. We should be one people - Jews, Arabs, Christians and Muslims. In general and at the Carmel Medical Center, I see how we all work together, while maintaining mutual respect and avoiding the introduction of politics into professional relations."
According to her, the Israeli health system is an example of cooperation and the spirit of giving, which overcomes differences of opinion. "I call on young people to stay in Israel and contribute to it, because despite the complexity and difficulties, we have a good country and wonderful people, and this is expressed every day in our work for the sick with great love."
As a patient of Dr. Keren Shoshana, I can testify that every word is etched in stone. The dedication, care and thoroughness definitely deserve a lot of appreciation.
Dr. Keren Shoshana is one of the beloved traditional doctors. Her knowledge is a blessing and her contribution to others is for all those who aspire to be great.