In his day-to-day life, Dr. Leonardo Gendzel is a pediatric anesthesiologist at Atrium Health Levine Children's Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina. However, when war broke out in Israel on October 7, his first instinct was to hop on a plane and volunteer wherever necessary, which is how he arrived at Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam) in Haifa, Israel.
Dr. Leonardo Gendzel.
Credit: Courtesy of Dr. Gendzel. Photo:
Born in Brazil, Dr. Leonardo Gendzel received his medical degree from Fundação Técnico-Educacional Souza Marques in South America. After moving to the US, he completed his residency at Yale New Haven Hospital. Working as a pediatric anesthesiologist in several children’s hospitals, including top institutions like the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, his expertise led to an Israeli connection.
“An Israeli friend in the USA sent me the Ministry of Health’s form calling for volunteers,” recalls Dr. Gendzel. “Within days, I had already filled out and sent in the application form. During the first week of the war, I was contacted by an anesthesiologist from Hadassah Medical Center (Hadassah), and he asked me if he could add me to a list of volunteers he was preparing. ‘If we need you guys, can you come?’ I said, ‘Absolutely!’”
Dr. Gendzel’s application to volunteer was accepted. While at Hadassah, he was approached by a colleague volunteering at Rambam, at which time the plan to come to Rambam came together, he explains.
While volunteering at Rambam, Dr. Gendzel shared of his experience and expertise. “I’m doing what I’ve been trained to do, pediatric anesthesia,” he says. “I’ve also been performing procedures in adults, helping ensure the department is covered, and teaching some of the residents. Just being here helps make it possible for others to have some time off. I don’t mind putting in extra hours because I came here to do that.”
Dr. Gendzel worked closely with many of Rambam’s anesthesiologists and noted a special connection with Dr. Dana Baron Shahaf, director of the Neurosurgery Anesthesia Unit. He was particularly impressed by the way Dr. Shahaf made him feel comfortable, safe, and involved. “I feel like I contributed, particularly in being able to teach some of the residents,” reflects Dr. Gendzel, something he is not afforded at his medical practice in North Carolina.
Dr. Gendzel has felt the effects of war, from sirens to receiving injured soldiers at the hospital. “Within a few days of arriving, the reality of war hit me,” he says. “Being here reaffirmed that this war is necessary. People don’t understand.” Dr. Gendzel also toured several kibbutzim in the Gaza envelope, including Kibbutz Be’eri, Mefalsim, and Kfar Aza. “Seeing the destruction reinforced my thought that this war has to happen,” he comments. While his family was nervous about him being in Israel during the war, he says they have been supportive and positive.
While at Rambam, Dr. Gendzel and the anesthesia team helped care for a seriously injured mother and son from Kiryat Shmona, who were airlifted and admitted to Rambam’s Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein Z” L Shock Trauma Room. “The professionalism, teamwork, and love for the patients in all their care was admirable. It was difficult hearing the cries of the family at the patient’s bedside. Caring for the 15-year-old teenager was like treating my 17-year-old son,” says Dr. Gendzel.
He concludes, “The display of unity and resolve were evident everywhere – Israeli flags flying high, car decals and ribbons, posters, billboards, and more. I will continue to do my part to support Israel and its people however I can. I pray for the safety of the State of Israel and all the soldiers, as well as the safe return of the hostages.”
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