April 13, 2021, Updated April 28, 2021

Dr. Leora Lieberman is in her second year of a pediatrics residency at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. She is originally from New Jersey and grew up in Weston, Florida. She attended University of Florida as an English major and then went on to the UF College of Medicine.

Lieberman had previously visited Israel on a Birthright trip and a trip with Chabad. She also volunteered with Magen David Adom’s Overseas Volunteer Program where she had the opportunity to ride ambulances, assist paramedics, and perform lifesaving CPR.

Dr. Lieberman volunteering with Magen David Adom’s Overseas Volunteer Program. Photo courtesy.

In addition to the clinical experience, Lieberman learned about Israel’s medical philosophies and profound respect for humanity.

Just weeks after finishing her first year of constant lectures and studying at UF College of Medicine, Lieberman prepared for her fourth trip to Israel to participate in the Medical Intern Program at Save a Child’s Heart, based at Wolfson Medical Center in Holon.

From a young age, Lieberman was instilled with an appreciation and passion for Israel. Her experience at Save a Child’s Heart took her appreciation to a new level and reinforced the goodness of Israel.

Dr. Lieberman volunteering as a Medical Intern at Save a Child’s Heart. Photo courtesy.

“Seeing a program that takes care of children regardless of identity and puts so much investment in the wellbeing, and the health, and the future of children from all different countries — and then takes it one step further and trains physicians from different countries to create a sustainable healthcare workforce — really reinforced how special Israel is,” she says.

Dr. Lieberman receiving her stethoscope from UF College of Medicine. Photo courtesy.

At Save a Child’s Heart, Lieberman had the opportunity to see different aspects of the amazing organization. She shadowed cardiologists doing echocardiograms and during appointments. She also was able to observe surgeons in the operating room.

Lieberman says, “I remember being behind the sterile field during an operation on a baby with a congenital heart disease and seeing the tiniest heart, maybe the size of a large lemon, and being in awe of how incredible medicine and the body is and the ability of these surgeons to do lifesaving surgery.”

This global health experience reinforced her “why.”

Dr. Lieberman receiving her White Coat from UF College of Medicine. Photo courtesy.

“This is why I went into medicine, to do good for people regardless of where they were from, regardless of their identity markers, regardless of their origin,” she says. “The purpose of medicine is to use the skills and the intellect you have to do good for others.”

Reflecting back on her time at Save a Child’s Heart, Lieberman explained that she began medical school with an open mind for specialties and this experience definitely influenced her decision to become a pediatrician.

“The ability to be a good pediatrician is contingent on being a great advocate for your patients,” she says.

Dr. Lieberman graduating from University of Florida College of Medicine. Photo courtesy.

Lieberman graduated from UF College of Medicine with several accolades and continued on to her pediatrics residency at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

We thank her for sharing her story!

Dr. Lieberman at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Photo courtesy.

 

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Alyssa Harris graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelors in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology and minor in Dance. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at University of Miami.

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